meeting with a second Jarnac. De
Pilles"--the commander of our artillery--"will soon batter down those
walls, and a sharp rush will carry the hill."

"'Tis a simple matter winning a battle--in our minds," laughed Roger,
"but not always so easy in practice. Monseigneur's troops fought well
enough at Jarnac."

"Ah," said Felix merrily, "they will fight well here, but we shall fight
better!"

"Is an assault decided on?"

"No one knows," I replied; "there is to be a meeting of the Council
presently. But I take it that we must attack. Monseigneur has the
advantage of us. He can obtain provisions; we can't."

"And we aren't likely to retreat!" exclaimed Felix.

"In that case we must go forward; but we shall hear the decision in an
hour or two."

The Council sat for a considerable time, while we of the Admiral's
household discussed the situation among ourselves. There were various
opinions given, the older men declaring Monseigneur was too strongly
posted to be dislodged, the younger and more hot-headed making light of
the danger.

At length the Council broke up, and, though nothing was actually
disclosed, we soon became aware that Coligny had resolved on risking a
battle.

"Bravo!" said Felix, as we went to our tent, "'twill be a pity if Roche
Abeille does not make up for Jarnac!"

The bugle-call roused us at daybreak, and after a hasty breakfast we
prepared for the fray. It was a glorious summer morning, with only a
few fleecy clouds dotting the blue sky. The country was bathed in
sunlight, and the green, leafy foliage of the numerous trees on our left
made a delightful picture. The waters of the little stream in our rear
danced and sparkled, and the chorus of the birds made wondrous music.
Before long every feathered creature was flying hastily away in
amazement and affright.

The army was drawn up in battle array, and the noble Coligny, serene and
confident, rode along the lines.

"Soldiers!" he exclaimed, "the time has come. The enemy are before us.
We must beat them or die. Soldiers, if we lose this battle, the sacred
Cause to which we have pledged our lives is overthrown. Our religion
will be destroyed, our wives and little ones slain, we ourselves shall
go to the prison, the block, or the stake. Soldiers, the safety of the
Cause is entrusted to your arms! I know you are worthy of the honour."

A great cheer greeted these stirring words, a cheer that, echoing far
and wide, sounded like a haughty challe