But the coldness of the water and the effect of his almost superhuman efforts were beginning to tell. His strokes became feebler, his chin sank lower in the water, yet his hold on the Norman was not relaxed. Then, just as his strength failed, he was dimly conscious of a babel of English and Norman voices close above him; eager hands grasped him by the shoulder, and as he and Gaston were dragged into safety he fell senseless upon the bottom of the boat.
When Geoffrey came to himself the dreaded bore and its attendant dangers were past. The boat was progressing rapidly with the now favouring flood-tide. Master Roche and his companions, arrayed in a medley of borrowed garments, were sheltering from the strong wind in the little cabin, while Gaston, who had quickly recovered from the effect of his immersion, was at his customary post at the helm.
Oswald, Richard Ratclyffe, Gripwell, and the English archers were gathered round the limp body of their brave comrade, and great was their joy when he revived.
"Thou must needs lie quiet, Master Geoffrey," exclaimed the old man-at-arms, as the lad attempted to raise himself on one elbow. "We need fear no more from the bore, for we are nigh to Villequier, where we can find shelter and refreshment at La Dame Dorée. Certes! What a story for the folks at Warblington."
That night, after the bac had been safely moored, Gaston came up to the inn where Geoffrey was.
"Young sir," he exclaimed simply, "I thank thee for thy deed this day. Though I fear 'tis of little use to say it, bear in mind that if I, Gaston le Noir, can be of service to thee at any time, my dwelling is at La Broie, hard by the town of Harfleur."
"'Twas but a small matter," replied Geoffrey. "Yet should it come to pass that I have need of thee, Gaston, I'll remember La Broie, hard by the town of Harfleur."
CHAPTER VI
THE AFFRAY BY THE RIVER
Next morning a dense fog hung over the valley of the Seine, so that it was impossible to see across to the opposite bank. Nevertheless, the Englishmen were anxious to resume the journey, and, being assured by Gaston that he could steer the boat, even were the fog twice as thick, they embarked once more.