The cavalcade had proceeded about a mile along the great avenue,
when one of the arquebusiers rode up and said that he heard some
distant sounds on the right. Commanding a halt, Henry listened for a
moment, and, satisfied that the man was right, quitted the course he
was pursuing, and dashed across the broad glade now traversed by the
avenue called Queen Anne's Ride. As he advanced the rapid trampling
of horses was heard, accompanied by shouts, and presently afterwards
a troop of wild-looking horsemen in fantastic garbs was seen galloping
down the hill, pursued by Bouchier and his followers. The king
immediately shaped his course so as to intercept the flying party, and,
being in some measure screened by the trees, he burst unexpectedly
upon them at a turn of the road.
Henry called to the fugitives to surrender, but they refused, and,
brandishing their long knives and spears, made a desperate resistance.
But they were speedily surrounded and overpowered. Bouchier inquired
from the king what should be done with the prisoners.
"Hang them all upon yon trees! " cried Henry, pointing to two sister
oaks which stood near the scene of strife.
The terrible sentence was immediately carried into execution.
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