More loudly did they both aver that thing when they came to the scene of the skirmish.
"Knights of ransom!" exclaimed Sir Thomas. "Did any escape?"
"I know not," said Richard, "but if more boats be at hand, above or below, they are to be sought for. May not these four ply here, while we march up the stream?"
"No use to scout below," replied Sir Thomas. "We are now twenty men-at-arms, on foot, and near a hundred of thy kerns and bowmen. March! We may all die, but we may win the bridge head."
On the other bank they could see the columns of Earl Warwick's men, sent hurriedly to re-enforce them, and shortly the O'Rourke shouted, "Another boat, and yet another twice larger, at the bank."
"That may save us," said Sir Peter, "but I would we were more in number."
So said the king himself, as he sat upon his palfrey and gazed across the Seine, not long thereafter. The French had not left the bridge without a guard, even if they had broken it down. Men of all arms were there, with many crossbowmen, and at first they had but laughed and derided what they supposed to be the utter disappointment of King Edward.
"Sire," exclaimed Sir Geoffrey of Harcourt, "the earl is right! Yonder are Richard of Wartmont and his men."
"Too few! Too few!" muttered the king. "He is over rash. He hath lost all."
All had been lost, indeed, but for the swift plying of the larger boats and the manner of their packing with brave men.