“I would not have him harmed,” replied Osbert. “My sole object is to liberate two Protestant prisoners—Constance Tyrrell and Derrick Carver.”[Carver.”]
“Derrick Carver is confined in the Lollard’s Tower,” said Rufford; “it was he who spoke to me of the Cardinal’s goodness. If it be merely to free him and Constance Tyrrell, we are with you.”
“Ay, any of us will go with you on that errand,” cried several voices.
“I also will go with you,” said Udal.
A hundred men were then told quickly off, all of whom were armed with pikes and other weapons.
“How are we to get across the river?” demanded Rufford.
“We will make the best of our way to the Horseferry, where we shall find boats enow,” replied Osbert.
“Ay, to the Horseferry! to the Horseferry!” cried several voices.
“We shall meet again ere daybreak, if all go well,” said Osbert to Stafford and the others.
Then, putting himself at the head of his party, he led them at a quick pace round the south-west precincts of the abbey, and quickly gaining the banks of the river, proceeded to the Horseferry.