ol-shot," he said, "and a fellow cut at me with his sword at the
same time. But I am tired. Is the Admiral safe?"

"Yes, I am going to him now. Jacques will stay with you, and I will
send the surgeon."

Fearing lest he should overtax his strength, I went out, and after a
visit to the surgeon proceeded to Coligny's tent. My heart ached as I
gazed around at my comrades, and realized more fully what the victory
had cost us.

"Is Bellievre likely to recover?" asked one.

"I hope so; he is quite sensible, but very weak."

"He did a splendid thing! The Admiral is very proud of him."

"That piece of information will go a long way toward pulling him
through!" I said.

Just then Coligny himself came from his tent, and hearing our talk
inquired kindly after my comrade.

"He is sensible, my lord, and I am hoping he may recover," I replied.

"I trust so; we cannot well afford to lose such a gallant lad. I must
come to see him presently, and tell him how much we owe him."

"That will do him more good than all the surgeon's skill!" I said.

The excitement of the closing scenes of the battle, the uncertainty as
to my comrade's fate, and the long night's watch had driven from my head
all remembrance of the incident connected with Henry of Bearn, but the
prince himself had not forgotten.

During the forenoon he came riding over to Coligny's quarters, debonair
and gracious as ever.

"I have come," said he to the Admiral, "not exactly to pay a debt, but
to acknowledge it. I owe my life to one of your gentlemen; but for his
bravery and skill with the sword Henry of Bearn would be food for the
worms. I trust he still lives to accept my thanks."

"Le Blanc! It is Le Blanc!" murmured my comrades.

"That is the name," said the prince with his frank smile, "and there is
the gentleman."

My comrades pushed me forward, and I advanced awkwardly, hot with
confusion, but--I have no false shame about admitting the truth--my
breast swelling with pride.

"Monsieur," exclaimed the prince genially, "yesterday we had leisure for
but little speech, and my thanks were necessarily of the scantiest.
To-day I wish to acknowledge before your comrades in arms that, when I
was sorely beset and had no thought except to sell my life dearly, you
came in the most gallant manner to my rescue. I have not much to offer
you, monsieur, beyond my friendship, but that is yours until the day of
my death."

He paused here, and, unbuckling his sword, pla