tered with his regiment some miles away, but
Humphreys and I were both stationed in the town. I was spending an
hour with him one evening when Pillot, in a tremendous hurry, came with
a message that M. Belloc wished to see me immediately.

"It must be something important, monsieur," said the dwarf, "as M.
Belloc ordered me to saddle the horses."

I found my old friend in a state of great agitation, and without giving
me time to speak he asked, "Do you know where Conde is?"

"In Guienne, monsieur."

"So we all thought, but it is a mistake. He is hurrying to take
command of the army of the Loire. A courier has just arrived with the
information, and we are despatching parties to capture him, dead or
alive. He is travelling with six companions, and will endeavour to
reach Chatillon. If he can be caught, we shall finish the war in a
week. You are well acquainted with the prince?"

"Yes, monsieur."

"Take half a dozen troopers; ride to the bridge at Chatillon, and let
no one pass till I send permission."

"Very good, monsieur," and within ten minutes I was tearing along at
the head of my men as fast as my horse could gallop.

It was still fairly light when we arrived at the spot, and, leaving two
of the troopers on the bank to look after the horses, I ambushed the
others, and took up my own position so that no one could pass without
being challenged. Soon the light faded, the air grew chill, a gray
mist rose from the river. The men crouched silently in their hiding
places; the only sounds were the melancholy lapping of the water, and
the mournful cry of an occasional night-bird. M. Belloc's commission
was certainly an honour, but this watching was dreary work, and I
thought with regret of my cosy quarters.

It must have been an hour past midnight when Pillot, who had kept me
company, whispered softly, "Listen, monsieur! Do you hear the beat of
hoofs? I should say there are a couple of horsemen coming this way."

"Or more. No, there is only one."

"The others have stopped."

"Perhaps there was only one in the first instance. He is drawing
nearer now. Listen, he has reached the bridge. Stand well behind me,
so that he cannot observe you."

The horseman had approached at a trot; now he slowed down to a walking
pace, and advanced carelessly, humming a tune as if there was no such
thing as danger in the world.

With a loud "_Qui Vive?_" I sprang from my hiding-place and clutched
his horse's bridle.