As they approached he rose, feeling that it was time to continue his journey.

His tired feet were now stiff, and he limped as he stepped out into the road.

The men spoke, and he walked as well as he could beside them, using his boar-spear as a staff.

There were two carters with each cart; and presently, noting how he lagged, and could scarce keep pace with them, one of them took a wooden bottle from the load on his cart, and offered him a draught of ale.
Thus somewhat refreshed, Felix began to talk, and learnt that the arrows were from the vessel in whose track he had sailed; that it had been sent loaded with stores for the king's use, by his friend the Prince of Quinton; that very great efforts had been made to get together a large army in this campaign; first, because the city besieged was so near home, and failure might be disastrous, and, secondly, because it was one of three which were all republics, and the other two would be certain to send it assistance.

These cities stood in a plain, but a few miles apart, and in a straight line on the banks of the river.