, "if you can leave the horses, come here."

In two or three minutes he had crept close up to us, and was looking
steadily at the camp.

"How many, Jacques?" I asked, for he was an old campaigner, with far
more experience than either Felix or I possessed.

"'Tis a nice little army," he said after a time, "but"--with a sidelong
glance at Philippe--"no match for ours. Why, the Marshal has hardly more
than four thousand horsemen, with thirteen thousand infantry at the
outside."

"My own estimate!" exclaimed Felix; "what do you say, Edmond?"

"One can easily make a mistake at this work," I answered, "but I should
think your guess is not far from the truth."

"Then we need stay no longer. Come," to the guide, "lead us back safely,
and the crowns are yours."

Stealing very quietly and cautiously into the wood, we took our horses
by the bridle, and led them--Jacques going in front and closely followed
by our guide--along a narrow path, away from the camp. At the end of the
wood we mounted, and, riding in twos, set out briskly on the return
journey.

Thanks to Philippe, we reached the inn without mishap, paid the
landlord, who was evidently surprised at seeing us again, for the loan
of his horse, and handed our guide his promised reward.

"Put the crowns in your purse, my man," said Felix, "and for your own
sake I should advise you not to open your lips. Marshal Cosse may not be
too pleased with your night's work."

We cantered off at a sharp pace, eager to acquaint the Admiral with our
success, and had covered a little more than half the distance, when, on
turning a bend in the road, we perceived about a dozen horsemen
galloping full tilt towards us.

"King's men!" cried Jacques quickly. "A patrol from the camp on their
way back."

"We must ride through them!" exclaimed Felix. "'Tis our only chance. All
three abreast, Jacques. Ready?"

There being no other way out of the business, except that of standing
still to be captured, we drew our swords and, crying "For the Admiral!"
dashed boldly at them. They were riding in no sort of order, but
straggled along loosely, each intent, it seemed to me, on getting first.
They were clearly surprised at encountering us, and, beyond a few hasty
sword-strokes in passing,--and these did no damage--made no effort to
oppose our passage.

Several yards behind the main body two men were stumbling along on
wounded horses. They themselves were hurt also, and both promptly
surrend