Ere the camp was fully astir, for the war-worn soldiers were thoroughly enjoying their hard-earned rest, forty men-at-arms of Sir John Carberry's command formed up on an open stretch of ground in front of the Hampshire Company's lines.
The horses, thanks to a complete day's idleness in the rich pasture ground, were fresh and well-fed, presenting a vast contrast to their gaunt and stern riders, many of whom bore traces of the ordeal they had undergone culminating in the desperate advance upon the disordered French lines. Yet they were one and all filled with enthusiasm, for all of them knew Sir Oliver as a gallant knight, while every available man of the Warblington contingent had volunteered for the expedition that was to set free their beloved master.
Arnold Gripwell had barely completed his careful inspection of the equipment of the troop, both horse and rider, when the Constable of Portchester, accompanied by Geoffrey and Oswald, emerged from his tent to bid his men Godspeed.
"Thou knowest the way?" he asked as the squires mounted their chargers. "'Tis plain enough, since 'tis worn by the feet of seven thousand of our men. But take heed lest ye fall in with any large bodies of roving Frenchmen, e'en though they have been soundly beaten. All being well ye should be back ere sunrise to-morrow; but if by noon ye have not put in an appearance I'll lead a double company to your aid."
"'Tis well, fair lord," replied Geoffrey. "I will do my utmost to return at dawn."
Then, without so much as a cheer or a trumpet note the little band set out, and passing through the lines of the sleeping camp, gained the open country beyond.
Without molestation, for the country appeared deserted, the men-at-arms recrossed the Ternoise and the Somme, and an hour before noon came in sight of the towers of Maissons.
Here Geoffrey, on Gripwell's advice, called a halt, to rest and refresh the horses, and to give the men a short respite ere advancing upon the castle.
The squire had already made cautious inquiries of his captive, Sir Raoul, concerning the possible garrison of Maissons; but, unwilling to inform the knight that it was proposed to summon the castle to surrender, Geoffrey had been unable to gather any definite information as to its state of defence.
"They are ready to give us a right warm welcome!" exclaimed Oswald, as in nearing the castle the drawbridge was observed to be drawn up, while the sun glistened upon steel caps and spearheads over the battlements.