176 t 9 without the knowledge of the conftable or mar-shals. They faid ; « We will procure two or three boats, which we will launch into the river Lis, at a flickered place below Commines, and will fix polls on each fide of the river where it is not wide, to fallen cords to. We shall by this means foon convey over a large body of men, and by marching on the rear of our enemies we may attack them, and, if victorious, we shall gain the reputation of valiant men at ahns/ After they had thus determined in council, the lord de St. Py exerted himfelf fo much that he procured from Lille a boat and cords, with every other neceffary article. On the other hand, fir Herbeâux de Belleperche and fir John de Roye, who were companions in this expedition, had alfo caufed a boat to be brought. Sir Henry de Manny, fir John de Malatrait and fir John Chauderon, Bretons, who had been of this council, had likewife provided one, and fol-lowed thé preceding companies. .- ' The lord de St. Py was the firft who arrived at the river with his boat, cords and faftenings. They fixed a ftrong Hake to which they tied the cord : three varlets then croffed over, and the boat, with the cords, being launched, they fixed on the oppofite fide another strong post, to which they fastened the other end of the cord : and, this being done, they returned with the boat to their master. ' It happened that the constable and marshals of France were at that time at the bridge of Corn-mines, pondering how they could difcover a paf- fage,