Evenlode had ebbedand the current no longer swirled over the two causeways; it
barelylipped them. For an instant suspicion and fear like an animals woke in
thesmall eyes. A load of careseemed to have fallen from him.
There was nobody
at the near end of the bridge. That law I will give to England,though every
shire be in flames against me! The forest was now full of the Kings folk.
So
the word was passed to ride west for the Bourton crossings. He knew a
secrettrack which would bring him by Leafield to the open land aboveShipton
Barren.
This manwas against God, and God himself, not mortal man, would
overthrowhim.
The Church will acknowledge its headship. It was dusk now, and in
it the great red faceglowed like a moon. I am weary and would sleep, for my leg
is now at peace. I am the guardian underGod of my peoples hopes of Heaven. The
horseman took his cudgel on his sword arm andpromptly rolled from his horse.
CHAPTER XVIHOW PETER RETURNED TO THE GREENWOODHe was brought next morning
before the King. Had I steered less skilfully a new DukeWilliam might have
landed on English earth. Get you ready, sire,and we will taste what weather the
morning has brought us.
Then you will berewarded for your good deeds and The
hall was emptied, and the great door shut on the curiousWoodstock townsmen. On
the hilltop she sank on the ground indespair.
But for yourtimely appearance,
Sir John, it might be now lying in a ditch witha slit throat.
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