nk were just as doubtful of success.
However, my business lay with the Marshal himself, so I advanced to the
causeway, and found that he was at the farther end with two or three
squadrons of cavalry. He was talking earnestly with a group of
officers, so I waited till he had finished, and then, with a salute,
gave him the Cardinal's message.

At first he appeared angry, but gradually a smile stole over his face,
and he exclaimed, "_Corbleu!_ His Eminence is a very glutton for
information. I have just sent the Marquis of Pertui with a despatch to
His Majesty, and there is nothing fresh to add. A battle is not fought
in five minutes!"

I bowed low, and presently he added kindly, "You can stay here: in an
hour or so I may have some information to send back."

Saluting him in answer, I backed my horse to the rear of the group,
when some one cried, "De Lalande!" and glancing round I observed Raoul,
with his troopers stationed close at hand.

"What are you doing here?" he asked gaily, as I went over to him. "I
understood you were guarding Mazarin!"

"I have brought a message for the Marshal, and am to wait for an
answer."

"You will see some hot work presently. Ah, there is Bordel! He brings
fresh news of the prince, I warrant."

An officer, followed by an escort of troopers, had just galloped in
from the country behind Blenau. His horse was covered with foam, and
he himself was bleeding from a wound, but he jumped lightly to the
ground, saluted, and began talking earnestly to the Marshal. We could
not hear what was said, but his information was evidently serious, for
Turenne immediately sent off several of his staff.

"Conde is approaching!" exclaimed Raoul, and even while he was speaking
an officer galloped over with orders from Turenne for the squadron to
hold itself in readiness.

I had met with numerous adventures in my short career, but had never
witnessed a real battle, and I was on fire with excitement. Raoul
desired me to return to the rear, saying there was no need to expose
myself to danger, but I shook my head and resolved to stay with him.

With a few of his staff the Marshal advanced beyond the end of the
causeway, but presently came riding back, and every man knew
instinctively that Conde was quickly approaching. Presently we caught
a glimpse of his cavalry, and at sight of the serried ranks of
horsemen, most of our hearts, I think, began to droop. It seemed to me
that, by one swift rush