just reproof. But this paper should tell what I wish
to learn," and he broke the seal.

"Montpensier's division alone," he muttered; "this is valuable
information. Le Blanc, can we be sure of this?"

"It is certain, my lord, that Monseigneur's troops are not present,
though I believe they are hurrying to join with the Duke's."

"There will be just time," he said, "just time," and, leaving his meal,
he instantly summoned his principal officers.

As soon as my interview with him was over a dozen of my old comrades
crowded around, congratulating me on my recovery, and asking all sorts
of questions. Several familiar faces were missing, and I learned that
more than one of my intimate friends had been left behind in the
trenches at Poictiers. Felix, happily, was unhurt, and he informed me
that Roger Braund was still with the little troop of Englishmen.

"But what of your prisoner?" he asked. "Has he given his parole?"

"No, I fancy he is rather counting on the chance of escape."

"Then he must be placed under guard. I will attend to it, and return in
a few minutes. Well, Jacques, has your master been very troublesome?"

"Not since we left Limoges, monsieur."

We were preparing to look for Roger when the bugles sounded, the men
sprang to arms, and orders were issued for the retreat to be resumed.

"I don't like this," grumbled Felix, "it breaks the men's spirits. Our
rearguard came running in to-day like a parcel of sheep. I wish the
Admiral would fight; it will be too late after a while. It is not
pleasant to be chased as if we were rabbits."

The royalists were in full view now, and the faster we marched the more
closely they pressed the pursuit. It was very galling, and many a murmur
was heard even against our noble leader, but none from those who rode
with him in the rear. Twice we turned and faced the enemy, but, on each
occasion, after a few minutes' conflict the order was issued for further
retreat.

At length we reached the summit of a gentle slope, behind which flowed
the River Dive. Here it seemed as if the Admiral intended to make a
stand, but the royalists gave him little leisure for forming plans. They
advanced boldly, taunting us for runaways, and bidding us muster
sufficient courage to cross swords with them.

A volley from our German foot-soldiers checked their rush, and, while
they were endeavouring to re-form, a body of horse crashed, as if shot
from a gun, into their left flank. The noble St. C