"Better by far give the gold to me, Master Roche," replied Gripwell with a hearty laugh, and to the astonishment of the passengers and crew of the Brothers the story of the ruse was unfolded.
The proposal that the two ships should complete the voyage in company was quickly accepted, and keeping a bow-shot apart the Grâce à Dieu and the Brothers headed for the French coast.
Six hours later both vessels passed between the twin towers that guarded the entrance to the port of Harfleur, the principal harbour of Normandy, and Geoffrey had set foot upon French soil.
CHAPTER V
HOW THE MERCHANTS TRIED CONCLUSIONS WITH
LA BARRE
The three lads had little time to spend at Harfleur. That walled town, had Geoffrey but known, was to play an important part in his career, but being ignorant of the future he merely gazed at the Norman stronghold with the curiosity common to those who find themselves in foreign parts for the first time.
The Grâce à Dieu and the Brothers were moored side by side in the inner harbour, and advantage was taken of their proximity by Master Roche and his fellow merchants to pay a visit to the ship that had saved them from beggary, slavery, or death.
"To Rouen is it, my masters?" exclaimed Roche. "Since that is also my intention, why not travel in company? It so happens that we have hired a large boat to ascend the river; an it please you, ye are right welcome to a passage."
"'Twould be well to accept the offer," replied Arnold Gripwell, turning to Geoffrey. "'Tis said that the roads in these parts are none too safe for travellers, howbeit they be armed. 'Twill also save the heavy disbursement that we must otherwise make for the hire of suitable steeds."
"Alack-a-day!" groaned Richard Ratclyffe. "Methought I had finished with the water for some time to come."