We thought you had gone down in the gale the night you started." "We were separated from the fleet, Sir Walter, but the master held on, and we arrived here four days after we put out.

We took part in the siege of Rennes, and have since done our best to aid the countess here." "And their best has been much," the countess said; "not to say how bravely they have fought upon the walls, it is to Sir John and his little band that I owe it that the town was not surrendered days ago.
They alone remained steadfast when all others fell away, and it is due to them that I am still able, as mistress of this town, to greet you on your arrival.

Next to Sir John himself, my thanks are due to your young esquire, Walter Somers, who has cheered and stood by me, and to whose suggestions I owe it that I was able at the first to sally out and destroy the French camp while they were attacking the walls, and so greatly hindered their measures against the town.

And now, sir, will you follow me?
I have prepared for you and your knights such a banquet of welcome as our poor means will allow, and my townspeople will see that good fare is set before your soldiers." That evening there was high feasting in the town, although the crash of the heavy stones cast by the French machines against the walls never ceased.

Early the next morning Sir Walter Manny made a survey of the place and of the disposition of the enemy, and proposed to his knights to sally forth at once and destroy the largest of the enemy's machines, which had been brought up close to the walls.