for the same reason," said Arnold of
Andreghen.

The German Count struck the table with his mailed fist. "Do what you
like!" said he. "But this only I can promise you, that neither I nor
any of my German riders will descend from our horses so long as they are
able to carry us, for in our country it is only people of no consequence
who fight upon their feet."

The Lord Clermont was leaning angrily forward with some hot reply when
King John intervened. "Enough, enough!" he said. "It is for you to give
your opinions, and for me to tell you what you will do. Lord Clermont,
and you, Arnold, you will choose three hundred of the bravest cavaliers
in the army and you will endeavor to break these archers. As to you and
your Germans, my Lord Nassau, you will remain upon horseback, since you
desire it, and you will follow the Marshals and support them as best
you may. The rest of the army will advance upon foot, in three other
divisions as arranged: yours, Charles," and he patted his son, the Duke
of Normandy, affectionately upon the hand; "yours, Philip," he glanced
at the Duke of Orleans; "and the main battle which is my own. To you,
Geoffrey de Chargny, I intrust the oriflamme this day. But who is this
knight and what does he desire?"

A young knight, ruddy-bearded and tall, a red griffin upon his surcoat,
had appeared in the opening of the tent. His flushed face and disheveled
dress showed that he had come in haste. "Sire," said he, "I am Robert
de Duras, of the household of the Cardinal de Perigord. I have told you
yesterday all that I have learned of the English camp. This morning I
was again admitted to it, and I have seen their wagons moving to the
rear. Sire, they are in flight for Bordeaux."

"'Fore God, I knew it!" cried the Duke of Orleans in a voice of fury.
"Whilst we have been talking they have slipped through our fingers. Did
I not warn you?"

"Be silent, Philip!" said the King angrily. "But you, sir, have you seen
this with your own eyes?"

"With my own eyes, sire, and I have ridden straight from their camp."

King John looked at him with a stern gaze. "I know not how it accords
with your honor to carry such tidings in such a fashion," said he; "but
we cannot choose but take advantage of it. Fear not, brother Philip,
it is in my mind that you will see all that you would wish of the
Englishmen before nightfall. Should we fall upon them whilst they cross
the ford it will be to our advantage. Now, fair sirs,