Many of our men slept; if ever a wayfarer crossed the bridge hard by he was stopped, gagged, and trussed in a rope's end.

But wayfarers were few, and all were wandering afoot.

I was sorry for two lasses, who crossed on some business of their farm, but there was no remedy.
These diversions passed the time till nigh noon, when I whispered to Xaintrailles that I saw clouds of dust (the roads being very dry) a league away.

He sent Barthelemy and another to waken any that slept, and bade all be ready at a word.
Now there came shouts on the wind, cries of venerie, loud laughter, and snatches of songs.
And now, up in my perch, I myself broke into a laugh at that I saw.
"Silence, fool!" whispered Xaintrailles.

"Why laugh you, in the name of Behemoth ?" "The Burgundians are hunting hares," I whispered; "they are riding all disorderly, some on the road, some here and there about the plain.