Next moment , indeed , his foes were on him , and he was once more charging and fleeing , leaping , stabbing , dropping to his knee , and using indifferently sword and dagger , foot and hand , with the same unshaken courage and feverish energy and speed . But that ear-piercing summons had been heard at last . There was a muffled rushing in the snow ; and in a good hour for Dick , who saw the sword-points glitter already at his throat , there poured forth out of the wood upon both sides a disorderly torrent of mounted men-at-arms , each cased in iron , and with visor lowered , each bearing his lance in rest , or his sword bared and raised , and each carrying , so to speak , a passenger , in the shape of an archer or page , who leaped one after another from their perches , and had presently doubled the array . The original assailants ; seeing themselves outnumbered and surrounded , threw down their arms without a word . `` Seize me these fellows ! '' said the hero of the trumpet ; and when his order had been obeyed , he drew near to Dick and looked him in the face . Dick , returning this scrutiny , was surprised to find in one who had displayed such strength , skill and energy , a lad no older than himself -- slightly deformed , with one shoulder higher than the other , and of a pale , painful , and distorted countenance . -LCB- 2 -RCB- The eyes , however , were very clear and bold . `` Sir , '' said this lad , `` ye came in good time for me , and none too early . '' `` My lord , '' returned Dick , with a faint sense that he was in the presence of a great personage , `` ye are yourself so marvellous a good swordsman that I believe ye had managed them single-handed . Howbeit , it was certainly well for me that your men delayed no longer than they did . '' `` How knew ye who I was ? '' demanded the stranger . `` Even now , my lord , '' Dick answered , `` I am ignorant of whom I speak with . '' `` Is it so ? '' asked the other . `` And yet ye threw yourself head first into this unequal battle . '' `` I saw one man valiantly contending against many , '' replied Dick , `` and I had thought myself dishonoured not to bear him aid . '' A singular sneer played about the young nobleman 's mouth as he made answer : `` These are very brave words . But to the more essential -- are ye Lancaster or York ? ''
`` My lord , I make no secret ; I am clear for York , '' XXXXX answered .
Dick Howbeit Lancaster archer dagger first men-at-arms perches swordsman visor