went forward without more ado; and Ralph rode betwixt Clement and the captain
of the men-at-arms.

Presently they were come close to the place where the way went
down into the valley, cleaving through a clayey bent, so that
the slippery sides of the cleft went up high to right and left;
wherefore by goodhap there were no big stones anigh to roll
down upon them. Moreover the way was short, and they rode six
abreast down the pass and were soon through the hollow way.
As he rode Ralph saw a few of the Strong-thieves at
the nether end where the pass widened out, and they let fly
some arrows at the chapmen which did no hurt, though some
of the shafts rattled on the armour of the companions.
But when Clement saw that folk, and heard the noise of their
shouting he lifted up a great axe that he bore and cried,
"St. Agnes for the Mercers!" and set spurs to his horse.
So did they all, and came clattering and shouting down the steep
road like a stone out of a sling, and drave right into
the valley one and all, the would-be laggards following after;
for they were afraid to be left behind.

The wild men, who, save for wide shields which they bore,
were but evilly armed, mostly in skins of beasts, made no
countenance of defence, but fled all they might towards the steep
slopes of the valley, and then turned and fell to shooting;
for the companions durst not pursue in haste lest they should
be scattered, and overwhelmed by the multitude of foemen;
but they drew up along the south side of the valley,
and had the mastery of the road, so that this first bout
was without blood-shedding. Albeit the thieves still shot