As it chanced, however, Hugh turned and saw them in the act.
"God's truth! Would you make common thieves of us ?" he said angrily.
"Their weapons and harness are ours by right of war, but I'll hunt the man who steals their money out of my company." So the purse was restored.

When it was safe in the knight's pouch again Hugh saluted him, begging his pardon that it should have been touched.
"But how are you named, sir ?" he added.
"Sir Pierre de la Roche is my name," replied the knight sadly, and in French.
"Then, Sir Pierre de la Roche," said Hugh, "here you and your people must bide until some come to set you free, which, as this place is lonely and little crossed in winter, may be to-day or may be to-morrow.
When at length you get back to Blythburgh Manor, however, or to Dunwich town, I trust it to your honour to declare that Hugh de Cressi has dealt well with you.

For whereas he might have slain you every one, as you would have slain him and his if you could, he has harmed no hair of your heads.

As for your horses, these, to his sorrow, he was obliged to kill lest they should be used to ride him down.

Will you do this of your courtesy ?" "Ay," answered the knight, "since to your gentleness we owe our lives.
But with your leave I will add that we were overcome not by men, but by a devil"-- and he nodded toward Grey Dick--"since no one who is only man can have such hellish skill in archery as we saw yesterday, and now again this morning.