"Friends," exclaimed Geoffrey, "I tell ye this: concerning this meeting we two will keep our own counsel. Nevertheless, if the question is put straightly to us in this matter we must reply truthfully."
"Bravely spoken, young sir," replied Oldcastle. "It will suffice me, though I trust none will ask thee if thou hast seen aught of me and my following. Now farewell, and the blessing of Heaven be with ye both."
Geoffrey was fated never to see the great Lollard leader again. It was not, however, till two years later, in 1417, that Oldcastle was captured in the fastnesses of Wales after a desperate resistance. Hailed to London, he was brought to trial, and even his former friendship with the King could not save him from the vindictiveness of the ecclesiastical party, for, under circumstances of extreme barbarity, he suffered death by fire.
For the next five or six miles the lads conversed on the incident they had just witnessed. The road was practically deserted, and beyond the sight of a peasant walking in the fields, or a chapman ambling along with his wares, the two squires saw nothing to attract their attention.
Late in the afternoon they arrived at the village of Botley, where the horses had to be fed and watered. While the beasts were being attended to the clatter of horses' hoofs was heard, and swinging round a bend in the road came about a score of mounted men-at-arms, all completely equipped, while at their head rode a young man with a set, grave expression on his thin yet clear-cut features.
"Greetings, fair sirs," exclaimed their leader courteously. "Canst tell me whether accommodation is to be had for me and mine? We are bound for Southampton to join the King's army, but having travelled far this day, 'tis impossible to reach the town this night."
"We also are strangers," replied Geoffrey. "And we, too, are for Southampton on a like errand as thyself."
"My name is Olandyne, of Ripley, in the county of Surrey. Perchance, young sirs, ye will bear us company on the morrow?"
"Nay," answered Geoffrey, after he had announced the names and qualities of Oswald and himself. "We must needs meet my master, Sir Thomas Carberry, this day. Yet I trust we may meet again on French soil, even if not before at Southampton."
While the horses were being watered the two squires held conversation with Olandyne, who had, at his own expense, raised a troop of a score of men-at-arms for service with the King's forces. At length, the men-at-arms having found quarters in the village, Geoffrey and Oswald resumed their way.