Hearing the hubbub of voices, and blows that sounded like the noise of a flail in the barn in wintertime, they stopped, listening and wondering what was toward.

Quoth Will Stutely, "Now if I mistake not there is some stout battle with cudgels going forward not far hence.

I would fain see this pretty sight." So saying, he and the whole party turned their steps whence the noise came.

When they had come near where all the tumult sounded they heard the three blasts of Robin's bugle horn.
"Quick!" cried young David of Doncaster.

"Our master is in sore need!" So, without stopping a moment, they dashed forward with might and main and burst forth from the covert into the highroad.
But what a sight was that which they saw! The road was all white with meal, and five men stood there also white with meal from top to toe, for much of the barley flour had fallen back upon the Miller.
"What is thy need, master ?" cried Will Stutely.