The Prince of
Wales had long since moved away, indeed there were reports that the
plague was in some of the low, crowded streets near the water, and
Patience begged her brother to take care of himself.
There had been no Christmas feast at the Deanery, it was understood
that the Dean thought it better not to bring so many people together.
Then as harvest time was coming on more soldiers came into the place.
They looked much shabbier than the troops of a year ago, their coats
were worn and soiled, and their feathers almost stumps, but they made
up for their poverty by swagger and noise, and Steadfast was thankful
that it was unlikely that any of them should find the way to his
little valley with what they called requisitions for the King's
service, but which meant what he knew too well. Some of the
villagers formed into bands, and agreed to meet at the sound of a
cowhorn, to drive anyone off on either side, who came to plunder, and
they even had a flag with the motto--
"If you take our cattle
We will give you battle.
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