'I am well-nigh famished.

So fair a village must needs have a passable inn, though I have not seen one yet upon my travels which would compare with the old Wheatsheaf.' 'Neither inn nor dinner for us just yet,' said Saxon.

'Look yonder to the north, and tell me what you see.' On the extreme horizon there was visible a long line of gleaming, glittering points, which shone and sparkled like a string of diamonds.
These brilliant specks were all in rapid motion, and yet kept their positions to each other.
'What is it, then ?' we both cried.
'Horse upon the march,' quoth Saxon.

'It may be our friends of Salisbury, who have made a long day's journey; or, as I am inclined to think, it may be some other body of the King's horse.

They are far distant, and what we see is but the sun shining on their casques; yet they are bound for this very village, if I mistake not.