t
they did not recognize De la Noue, saying that the person they knew
was a brave gentleman, faithful to his religion, and one who
certainly would not be found in a Catholic camp.

A few days later, however, the negotiations were renewed. The count
pointed out that they could not hope, finally, to resist the whole
force of France; and that it would be far better for them to make
terms, now, than when in an extremity. But he was able to give no
guarantees that were considered acceptable by the citizens.

De la Noue's position was exceedingly difficult. But at last the
citizens perceived that he was still loyal to the cause; and as he
had, beforehand, received the king's authority to accept the
governorship of the town, the people of La Rochelle agreed to
receive him in that position, provided that no troops entered with
him.

The negotiations fell through, and the siege was renewed with
vigour, De la Noue now taking the lead in the defence, his military
experience being of immense assistance. Very many of the nobles and
gentlemen in the Catholic army were present, as a matter of duty.
They fought with the usual gallantry of their race, but for the
most part abhorred the massacre of Saint Bartholomew; and were as
strongly of opinion as were the Huguenots of France, and the
Protestants throughout Europe, that it was an indelible disgrace
upon France.

Their feeling was shown in many ways. Among others, Maurevel, the
murderer of De Mouy, and the man who had attempted the assassination
of the Admiral, having accompanied the Duke of Anjou to the camp, no
one would associate with him or suffer him to encamp near, or even go
on guard with him into the trenches; and the duke was, in consequence,
obliged to appoint him to the command of a small fort which was
erected on the seashore.

Incessant fighting went on, but the position was a singular one.
The Duke of Alencon had been an unwilling spectator of the massacre
of Saint Bartholomew. He was jealous of Anjou, and restless and
discontented, and he contemplated going over to the Huguenots. The
King of Navarre and his cousin Conde, and the Huguenot gentlemen
with him, were equally anxious to leave the camp, where they were
closely watched; and De la Noue, while conducting the defence,
occasionally visited the royal camp and endeavoured to bring about
a reconciliation.

He was much rejoiced, on his first arrival at the city, to find
both Francois and Philip there; for he