Then it seemed to me I could not do better than consult him about the cloak, and I did so; whereat he puffed himself very big, and said, if I meant to make the garment myself, he could sell me the stuff, if not, I must go into Cheap, and buy one ready made at the shops.

So I thanked him, and hastened with quick strides citywards.
I had hoped to get my merchandise over on the Bridge.

Yet there was ample time to spare even without haste.

For all that, I ran, longing to be safe back on the _Misericorde_.
Now, just as I came near the Steel yard (where you turn by Dowgate towards Wallbrook), I met a party of soldiers loitering in the road, as it seemed in quest of somebody.

Seeing me running their way, they closed upon me as I came up, and bade me halt.