"

As we rode back toward the river, every one tried to get near him, to
shake his hand, to praise him for his deed of daring. And in truth it
was a splendid action! Single-handed, he had charged into the press;
single-handed he had wrested the trophy by from its custodian; and,
still alone, had fought his way out. It was a brilliant feat, which we
of the Religion talked of round many a camp fire. And that it was done
by one who was not our countryman did not lessen our admiration.

CHAPTER XI

A Desperate Conflict

WE had crossed the Dive safely, the cavalry last of all, and the
soldiers, wearied by their long marches, had thrown themselves down to
snatch a brief rest. The enemy were assembling on the opposite bank of
the river, and it was plain that they had been heavily reinforced.

"Monseigneur must have arrived with his troops," said Felix. "I hope the
Admiral will offer him battle. The victory over Montpensier has put our
fellows in fine fettle; they would fight now with a good heart."

"The enemy have us at a disadvantage," said Roger. "You forget our guns
are at Montcontour."

A surgeon had dressed his wounds; he had borrowed a helmet from a
comrade, and had changed his doublet. His left arm troubled him
somewhat, but otherwise he suffered no ill effects from his famous fight
for the flag.

"They outnumber us, too," said I, "especially in their cavalry, and
Anjou's gentlemen are no mean sworders."

"But we must fight at some time or other; we cannot wander about the
country for ever!" laughed Felix. "It seems to me we have been playing
at hide-and-seek with Anjou ever since leaving Poictiers. And let me
whisper another thing--the Germans are beginning to grumble."

"That," said Roger, "is a serious matter. What is their grievance?"

"Money! Their pay has fallen into arrears, and I don't see how it is to
be made up. The Admiral has almost ruined himself for the Cause already.
'Tis a pity we cannot capture Anjou's money chests; they would be worth
having. _Corbleu_! the bugle is sounding! That means there is to be no
battle."

"Monseigneur may have something to say to that," remarked Roger, as he
walked off toward his own comrades.

In a short time the troops had fallen in, and the infantry at a swinging
pace marched off the ground, the cavalry as before forming the
rearguard. The evening was neither clear nor dull, there being just
sufficient light to enable us to see our way. St. Cyr's tr