Page:Cassell's Illustrated History of England vol 1.djvu/249

A.D. 1193.] and it appears that he determined, rather than resign possession of the castles, to leave his brothers in danger, and to escape to Normandy.



Having reached Canterbury, he stayed there for a few the disguise of a hawking-woman, having a bale of linen under his arm, and a yard-measure in his hand. In this strange costume, the ex-chancellor, who had been accustomed to travel with a retinue of 1,000 men-at-arms, took his way on foot to the sea-shore. Having to wait awhile for a vessel in which to embark, he sat down upon a stone, with his veil, or hood, drawn over his face. Some fishermen's wives who were passing by stopped and asked him the price of his cloth, but as he did not understand a word of English, he made no answer, much to the surprise of his questioners. Presently some other women came up to him, who also took an interest in his merchandise, and desired to