"Nevertheless, to me the plan is simple enough," replied Gripwell. "By landing at Harfleur—a strong place, for I know it well—and advancing up the valley of the Seine the King can use his army as a wedge, to split the French kingdom asunder. Rouen and Paris, rich cities, are likely to fall into his hands, and, mark you, the booty that is to be had!"
"Ay," replied the bowman, reflectively. "A man can cross to France with naught but his clothes and his arms, and return home laden with gold. 'Twas thus in my grandsire's time. So now for a prosperous campaign, comrades!"
Talking thus, the long miles seemed to slip by, and late afternoon found Geoffrey and his comrades in the city of Chichester.
"'Tis enough for one day," observed the leader of the detachment of the Cinque Ports archers. "Here we will rest till the morrow."
"As thou wilt," replied Gripwell. "But since we are within half a score miles of Warblington, my young masters will be wanting to push on. How sayest thou, Master Geoffrey?"
"Right gladly, Arnold."
"Then so be it. Comrades, adieu, and may we meet ere long on French soil."
Amidst the boisterous and hearty farewells of the archers Geoffrey and his three companions set out on the last stage of their homeward journey. Along the well-known highway they sped, recognizing in every landmark an old friend. Quickly the great West Gate of Chichester was left behind; then the Saxon tower of Bosham Church loomed up on their left hand, to bear them company till the fishing hamlet of Emsworth hove in sight. Then, joy of joys, the grey tower of Warblington Castle, standing out clearly against the setting sun, bade them welcome home.
As for Geoffrey, the discomforts and perils of his journeyings were forgotten; he regarded them as a closed page of his life-story. He realized that a new phase of his existence was about to commence, and that on French soil he would have a chance to win his spurs. But even in the midst of his day-dreams came the disquieting thought that, however creditably he had borne himself in his mission, he had left Sir Oliver still a prisoner in a foreign land.