But Lethington had secured the English alliance: Lord Grey was to lead 4000 foot and 2000 horse to the Border; Lord Winter with fourteen ship set sail, and was incommoded by a storm, in which vessels of d'Elboeuf, with French reinforcements for the Regent, were, some lost, some driven back to harbour.

As in Jacobite times, French aid to the loyal party was always unfortunate, and the arrival of Winter's English fleet in the Forth caused d'Oysel to retreat out of Fife back to Leith.

He had nearly reached St.Andrews, where Knox dwelt in great agony of spirit.

He had "great need of a good horse," probably because, as in October 1559, money was offered for his head.

But private assassination had no terrors for the Reformer.