ng, to
urge them to leave, telling them that a treaty had been made
securing them their safety. Before the hour had passed, more than
five hundred men, women, and children had left the town.

As all agreed that no impediment had been placed in their way, but
that upon the contrary, every person even suspected as having
Huguenot leanings had been urged to go, Francois and Philip felt
assured that, at any rate, all who wished to leave had had the
opportunity of doing so. They waited ten minutes over the hour; and
then, seeing that no more came forth, they ordered the prisoners to
be unbound, and allowed to depart for the city.

As the fugitives had come along they were told that the Prince of
Conde, with a strong force, had entered La Rochelle; and were
advised to make for that city, where they would find safety and
welcome. Those, however, who preferred to go to Laville, were
assured that they would be welcomed and cared for, there, until an
opportunity arose for their being sent, under escort, to La
Rochelle. The greater portion decided to make, at once, for the
Huguenot city.

"I think, Philip, you had better take forty of the men, to act as a
rearguard to these poor people, till you are within sight of La
Rochelle. The fellows whom we have let free will tell, on their
return to the town, that we are but a small party; and it is
possible they may send out parties in pursuit."

"I don't think it is likely. The townspeople have been too roughly
handled to care about running any risks. They have no very large
body of men-at-arms in the town. Still, if they do pursue, it will
be by the road to La Rochelle, for that is the one they will think
that most of the fugitives will take.

"Had we not better divide the troop equally, Francois?"

"No, I think not. They will imagine we shall all be going by that
road; and that, moreover, some of the other gentlemen of our faith
may be coming to meet us, with their retainers. Twenty will be
ample for me. Do you take the rest."

Two hours later, Philip saw a cloud of dust rising from the road in
his rear. He hurried on with the fugitives in front of him until,
half an hour later, they came to a bridge over a stream. This was
only wide enough for four horsemen to cross abreast, and here he
took up his station.

In a few minutes, a number of horsemen approached. They were riding
without order or regularity, intent only on overtaking their prey.
Seeing the disorder in which the