They had lately been brought into close contact with the gallant soldiers of France; they had fought against Montmorency and Coligni; they could appreciate the desperate valour of a Guise!
How would the worn-out and meagre garrison of Calais, defending its crumbling walls, withstand the onslaught of such men?
"Oh, brother," said Geoffrey, as he laid his hand on William's shoulder, "I fear for Calais!"
"And I also," said William.
"And I," said Ralph, and the hearts of the young men were heavy within them.
But presently the sun broke through a bank of clouds, and lo! there, right in front of them, were the white cliffs of dear old England.
"Heaviness may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."
"God save England!" cried Geoffrey, and they flung up their caps with joy.
Soon they were in Dover, and as the evening came on they were galloping on three stout horses into Canterbury. They made no stay in the grand old cathedral city, but rode quickly through it.
At Rochester, where the grim old castle built by William de Corbeuil frowned upon them, they halted to refresh themselves and their horses.