erfully
provided for them in the past, had made as remarkable provision for this
necessity. A fall of snow had covered the corn which had ripened in
September, but was left standing in the fields by this circumstance. Thus
hidden from the enemy, a sudden thaw revealed the treasure thus mercifully
laid up for these patriot warriors. In addition to the corn, strong
detachments made requisitions on the valleys of Pragela and Queyras, and so
obtained supplies of butter, salt, wine, and other provisions. A sad
incident of the winter arose from the condition of one of those little
parties, whom the chances of war or some imprudence separated from the main
body. A band of twelve, concealed in a cave behind L'Essart, near Bobbio,
were obliged by hunger to come out for provisions. On returning, they
thought they had been tracked in the snow, and so decided to betake
themselves to a new place of refuge in La Biava. Scarcely had they set out,
however, than they discovered 125 peasants in pursuit of them. They threw
down their baggage, and having reached a commanding height, poured down
such an effective volley that their assailants sought a truce, and
acknowledged twelve dead and thirteen wounded, though not one of the
Vaudois was the least hurt. Their victory did not, however, relieve them
for long. Although their refuge was secure, the extreme cold made it
untenable, and they were compelled to seek a milder climate. Saddened by
suffering, and resolved to protect themselves, they met on their way an
armed band. Assuming that they were enemies, they fired and killed one of
the party, when, to their great grief, blended with unutterable joy, they
discovered that they were brethren. With tears in their eyes they embraced
each other, and found the safety and succour they had almost despaired of
in the castle at Balsille.

During the winter months messages were sent to induce the Vaudois to
withdraw from their native land. To this Arnaud sent suitable replies, and
also strengthened the fortifications in the only part which had been left
open by the river side.

On the 1st of May, 12,000 Piedmontese troops and 10,000 French, making a
total of 22,000 troops, under the command of Catinat, surrounded Arnaud's
retreat. A body of horse soldiers concealed themselves in the neighbouring
woods, but were received with so effective a discharge of shot as to
inflict great loss. The main body of the assailants drew up to the foot of
the rock, but