"'Tis easily done, though they of Blois hold the town," he exclaimed breathlessly. "Raoul de Rohein, of whom I spoke, is willing to receive you, for which service he demands five sols. He is a barber and chirurgeon, and lives in the Rue Mortbec. Hasten, ere it be light, for we must leave on top o' the tide."
Once more the skiff, deeply laden, started for the shore. Raymond, in his light armour, had discarded his surcoat with the conspicuous cross of St. George, Redward in his harness could hardly be distinguished from a Breton, and could rely upon his knowledge of the French tongue to pass for a Gascon, or a Burgundian, as occasion served. With them went Pierre de la Corbière and a sailor, both of whom rowed while the squire and his father sat in the stern-sheets.
Half-an-hour's steady pulling and the skiff grounded on the sandy shore. Silently the three disembarked, leaving the seaman to look after the boat, and quickly they made their way towards the house of refuge.
Suddenly the master stopped. "Mon Dieu," he exclaimed, "c'est les gardes!"
Coming straight towards them was a body of halberdiers, accompanied by an officer. Retreat, without arousing suspicion, was impossible; but in a few words the ever-resourceful Redward had devised a plan. Raymond lay down in the road, his father lifted him by the shoulders while Pierre took him by the feet, and, staggering under their heavy burden, they advanced to meet the watch.
"Halte! Qui v'la?" demanded the officer, flashing a lantern upon the trio.
"'Tis le Sieur d'Erqui, Monsieur," replied the Guernseyman, speaking in a patois which is common between the Bretons and the Channel Islanders. "He has been roystering and brawling, and has been sore hurt."
"One cannot put old heads on young shoulders," remarked the officer, with a deprecating shrug. "What folly has he been at?"
"I cannot say, monsieur."
"Eh, bien! All the wine-shops will have the tale to-morrow! En avant, mes enfants!" he added to his men, and to the great relief of Raymond and his companions the watch shouldered their halberts and moved on towards St. Brieuc.