And then an idea struck Dick . He hastily descended to the courtyard , ran with all his might across the garden , and came to the great door of the church . It stood wide open ; within , every corner of the pavement was crowded with fugitive burghers , surrounded by their families and laden with the most precious of their possessions , while , at the high altar , priests in full canonicals were imploring the mercy of God . Even as Dick entered , the loud chorus began to thunder in the vaulted roofs . He hurried through the groups of refugees , and came to the door of the stair that led into the steeple . And here a tall churchman stepped before him and arrested his advance . `` Whither , my son ? '' he asked , severely . `` My father , '' answered Dick , `` I am here upon an errand of expedition . Stay me not . I command here for my Lord of Gloucester . '' `` For my Lord of Gloucester ? '' repeated the priest . `` Hath , then , the battle gone so sore ? '' `` The battle , father , is at an end , Lancaster clean sped , my Lord of Risingham -- Heaven rest him ! -- left upon the field . And now , with your good leave , I follow mine affairs . '' And thrusting on one side the priest , who seemed stupefied at the news , Dick pushed open the door and rattled up the stairs four at a bound , and without pause or stumble , till he stepped upon the open platform at the top . Shoreby Church tower not only commanded the town , as in a map , but looked far , on both sides , over sea and land . It was now near upon noon ; the day exceeding bright , the snow dazzling .
And as Dick XXXXX around him , he could measure the consequences of the battle .
command descended entered led looked ran sped stepped struck surrounded