Cnut hurried on at full speed to the house of a franklin, some three miles distant.

Here horses were obtained and saddled, and dresses prepared; and when Cuthbert with Lady Margaret arrived there, no time was lost.

Dressed as a yeoman, with the Lady Margaret as his sister, he mounted a horse, with her behind him on a pillion.

The other damsels also mounted, as it would not have been safe for them to remain near Evesham.

They therefore purposed taking refuge in a convent near Gloucester for the present.
Bidding a hearty adieu to Cnut, and with thanks to the franklin who had aided them, they set forward on their journey.