"Nay, 'tis not that I mean. If war hath broken out, and the English army hath not yet left our shores, it will be well-nigh impossible to get clear of French soil."
"Then we must bide our time. Meanwhile thou and I are poor peasants bound for Harfleur, whither our relatives have already gone. This will be the surest way of evading awkward questions."
Ere the lads reached Valions their plan of action was already decided. Without incident, and practically unnoticed, they passed through the little village and began the last stage of their day's journey.
For the most part of the three leagues into St. Barre the road ran in a straight line, flanked on either side by gaunt willows.
In the ill-tilled fields a few peasants were at their labours, but the sight of two strangers had the effect of making them run for their lives. The frequent attention of freebooters had crushed the spirit of the miserable countrymen, and a craven fear of their fellow-men had become the chief characteristic of the French sons of the soil.
"This must be St. Barre," said Oswald, pointing to a small hamlet at the foot of a hill. "Think of the pleasure of being able to sleep on fresh straw."
"Tis not to be lightly esteemed," replied Geoffrey. "But let us proceed with caution, for, unless I be mistaken, there are more people in St. Barre than the village can hold."
It was well that the lads exercised care, for on nearing the hamlet they found that it was in possession of a strong body of cross-bowmen and spearmen, wearing the arms of De Chargné upon their surcoats.
"Not only does he hold Taillemartel, but the countryside as well," remarked Oswald bitterly. "We must needs sleep in the open this night, since 'tis madness to enter the village. Alas and alack for my bed of fresh straw!"
"Nay, it might have been worse," replied Geoffrey encouragingly. "We might have set our heads in a trap. But the sun sinks low; we must cast about for a resting-place if we are not to lie upon the open ground."