or of the town, John Gutton, a rich
merchant, whom the misfortunes of the times had wrenched away from his
business to become a skilful admiral, an intrepid soldier, accustomed for
years past to scour the seas as a corsair. "He had at his house," says a
narrative of those days, "a great number of flags, which he used to show
one after another, indicating the princes from whom he had taken them."
When he was appointed mayor, he drew his poniard and threw it upon the
council-table. "I accept," he said, "the honor you have done me, but on
condition that yonder poniard shall serve to pierce the heart of whoever
dares to speak of surrender, mine first of all, if I were ever wretch
enough to condescend to such cowardice." Of indomitable nature, of
passionate and proud character, Guiton, in fact, rejected all proposals
of peace. "My friend, tell the cardinal that I am his very humble
servant," was his answer to insinuating speeches as well as to threats;
and he prepared with tranquil coolness for defence to the uttermost. Two
municipal councillors, two burgesses, and a clergyman were commissioned
to judge and to punish spies and traitors; attention was concentrated
upon getting provisions into the town; the country was already
devastated, but reliance was placed upon promises of help from England;
and religious exercises were everywhere multiplied. "We will hold out to
the last day," reiterated the burgesses.

[Illustration: John Guiton's Oath----254]

It was the month of December; bad weather interfered with the
siege-works; the king was having a line of circumvallation pushed
forward to close the approaches to the city on the land side; the
cardinal was having a mole of stone-work, occupying the whole breadth of
the roads, constructed; the king's little fleet, commanded by M. de
Guise, had been ordered up to protect the laborers; Spain had sent
twenty-eight vessels in such bad condition that those which were rolled
into the sea laden with stones were of more value. "They were employed
Spanish-fashion," says Richelieu, "that is, to make an appearance so as
to astound the Rochellese by the union of the two crowns." A few days
after their arrival, at the rumor of assistance coming from England, the
Spanish admiral, who had secret orders to make no effort for France,
demanded permission to withdraw his ships. "It was very shameful of
them, but it was thought good to let them go without the king's consent,
making believ