e chateau,
once again, to the mercy of our foes; and to retire to La Rochelle,
where alone we can talk with safety. See that the bell is rung at
once. The tenants know the summons and, though little expecting
danger, will quickly rally here."

Philip at once went out into the courtyard, and in a minute the
sharp clanging of the bell told the country round that danger
threatened. The retainers of the chateau ran hastily out, arming
themselves as they went; and exclamations of horror and fury broke
from them, as Philip told them that the order for the massacre of
the Huguenots, throughout France, had gone forth; and that already,
most of those who rode to Paris with the King of Navarre had
fallen.

Then he repeated the countess's order that, upon the following
morning, the chateau should be abandoned and all should ride to La
Rochelle; and he despatched half a dozen mounted men, to warn all
the Huguenot gentry in the district.

In a few minutes the tenants began to flock in. Although the tale
that they heard involved the destruction of their newly-built
houses, and the loss of most of their property, this affected them
but slightly in comparison with the news of the murder of Coligny,
and of so many Huguenot leaders; and of the terrible fate that
would befall the Huguenots, in every town in France. Some wept,
others clenched their weapons in impotent rage. Some called down
the curses of Heaven upon the faithless king, while some stood as
if completely dazed at the terrible news.

Philip spoke a few cheering words to them.

"All is not lost yet, my friends. Heaven will raise up fresh
leaders for us. Many may fall, but the indignation and rage that
you feel will likewise animate all who, dwelling in the country,
may escape; so that, ere long, we shall have fresh armies in the
field. Doubtless the first blow will be struck at La Rochelle, and
there we will meet these murderers face to face; and will have the
opportunity of proving, to them, that the men of the Reformed
religion are yet a force capable of resisting oppression, and
revenging treachery. There is one thing: never again shall we make
the mistake of laying down our arms, confiding in the promises and
vows of this perjured king; never again shall we be cozened into
throwing away the results of our victories.

"Gather your horses and cattle, as you did before. Take your
household goods in carts and, at daybreak, send in here the waggons
that you have to pr