Swerving like a single rider , his whole command turned after him , and , still at the full gallop of the chargers , swept up the narrow bye-street . Only the last score of riders drew rein and faced about in the entrance ; the footmen , whom they carried behind them , leapt at the same instant to the earth , and began , some to bend their bows , and others to break into and secure the houses upon either hand . Surprised at this sudden change of direction , and daunted by the firm front of the rear-guard , the few Lancastrians , after a momentary consultation , turned and rode farther into town to seek for reinforcements . The quarter of the town upon which , by the advice of Dick , Richard of Gloucester had now seized , consisted of five small streets of poor and ill-inhabited houses , occupying a very gentle eminence , and lying open towards the back . The five streets being each secured by a good guard , the reserve would thus occupy the centre , out of shot , and yet ready to carry aid wherever it was needed . Such was the poorness of the neighbourhood that none of the Lancastrian lords , and but few of their retainers , had been lodged therein ; and the inhabitants , with one accord , deserted their houses and fled , squalling , along the streets or over garden walls . In the centre , where the five ways all met , a somewhat ill-favoured alehouse displayed the sign of the Chequers ; and here the Duke of Gloucester chose his headquarters for the day . To Dick he assigned the guard of one of the five streets . `` Go , '' he said , `` win your spurs . Win glory for me : one Richard for another . I tell you , if I rise , ye shall rise by the same ladder . Go , '' he added , shaking him by the hand . But , as soon as Dick was gone , he turned to a little shabby archer at his elbow . `` Go , Dutton , and that right speedily , '' he added . `` Follow that lad . If ye find him faithful , ye answer for his safety , a head for a head . Woe unto you , if ye return without him ! But if he be faithless -- or , for one instant , ye misdoubt him -- stab him from behind . '' In the meanwhile Dick hastened to secure his post . The street he had to guard was very narrow , and closely lined with houses , which projected and overhung the roadway ; but narrow and dark as it was , since it opened upon the market-place of the town , the main issue of the battle would probably fall to be decided on that spot .
The market-place was full of townspeople fleeing in disorder ; but there was as yet no sign of any foeman ready to attack , and XXXXX judged he had some time before him to make ready his defence .
Chequers Dick Gloucester Lancastrian alehouse bye-street centre chargers footmen poorness