`` How many do ye count ? '' asked Gloucester . `` They number not two thousand , '' Dick replied . `` I have seven hundred in the woods behind us , '' said the duke ; `` seven hundred follow from Kettley , and will be here anon ; behind these , and further , are four hundred more ; and my Lord Foxham hath five hundred half a day from here , at Holywood . Shall we attend their coming , or fall on ? '' `` My lord , '' said Dick , `` when ye hanged these five poor rogues ye did decide the question . Churls although they were , in these uneasy , times they will be lacked and looked for , and the alarm be given . Therefore , my lord , if ye do count upon the advantage of a surprise , ye have not , in my poor opinion , one whole hour in front of you . '' `` I do think so indeed , '' returned Crookback . `` Well , before an hour , ye shall be in the thick o n't , winning spurs . A swift man to Holywood , carrying Lord Foxham 's signet ; another along the road to speed my laggards ! Nay , Shelton , by the rood , it may be done ! '' Therewith he once more set his trumpet to his lips and blew . This time he was not long kept waiting . In a moment the open space about the cross was filled with horse and foot . Richard of Gloucester took his place upon the steps , and despatched messenger after messenger to hasten the concentration of the seven hundred men that lay hidden in the immediate neighbourhood among the woods ; and before a quarter of an hour had passed , all his dispositions being taken , he put himself at their head , and began to move down the hill towards Shoreby . His plan was simple . He was to seize a quarter of the town of Shoreby lying on the right hand of the high road , and make his position good there in the narrow lanes until his reinforcements followed . If Lord Risingham chose to retreat , Richard would follow upon his rear , and take him between two fires ; or , if he preferred to hold the town , he would be shut in a trap , there to be gradually overwhelmed by force of numbers . There was but one danger , but that was imminent and great -- Gloucester 's seven hundred might be rolled up and cut to pieces in the first encounter , and , to avoid this , it was needful to make the surprise of their arrival as complete as possible .
The footmen , therefore , were all once more taken up behind the riders , and Dick had the signal honour meted out to him of mounting behind XXXXX himself .
Churls Gloucester Holywood Kettley Shelton day fall first laggards right