When he considered himself quite
alone, Richard Pendrell ventured forth, taking with him a
billhook, that if observed he might seem engaged in trimming
hedges; and drawing near the spot where his majesty lay, assured
him of his safety. Later on he besought an old woman, his
neighbour, to take victuals into the wood to a labourer she would
find there. Without hesitation the good woman carried some eggs,
bread, butter, and milk towards the spot indicated to her. On
seeing her the king was much alarmed fearing recognition and
dreading her garrulity; wherefore he said to her: "Can you be
true to anyone who hath served the king?" Upon which she readily
made answer: "Yes, sir; I'd die sooner than betray you." Being
reassured at this, he ate heartily.
When night fell, Richard brought him into the house again, and
the king, now abandoning his intention of proceeding to London,
expressed his anxiety to reach Wales where he had many friends,
and which afforded him ready opportunities of escaping from the
kingdom. Pendrell expressed himself willing to conduct him
thither. Accordingly, about nine of the clock, they set out with
the determination of crossing the Severn, intending to pass over
a ferry between Bridgenorth and Shrewsbury. When they had walked
some hours they drew near a water-mill. "We could see the
miller," said the king in relating the story, "as I believe,
sitting at the mill-door, he being in white clothes, it being a
very dark night.
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