He would be the one to hide Father Urban if it could be done.

Let me land nigh to the bridge, and go to them and tell them all; and do thou push out once more and anchor the craft beneath the pier on which their house rests.
Methinks when I have taken counsel with them I can make shift to slip down the wooden shaft of that pier, and so hold parley with thee.

Walter has done the like before now, and I am more agile in such feats than he; moreover, I can swim like a duck if I should chance to miss my hold, and so reach the water unawares.

That will be the best, for the boat may not linger at the wharf side.

We know not what news may be afoot in the city, nor that there may not be searchers bent on finding Father Urban, let him land where he may." Whether or not Jacob relished this adventure, he was too stanch and too honest hearted to turn back now.