the gloomy wilderness behind, and emerged into a rich and smiling
valley. The animals neighed with delight on seeing the fresh sweet
grass, and we who had shivered with the bitter cold in the mountain
passes rejoiced at the glorious warmth of the sun.

But now we had to proceed with far greater caution, since at any moment
a royalist army might swoop down upon us. Sharp-sighted scouts rode
ahead and on our flanks, while messengers frequently arrived bringing
information for our general. According to these accounts Monseigneur was
still in the west, but Marshal Cosse had been despatched with a strong
army to oppose us.

We had halted for the night some ten miles or so from Arnay-le-Duc, and
I was gossiping with Roger Braund and several of the Englishmen--their
numbers by this time, alas! had thinned considerably--when Felix came up
hastily, his eyes shining with keen excitement.

"Any fresh news?" asked Roger.

"Nothing certain," my comrade answered, "but Cosse is reported to be at
or near Arnay-le-Duc. Edmond are you for a ride?"

"With all my heart," said I, "but where?"

"To find out what we can about Cosse. I have the Admiral's instructions.
I told Jacques to saddle your horse; but you must hurry."

"Good-night, Roger; good-night, gentlemen," I said, laughing; "you can
sleep soundly, knowing that we are awake."

"Take care!" laughed Roger good-humouredly, "and don't let that madcap
get you into mischief. I shouldn't be surprised if he tries to get his
information from Cosse himself."

"I would," declared Felix merrily, "if he gave me half a chance; but we
must really go; the Admiral"--and he drew himself up with an air of
assumed importance--"depends upon us."

"Good-bye," laughed Roger, "you won't be a prisoner long; we will
capture the marshal and exchange him for you!"

"Monseigneur would make a poor bargain if he agreed to that!" said my
comrade, as we went off light-heartedly.

"Shall we take Jacques?" I asked, as we hurried along.

"He has settled that question for himself," returned Felix in high glee;
"he is saddling his own animal as well as ours."

"What does the Admiral wish to learn?"

"The enemy's numbers. The reports are conflicting and range from five
thousand to thirty, but we will discover the truth for ourselves before
the morning."

"At any rate we will do our best. There is Jacques; he has lost little
time; the horses are ready. My pistols, Jacques!"

"They are in the holsters