early three to one, but, as Roger had said, our
men were all picked troops, hardy, resolute fellows, filled with
intense zeal, and fighting for what they believed to be right.

They greeted Coligny with deafening cheers, when, after breakfast, and
our simple morning service, he rode along the lines, accompanied by
Henry of Bearn and the young Conde. These gallant youths each commanded
a regiment, and their flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes told how
ardently they burned to distinguish themselves.

"There are the enemy, my lads," said Coligny, in his grave, measured
tones, "and we must beat them. It is our last chance. If we fail, the
Cause is lost, and we shall find no mercy. If we run away, we shall be
cut down, for there is no place of shelter. We must win the battle, or
die on the field."

"We will!" they cried, and there was a ring in their voices that spoke
of an iron determination to succeed.

"And we," said young Henry of Bearn, "will die with you. Not one of your
leaders will leave the field except as a victor. It is victory or death
for all of us."

At these brave words the cheering broke out afresh, and my comrade,
turning to me, exclaimed, "The battle is won already! Those fellows will
never retreat."

They were, indeed, in fine fettle, but it was setting them a desperate
task to oppose nearly three times their number!

The marshal began the attack with a cavalry charge, but, as the horsemen
galloped forward, a body of arquebusiers posted in a ditch discharged
such a stinging fire that our opponents wheeled round and rode hurriedly
back to shelter.

"Well done!" cried Felix; "we have drawn first blood."

They tried again with the same result, and then a strong body of
infantry was pushed forward. But the arquebusiers clung firmly to their
post, and presently young Conde, sweeping round unexpectedly at the head
of his regiment, charged and broke the hostile infantry. It was a daring
charge, and we waved our swords and cheered, as the victorious horsemen
rode proudly back.

The marshal, however, was not to be denied. Again and again he launched
his horsemen at us, while his foot-soldiers crept steadily nearer. All
along our front the battle raged fiercely, and at every point our
gallant fellows were fighting against overwhelming numbers.

"Stand firm, soldiers, stand firm!" cried our general, as he galloped
over the field, bringing the magic of his presence to whatever part was
in most danger.

I