After a while the troops fell in, and a number of richly-dressed officers rode along the lines, as if to inspect them.

"Jacques," I said softly, for all this time he had remained with the animals, "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 hors.e.m.e.n, 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 hors.e.m.e.n 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 pa.s.sing,--and these did no damage--made no effort to oppose our pa.s.sage.

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

"Faith!" cried Felix, "this is a queer proceeding. Ah, there is the reason," as a strong patrol of our own men came thundering along. The leader pointed ahead with his sword, as if asking a question, and Felix exclaimed quickly, "They are in front; their horses are getting blown."

We drew aside to give them room, as they galloped past in a cloud of dust, and then my comrade, turning to Jacques, said, "Can you manage the prisoners, Jacques? We must hurry on."

My servant produced a loaded pistol. "I am well provided, monsieur," he answered. "I think these gentlemen will not give trouble."

"Very good. Take your time; I expect our troops are on the march.

Forward, Edmond," and, setting spurs to our horses, we galloped off.

All danger was over now, and before long we caught sight of the advanced-guard of our army.

"Can you tell us where to find the general?" asked Felix of an officer, as we pulled up.

"He is with the centre, monsieur. Have you seen the enemy?"

"Yes," I answered, riding on, "and there will be some stirring work soon!"

CHAPTER XV

A Glorious Triumph

Coligny was riding with a group of his princ.i.p.al officers when we drew up, and he greeted us with a kindly smile.

"Here are our knights-errant," said he, "let us hear what they have to say. Have you seen the enemy, Bellievre?"

"Yes, my lord; their camp is a few miles beyond Arnay-le-Duc. They were preparing to march when we left, though they seemed to be in no particular hurry. The officers were holding some sort of inspection."

"Did you get close to them?"

"We had a clear view of the whole camp from the top of a wooded hill in the rear."

"And you have formed some idea of their numbers?"

"There were three of us, my lord, and we were all fairly well agreed.

The marshal has six guns, between four and five thousand cavalry, and about thirteen thousand infantry."

"Do you agree with that statement, Le Blanc?"

"The numbers are a little over my calculation, my lord; but not much."

"In any case, you think the figures are high enough?"

"That is absolutely certain," I replied.

"Good! We owe you both our best thanks."

They were simple words, simply spoken, but they went straight to our hearts, amply repaying us for the risks attendant on our night's adventure.

Marching slowly, and halting two or three times during the day, as the general wished to husband his men's strength, we arrived early in the evening at a little stream near Arnay-le-Duc, and beheld, on the other side, two or three thousand of the royalist cavalry. There were no guns in sight, and the infantry had been drawn up at some distance in the background.

The troops took their supper--a very meagre one, too; our provisions being at a low ebb--sentries were posted, and Coligny made all arrangements for battle, in case the enemy should attack before morning.

"There is Roger coming towards us!" I exclaimed, as we lay wrapped in our cloaks on the ground.

"He has come to discover if we are still alive!" said my comrade.

"You are wrong," laughed the Englishman, dropping down beside us; "Jacques told me he had kept you from coming to grief. I congratulate you on having such a servant. But, seriously, I am glad to see you back; the errand was rather venturesome for such young persons," and he laughed again in his rich, musical voice.

"Go away," said Felix, "before I am tempted to chastise you. It would be a pity to lose your services for to-morrow!"

"It would," agreed our friend. "By the look of things, Coligny will need all the swords he can muster. Did you find out anything about the enemy's strength?"