They had passed three of the scattered houses that make up Tunstall hamlet, when, coming to a turn, they saw the church before them.

Ten or a dozen houses clustered immediately round it; but to the back the churchyard was next the meadows.

At the lych-gate, near a score of men were gathered, some in the saddle, some standing by their horses' heads.

They were variously armed and mounted; some with spears, some with bills, some with bows, and some bestriding plough-horses, still splashed with the mire of the furrow; for these were the very dregs of the country, and all the better men and the fair equipments were already with Sir Daniel in the field.
"We have not done amiss, praised be the cross of Holywood! Sir Daniel will be right well content," observed the priest, inwardly numbering the troop.
"Who goes?
Stand! if ye be true!" shouted Bennet.

A man was seen slipping through the churchyard among the yews; and at the sound of this summons he discarded all concealment, and fairly took to his heels for the forest.