My money I spent with a very free hand, both in wagers and in feasting men- at-arms, so that I was taken to be a good fellow, and I willingly let many make their profit of me.

In the end, I had three horses that, with a light rider in the saddle, could be caught by none in the whole garrison of Rouen.
Thirdly, I was most sedulous in all duty, and so won the favour of Sir Thomas Grey, the rather that he counted cousins with me, and reckoned that we were of some far-off kindred, wherein he spoke the truth.

Thus, partly for our common blood, partly for that I was ever ready at call, and forward to do his will, and partly because none could carry a message swifter, or adventure further to spy out any bands of the French, he kept me close to him, and trusted me as his galloper.

Nay, he gave me, on occasion, his signet, to open the town gates whensoever he would send me on any errand.

Moreover, the man (noble by birth, but base by breeding) who had the chief charge and custody of the Maid, was the brother's son of Sir Thomas.