to the
shelter of their walls and forts. Our men fought gallantly--let me
not deny them their due--soldiers and citizens alike, who had come
forth with and after the Maid, all were inspired by confidence and
courage. But it was her presence in the ranks which gave assurance
of victory. Wherever French soldiers wavered it was when she was
far away and her back towards them. Yet so soon as she turned in
their direction--and some power seemed to whisper to her whenever
her soldiers were dismayed--and galloped to their assistance, all
was well again; and ere an hour had passed the English were driven
back within their towers, and the victory was ours.

Dunois and La Hire rode up to the Maid and saluted. From the city
in our rear we could already hear the pealing of the joy bells, the
triumphant acclamation of the populace.

"Let us lead you back thither to receive the plaudits you have so
well deserved," spoke Dunois, who was man enough to give all the
credit of the victory to the Maid. "Right valiantly have you
accomplished your task. Now let us take you to receive the
gratitude of the town."

"Accomplished!" repeated the Maid with a glance of surprise. "Why,
my friends, the task is scarcely yet begun!"

They gazed at her in amazement; but she calmly pointed towards the
frowning walls and battlements of St. Loup.

"We must take yonder tower," she said quietly, "that is what our
brave, but rash young officers set themselves to do. They shall not
be disappointed. It shall be ours ere night fall upon us. Call to
me the bold De Gamache; I would have speech with him and his
comrades."

The greater Generals looked at her and at one another, speaking no
word. The walls and battlements of St. Loup were strong and well
defended. The tower could spout fire and smoke like a living
monster. Already the troops had marched far and fought hotly.
Surely if assault were to be made it should wait for another day.
Thus they communed together a stone's throw from the Maid; but she
only looked upon them with her deep inward smile, and softly I
heard her speak the words:

"No, it must be done today."

De Gamache rode up, and some half dozen other officers with him.
His face was stained with blood and blackened by smoke. He had a
scarf bound about his left arm; but his bearing was bold and
resolute, and though his cheek flushed at the clear, direct gaze of
the Maid's eyes, he neither faltered nor trembled as he stood
before her.