"Nay, there is little cause to trouble concerning Sir Oliver," remarked the man-at-arms in answer to Geoffrey's anxious question. "He is safe and well cared for, though a prisoner in the hands of—whom thinkest thou?"
"I cannot say."
"None other than Sir Raoul d'Aulx. 'Faith, the knight could do naught else but hold Sir Oliver captive, since 'twas by the orders of the King of France. Yet Sir Raoul was ever a courteous knight; and moreover, bearing in mind that once he and Sir Oliver were comrades in arms, and also that thou, his son, hast rendered good service to Sir Raoul's wife and daughter, my master's condition is not to be deplored, save that he is under a solemn vow to keep within the boundaries of the Castle d'Aulx, until the termination of the war or release by our own forces."
"Aye, we heard that war was declared, Arnold. But why doth King Harry tarry?"
"That is his concern, young sir. 'Tis certain that the French expect his coming, since every available knight and common soldier is being hastened into Normandy. What would I give to see a troop of English lances and a few stout companies of English bowmen."
"Who knows but that thy wish will shortly be gratified?"
"Then it behoves us to hasten towards the sea-coast. From Amiens we ought to be able to reach Abbeville and seize a craft of sorts that will bear us to Old England."
Buoyed up with hope the three comrades pursued their way, but, as luck would have it, a few leagues from the town of Amiens they encountered none other than De Chargné himself. The baron was returning from a hawking expedition, and was attended only by a page who carried a falcon attached to his wrist by a silver chain.
In ignorance of the identity of the man whose livery they wore, Geoffrey and Gripwell passed him with heads erect and fearless glances.
"Ho, there! Insolent varlets! Why have ye not louted to me, Bertrand de Chargné? What manner of men have I in my service that pay not proper respect to their lord and master? Your names, sirrahs? And I'll warrant that my marshal will lay his rod soundly athwart your backs, so that another time ye will have good cause to remember me."