Maurice climbed into a boat and pulled away with a strong, swift stroke, enjoying the liberation of his muscles.

A quarter of a mile out he let the oars drift and took his bearings.

He saw the private gardens of the king and the archbishop, and, convinced that a closer view would afford him entertainment, he caught up the oars again and moved inland.
The royal gardens ran directly into the water, while those of the archbishop were protected by a wall of brick five or six feet in height, in the center of which was a gate opening on the water.

Behind the gate was a small boat dock.

Maurice plied the oars vigorously.