"Mother," said the lad, as they entered the wood, and for the first time abated somewhat of their hurried progress, "I am weary and hungry. May we not rest here awhile and eat something?" "My child," said the lady, "there is naught here to eat, and we must go farther ere we are safe from our cruel foes." So they went on, deep into the gloomy shade of the wood, till they were far beyond the sight of the outer world, and where the rays of the setting sun scarce gave the feeblest light. "Mother," said the boy presently, "this is an awful place; we shall die here." "Fear not, my child," replied the lady bravely. "Heaven will protect us when none else can." "But do not robbers abound in these woods? Have I not heard you say so?" "It is true; but they will not hurt thee or me. Remember whose son thou art." "Ay, I am the king's son; but I would fain have a morsel to eat." Just then there was a crackling among the underwood, and a sound of voices approaching the spot. The boy clutched his mother's hand and trembled. She stood pale and motionless. The sound of feet grew nearer, and presently the voices of those who spoke became distinguishable. "Some will be sure to find their way to this wood," said one. "I hope such as do may have full purses," said another. "I have taken nothing these three days." "Ay, truly, and these wars have made folk so poor, they are not worth robbing when we do find them." "Soft! methought I heard a voice!" suddenly said one of the speakers. The band halted and listened, and then, hearing nothing, pushed on. "It's as likely as not we might fall in with royalty itself this night, for I hear the king's rout has been complete at Hexham." "And more than that, he has fled from the field in one direction, while his queen and son have sought another!" "Hist!" again cried he who had spoken before. "I certainly heard a voice. This way, my men; follow me." And advancing at as rapid a pace as the wooded ground allowed of, he conducted them in the direction of the voices. Suddenly they emerged into a clearing, where confronted them the lady and her boy. Loud laughed these greedy robbers, for they spied the jewels on the lady's person and the rich robes on her and her son. Like cowardly ruffians, as _they_ were, they rushed forward, heedless of the sex or age of their victims, and threatening to slay them should they resist, tore away jewels, and gold, and silk--all that was of value, roughly handling the two in so doing, and meeting every attempt to speak or resist with the menace of a drawn sword. It was a rich plunder, for the lady's jewels were large and precious, and, besides, she bore about her no small quantity of gold and other treasure. When they had taken all they could lay their wicked hands on, the men fell to dividing among themselves their ill-gotten booty, glorying as they did so in their crime, and laughing brutally at the expense of their two defenceless victims.