y came, Philip advanced from the
bridge, formed up his men in two lines, and then charged at full
gallop.

The men-at-arms tried to rein in their horses and form in order
but, before they could do so, the Huguenots burst down upon them.
The horses of the Catholics, exhausted with the speed at which they
had been ridden, were unable to withstand the shock; and they and
their riders went down before it. A panic seized those in the rear
and, turning quickly, they fled in all directions, leaving some
thirty of their number dead on the ground. Philip would not permit
his followers to pursue.

"They outnumber us four times," he said; "and if we scatter, they
may turn and fall upon us. Our horses have done a long day's work,
and deserve rest. We will halt here at the bridge. They are not
likely to disturb us, but if they do, we can make a stout
resistance here.

"Do you ride on, Jacques, and tell the fugitives that they can
press forward as far as they like, and then halt for the night. We
will take care that they are not molested, and will ride on and
overtake them, in the morning."

The night passed quietly and, late the following evening, the party
were in sight of La Rochelle. Philip had intended to turn at this
point, where all danger to the fugitives was over, and to start on
his journey back. But the hour was late, and he would have found it
difficult to obtain food and forage, without pressing the horses.
He therefore determined to pass the night at La Rochelle, as he
could take the last news, thence, back to Laville.

The streets of the town presented a busy aspect. Parties of
Huguenot gentlemen and their retainers were constantly arriving,
and fugitive villagers had come in from a wide extent of country.
Large numbers of men were working at the walls of the town. The
harbour was full of small craft. Lines of carts brought in
provisions from the surrounding country, and large numbers of oxen,
sheep, and goats were being driven in.

"As we shall start for Laville in the morning," Philip said to his
men, "it is not worth while to trouble to get quarters; and indeed,
I should say, from the appearance of the place, that every house is
already crowded from basement to roof. Therefore we will bivouac
down by the shore, where I see there are many companies already
bestowed."

As soon as they had picketed their horses, a party were sent off,
to purchase provisions for the troop and forage for their horses;
and whe