ous enterprise if Raoul Beauchamp led the
way.

"What is going on now?" I inquired.

"A general advance, I believe; at least we have received orders to
move; the Marshal does not like to sit still."

I laughed at that, for Turenne was a general who allowed neither his
own troops nor the enemy any rest. Ambush and surprise, hot attack and
feigned retreat, he employed them all, keeping every one busy. Raoul
had not heard of Conde's movements, and when I told him, he exclaimed,
"We can keep our eyes open now, Albert; there will be little time for
sleeping when the prince takes command of his army. A good thing for
us that Turenne is on our side. Most likely that accounts for our
advance. Don't you envy us?"

"Well, I should not object if the Green Scarves were sent to the front."

"You will have your chance," said he laughing, and wishing me farewell,
departed to join his men.

The town was a scene of unusual activity that day. Soldiers were
moving about in all directions. Here a column of infantry trudged
along; there a squadron of horse passed at the trot; occasionally a
gaily-dressed gentleman with a white or green scarf on his arm flew by,
bound on some errand of importance. Once I met Humphreys, who, much to
his disgust, had received orders to remain behind with a number of the
Queen's Guards.

"There will be stirring business soon," said he. "Turenne is moving,
and I hear that Conde has arrived from the south on purpose to oppose
him. It will be a battle of giants, and here are we tied up in this
wretched hole doing nothing. We shan't even see the fight, much less
take part in it."

"Why, you are becoming a regular fire-eater! Have you not had enough
fighting?"

"I only object to all the work being done by others. I would rather
take my own share. What are you supposed to be doing?"

"Nothing, and for once in a way it is a very pleasant occupation. Have
you met Raoul?"

"No, and I expect he is a dozen miles off by now. He is in luck; his
squadron acts as a kind of bodyguard to the Marshal. I had no idea
that Beauchamp was such a daring fellow."

"He is like the rest, anxious to make a name for himself. Ah, here
comes Pillot to warn me that it is my turn for duty."

Gien was still crowded with numbers of the Queen's troops, gentlemen of
the King, and Mazarin's bodyguard, in addition to the hosts of servants
and attendants on the Court. Hundreds watched Turenne's advance, and
almost