When they had croffed over, they remained there for that night, finding plenty of forage in the fields near to a fmall village, which the Scote had burnt as they pafTed. The next day they marched over hill and dale till about noon, when they came to fome burnt villages, and fome fields where there were corn and hay, fo that the hoft remained there that night. The third day they marched m the fame manner; but many were ignorant where they were going, nor had they any intelligence of the enemy. They continued their route the fourth day in this order; when, about three o'clock, an efquire*, galìopping up haftily to the king, faid, β Sire, I bring you news of the Scots : they pre three leagues from this place, lodged on a mountain, where they have been this week, waiting for you. * They knew no more where you were than you did of them : and you may depend on this as true ; for I approached fo near to them, that I was taken and led a prifoner to their army, before their, chiefe. I informed them where you were, and that you were feeking them, to give them battle. The lords gave me up my ranfom. and my liberty, whep I informed them, th^t you had promifed one hundred pounds a-year as a reward for whoever ihould, firft bring intelligence of them, upon condition that he * In Rymer ia an order for Thomas de Rokeiby to, receive half yearly, at Michalmae and Eafter, TOCI. at the Exchequer, until he was provided with iool. in land for his life. Signed by tbe king at Lincoln, Sept. 28, 1327. refted