"An officer of the King," he replied coolly, and the white scarf on his
arm showed up in the darkness. "I have come from the Marshal to ask
for your report. I can testify at least that you keep an excellent
watch."

The man's voice sounded familiar, but concluding we had met at the
Court, I was in all innocence about to answer when Pillot, touching me
lightly, whispered "Captain Courcy!"

In a flash I remembered, but it was too late. The captain's sharp ears
had caught the words; with a violent wrench he twisted my arm from the
bridle, and turning his horse's head dashed back at headlong speed.

"Stop him!" I yelled, "stop him!" but the rascal knocked over two of my
men like rabbits, and disappeared along the bank of the river.

"Conde is not far off," said Pillot; "he feared a trap and sent the
captain on in advance."

"Mount, and ride after them. Take a man with you, keep on their track
and pick up all the King's friends you meet. Say it is the order of
Marshal Turenne. Two of you fellows get your horses and cross to the
other side of the river. Keep your eyes open and spread the news that
Conde is hiding in the neighbourhood. There is a fortune for the man
who captures him."

The troopers mounted and galloped off; Pillot had already disappeared,
and I was left with one man to attend to my wounded troopers.
Fortunately they were not seriously hurt, though of little more use
that night. As it chanced, however, nothing further occurred, and when
Belloc sent to relieve us, I rode back feeling that I had missed a
grand opportunity. My troopers accomplished nothing, but Pillot, who
did not return for several hours, brought the certain news that Conde,
accompanied by several gentlemen, had crossed the river.

"Never mind," said M. Belloc kindly, "you did your best, and no one can
do more. Besides, even if you had caught this Captain Courcy, the
prince would have escaped," which was quite true, though the reflection
did not make my feelings any the more friendly towards the daring
captain.

CHAPTER XXVI.

"Vive le Roi!"

The day after Conde's narrow escape I received a visit from Raoul. He
was as lively as ever, and in high spirits at the prospects of fresh
work. My connection with Mazarin prevented me from sharing in many of
the minor engagements, but Raoul missed nothing. His courage was a
proverb among Turenne's gentlemen, while the soldiers followed without
question on the most danger