At length the voyagers saw that the river was rapidly diminishing in width, while on either hand low-lying banks were clothed in verdure, for the hand of the spoiler had as yet left this part of Normandy untouched.
Still maintaining their even, tireless strokes, the rowers stuck to their task, till the villages of Tancarville and Quillibœuf came in sight.
"We can go no further with the tide," exclaimed the Norman helmsman. "See, the river is even now overcoming the flood."
"As thou wilt, Gaston," replied Master Roche; "but, I pray thee, put us within easy reach of a hostel, since my throat is as dry as a limekiln."
"The du Guesclin Arms lieth but a bow-shot from the quay at Quillibœuf," replied the Norman. "There the cider is of the best, and I wot Malmsey and sack are to be had, to say nought of the wines of France."
"Then, I'll find my way to the du Guesclin Arms" quoth Master Roche, filled with pleasurable expectation. "Though I be a true Englishman, and must needs hate the name of yonder hostel, I'll not quarrel with its contents. How say you, comrades; will you bear me company?"
Two of the merchants signified their acceptance of his wishes, but the three lads chose to remain on the quay, watching the endless procession of strange craft as they dropped down stream.
Gaston skilfully brought the bac alongside the little quay, and, having secured her by two long and stout ropes, led the way to the inn, Arnold Gripwell, Roche, his fellow merchants, and the wearied rowers accompanying him.
Left to themselves, the three lads sat down in the stern of the boat, discussing the unwonted sights as the ebb gathered strength. Now a cog, clumsily yet strongly built, drifted down, with only an occasional dip of a heavy oar to keep her on her course; then a galley, resplendent with paint and gilt, bearing a member of the household of King Charles the Sixth of France. Then a barge, laden with a towering cargo of hay, jostled with a frail cock-boat crowded with Norman peasants.
All the while the turbid river swirled and eddied, for the heavy rains had swollen the Seine till it had burst its banks above Rouen and had flooded miles of fair country 'twixt that town and the city of Paris.