CHAPTER IX.
A STUBBORN DEFENSE.
A half-dozen or so of Sir Ralph Willoughby's troopers declared that now their lord was dead they would fight no further, and straightway rode off through the village and across the ford.

The rest, however, seeing that a brave fight against odds was about to commence, declared their willingness to put themselves under Harry's orders.

They were at once dismounted and scattered along the line of defenses.

After the Roundhead cannon had fired a few shots their cavalry charged, thinking to ride into the village.

But the moment Sir Ralph's troopers had re-entered it Harry had heaped up across the road a quantity of young trees and bushes which he had cut in readiness.