ism. One could not wish a better introduction to
knightly feats. Ah, here comes one of Conde's men with news."

A cavalier galloping back from the advance-guard informed Andelot that
the ford was passable, and that the Prince expected us to keep off the
foe until the ladies, with a small escort, had crossed to the opposite
side.

"The Prince can trust in our devotion," replied Andelot briefly.

We proceeded steadily and in perfect order, Andelot last of all, when
presently we heard the thunder of hoofs and a loud shout of "For the
King!" as the foremost of the enemy tore pell-mell toward us. We
quickened our pace in seeming alarm, and the royalists rushed on
cheering as if their prey were already secured.

Suddenly Andelot gave the signal; we wheeled as one man, and with a yell
of defiance dashed at them. The surprise was complete. Confident in
their numbers they were riding anyhow, and before they could form we
were upon them. Down they went, horses and riders, while the air was
rent by shouts of "Conde!" "For the Cause!" "For the Admiral!" "Guise!
Guise!" In three minutes after the shock they were flying in wild
confusion back to their infantry.

"Bravo, gentlemen!" cried our leader, as we checked the pursuit and
reformed our ranks, "that is worth half an hour to our friends!"

"A smart affair that," remarked Bellievre, "but soon over. If Guise is
with the troops we shan't come off so well next time; he is a fine
soldier. But the women and children must have crossed the ford by now."

We proceeded steadily till the road turned, and here Andelot halted,
evidently expecting another attack. Nor had we long to wait. With a
sweeping rush the enemy returned, headed by a richly-dressed cavalier
on a superb horse, and shouting: "Guise! Guise!"

They outnumbered us by four to one, but we were well placed, and not a
man budged.

"Let them spend their strength," said our leader, "and when they waver,
charge home!"

The onset was terrific, but not a horseman broke through our ranks; they
crowded upon one another in the narrow pass; they had no room for the
play of their weapons, and while those in the rear were striving to push
forward, the foremost were thrust back upon them in a confused heap.

Then, above the din, was heard Andelot's voice, crying: "Charge,
gentlemen!" and with the force of a hurricane rush we swept them before
us like leaves scattered by an autumn gale. And as we returned, flushed
but triumphant,