"Concerning food, if ye will bear me company to the village of Tierny, which hath so far escaped the freebooter, at the house of ma belle mère ye can be accommodated. 'Tis but two leagues distant, and it matters little when I return to Taillemartel."
"Thanks, good Néron. Some day I hope to repay thee."
"When Sir Oliver again comes to Taillemartel as its master, monsieur," replied Le Boeuf sententiously.
The Norman and the two youths bent their steps in the direction of Tierny, the former talking volubly the while concerning the events of the day, in which he seemed well versed.
At the house of his wife's mother he procured food for the fugitives, and when they had eaten they prepared to take their leave.
"Nay, I cannot give thee directions for the whole journey," he replied in answer to a question. "But 'tis said that the road through Valions, St. Barre-en-ville and Plesse will bring thee to Harfleur, being more direct than by the banks of the river. As it seemeth certain that ye'll not go further than St. Barre this day, I commend ye to one Charles Vidoe, who keeps the Sign of the Lion. Say that ye are known to Néron de Boeuf and your comfort is assured."
With a final adieu the Norman bade the lads farewell, and began to retrace his footsteps towards Taillemartel, while Geoffrey and Oswald, still footsore, yet the better for a good meal, resumed their long journey towards Harfleur and England.
"This is great news, if it be true," said Oswald. "Perchance ere we reach the coast an English army will have set foot on French soil."
"But if so, how are we to find a ship that will bear us across the channel?" asked Geoffrey.
"In that case we stop with the forces of our King," replied Oswald.