said, laughing good-humouredly, "the chief still keeps his
secret. But when it does leak out I fancy there will be a surprise for
us."

The news soon spread, and the town was filled with bustle and animation.
Every one was busy with his preparations, and from morning till night
the streets were crowded with men and horses, and with wagons for
carrying the provisions and stores. Our days of idleness were over; we
had no rest now. Felix and I were ever hurrying from place to place,
carrying orders and instructions to the different leaders.

At last the day came when with cheerful confidence we marched out from
the town that had been our winter home. The sick had recovered their
health, every one was strong and vigorous, the horses were in capital
condition, and we all looked forward to a successful campaign, though
without the slightest idea where it would take place.

I had thought it most probable that we should retrace our steps to
Toulouse, but instead we speedily struck eastward. What did our leader
intend doing? was the question asked by every one that night, and which
no one could answer. A few of the troops showed some concern, but the
majority shared my comrade's opinion.

"What does it matter where we go," said he, "as long as Coligny leads
us? It is for him to form the plan, and for us to carry it out."

"We are going farther away from Rochelle," I remarked.

"Rochelle can look after itself, Edmond. It would help the Cause
considerably if Anjou would besiege the city; but he won't. As to this
march, the Admiral will explain his intentions when he thinks well."

It was at Nismes that Coligny first revealed his purpose, and it came on
most of us as a thunder-clap. Instead of returning to the scenes of our
former struggles, we were to cross the Rhone, march through Dauphigny,
and threaten Paris from the east. The proposal was so bold and audacious
that it fairly took away our breath, and we gazed at each other in
astonishment. But the hot-headed ones, and Felix among them, cheered the
speech with all the vigour of their lungs, more than making up for the
silence of the rest.

"Soldiers," said the Admiral, "there are my plans, but I do not force
you to obey me. Those whose courage fails must stop behind and return to
their homes, but I will march though not more than five hundred should
follow my banner. Think well before you agree. The journey is long,
perilous, and full of hardship. We shall find few frie