read and out of all
comfort. But, when first I might, I sought D'Aulon and told him all the
tale of Brother Thomas, and all the evil I knew of him, as well as I
could, and I showed him wherefore I had sought to slay the man, as
forsworn and a traitor, who had manifestly fled to the English, being by
his doggish nature the enemy of the Maid. I so wrought with him, though
he was weary, and would scarce listen to my tale, that he promised to
speak for me to the Maid, without whom I was a man lost. Moreover, he
swore that, as early as might be, he would visit the Church of St.
Aignan, and there examine into the matter of this cordelier, whom some
knew, and could testify against, if he was my man.

No more could I do that night, but next morning D'Aulon awoke me a little
after dawn.

"It is a true tale," he said, "and worse than I deemed, for your bird has
flown! Last night he so spoke with me in the church when I lodged him
there, that I reckoned him a simple man and a pious. But he has vanished
from among his brethren, none knows how or whither."

"The devil, his master, knows," I said. "Faith, he has a shrewd care of
his own. But this, I misdoubt me, is the beginning of evil to us and to
the Maid."

"A knave more or less is of little count in the world," said he; "but now
I must make your peace with the Maid, for she speaks of no less than
sending you forth from her household."

His promise he kept so well--for he was a very honourable man, as any in
France--that the Maid sent for me and showed me the best countenance,
even begging my pardon with all sweetness, and in so fair a manner that I
could have wept.

"It was my first blow in war," she said, smiling kindly, as was her
manner, "and I hope to strike no more as with my own hand, wherefore I
carry my banner to avoid the slaying of men. But verily I deemed that
you were about stabbing my prisoner, and him a priest. Belike we shall
hear no more of him, and I misdoubt that he is no true son of Holy
Church. To-day let me see you bear yourself as boldly against armed men,
that I may report well of you to your lady and my friend."

Therewith she held out her hands and took mine, as frankly as does one
brother in arms with another. And I kissed her hand, and kept my tears
in my own heart. But no deadlier blow for France and for herself was
ever dealt than when the Maid struck down my sword, that was thirsting
for the blood of Brother Thomas, and was withi