ran out, waving their caps and swords.

"Well done!" La Noue exclaimed, as he rode up. "Now, scatter and
call out all our friends to aid us in the capture."

The troop had been already divided into four parties, each led by
gentlemen familiar with the town. Francois and Philip, with the men
from Laville, formed the party led by the Count himself. The news
of the tumult at the gate had spread and, just as they reached the
marketplace, a body of horsemen, equal in strength to their own,
rode towards them.

"For God and the religion!" La Noue shouted, as he led the charge.

Ignorant of the strength of their assailants, and having mounted in
haste at the first alarm, the opposing band hesitated; and before
they could set their horses into a gallop, the Huguenots were upon
them. The impetus of the charge was irresistible. Men and horses
rolled over, while those in the rear turned and rode away; and the
combat was over before scarce a blow had been struck.

A party of infantry, hastening up, were next encountered. These
offered a more stubborn resistance, but threw down their arms and
surrendered, when another of the Huguenot parties rode into the
square.

At the sound of the conflict the upper windows of the houses were
opened, and the citizens looked out in alarm at the struggle. But
the Catholics, having neither orders nor plan, dared not venture
out; while the Huguenots mustered rapidly, with arms in their
hands; and rendered valuable assistance to the horsemen, in
attacking and putting to flight the parties of Catholic horse and
foot, as they came hurriedly up.

In an hour all resistance had ceased and Orleans was taken. The
Count at once issued a proclamation to the citizens, assuring all
peaceable persons of protection; and guaranteeing to the citizens
immunity from all interference with personal property, and the
right of full exercise of their religion. The charge of the gates
was given over to the Huguenot citizens. Parties of horse were told
off to patrol the streets, to see that order was preserved, and to
arrest any using threats or violence to the citizens; and in a very
few hours the town resumed its usual appearance.

Now that all fear of persecution was at an end, large numbers of
the citizens, who had hitherto concealed their leanings towards the
new religion, openly avowed them; and La Noue saw with satisfaction
that the town could be safely left to the keeping of the Huguenot
adherents, with the