But the maiden said: "Why hinder him, Sir Knight?
Humphrey is no child that he cannot be trusted; and to prove it, my friend," said she, drawing forth her purse, "as you return, pray buy me a large warm cloak for my good old nurse, who is ill used to the sea and is shivering already.

Spend what you need, and bring me back the rest." The purse was a heavy one, and I wondered at her freak in trusting it all to me, when one piece from it would have sufficed.

However, it was not for me to question her; so, promising to be back in good time, I let myself down to the boat, and rowed lustily to the steps below the Bridge.

I durst not venture further citywards where I was known; but I remembered my old enemy, Will Peake on the Bridge, and resolved to commit the boat to his care, knowing him for an honest 'prentice who would see it duly returned to its owner.

Besides, where better, thought I, could I find a shawl for old Judy than among the Mercers on the Bridge?
So up to the Bridge I clambered, merry to think how soon I, and all I loved best, would be far away on the free sea, with our enemies all behind, and our hopes all before.
Will Peake hailed me civilly, and hearing of my plight, readily charged himself with the business of the boat.