already broken troops before they had time to rally, and there was
nothing to be seen but an utter dispersion and scattering of men,
looking from that distance like ants when their nest has been broken
into.

It was only a skirmish, not to be heard of in history, but opening
the way for the besiegers to the walls of Bristol, and preventing any
of the supplies from reaching the garrison, or any of the intended
reinforcements, except some of the eager Cavaliers, who galloped on
thither, when they found it impossible to return and guard the bridge
for their companions.

The struggle was over around the bridge in less than two hours, but
no more of Lady Elmwood's harvest was gathered in that evening. The
people watched as if they could not tear themselves from the
contemplation of the successful bands gathering together in their
solid masses, and marching onwards in the direction of Bristol,
leaving, however, a strong guard at the bridge, over which piled
waggons and beasts of burthen continued to pass, captured no doubt
and prevented from relieving the city. It began to draw towards
evening, and Master Brown was beginning to observe that he must go
and report to my lady, poor soul; and as to the corn, well, they had
lost a day gaping at the fight, and they must come up again to-
morrow, he only hoped they were not carting it for the round-headed
rogues; when at that moment there was a sudden cry, first of terror,
then of recognition, "Roger, Hodge Fitter! how didst come here?"

For a weary, worn-out trooper, with stained buff coat, and heavy
boots, stood panting among them. "I thought 'twas our folks," he
said. "Be mother here?"