On Redward's return to his son's bedside he found, to his great delight, that Raymond was awake.
"How fares it with thee, Raymond?" he asked, taking the lad's limp hand in his great palm and gently patting it.
"I feel much better, father, and hope soon to be abroad again."
"I trust so; but I have something to tell thee. Even now the Abbot has asked me to let thee stay with him. He himself will ask thee anon."
"But I do not wish to, father. My one desire is to follow the banner of the Constable."
"I like thy pluck, Raymond, seeing what thou hast been through. 'Twas an ill start for a soldier's life."
"Yet we came out with honour," replied the boy, his eyes glistening at the thought of the unequal encounter. "When thinkest thou that we shall be able to leave this place?"
"A matter of a few days. For my part, I must hasten back to Hamble to gather together the remains of my goods and chattels, and also to ease the dead Frenchman of his harness, for 'tis, a goodly suit of armour. Also, there is a fair portion of plate and money which I am leaving in the care of the Abbot. Some day 'twill be thine, Raymond, but of that matter I'll speak more anon."
Towards eventide the peacefulness of the Abbey was disturbed by the tramp of armed men—the victorious troops returning to their camp at Southampton; and by the Abbot's leave most of the wounded men, with their escort of archers, passed out of the gate and lined the dusty road to welcome their rescuers and comrades. Even the monks, carried away by their feelings, crowded round the gateway to catch a glimpse of the gallant companies. News of the capture of one galley and the destruction of the other had already reached them, and enthusiasm ran high as the bronzed and dust-covered soldiers tramped homewards.
Redward Buckland knew most of the banners of the various companies, and imparted his knowledge to his companions, while the archers who formed their escort cheered lustily as their fellow-soldiers turned to throw out words of pleasant banter.