“We will waste no time on the road, my lord.”

Amidst a cheer from the rest of the bodyguard we rode forward, and were soon out of sight.  My new comrades were kindly, gallant gentlemen, in whose company I soon recovered my spirits.  Jacques was in no danger, while it was certain that I should now be able to place the paper in the Admiral’s hands.

Indeed, the remainder of the journey can be passed over almost without comment.  We travelled fast, making few halts, and on the evening of the next day rode into Tanlay.

The Admiral, who had just finished prayers, granted me immediate audience, and my heart throbbed with excitement as I entered his room.  I was about to see, for the first time, this splendid gentleman, who was to many thousands of Frenchmen the pride and glory of France.

He was of medium height, strongly made, well proportioned, and of a ruddy complexion.  His eyes had a grave but kindly expression; his countenance was severe and majestic.  “Here,” was my first thought, “is a true leader of men!” He spoke slowly, but his voice was soft, pleasant, and musical.

“Well, my young friend,” he said, “you have something of importance to communicate to me?”

I had ripped the lining of my doublet, and now handed him the packet.  “My story can wait, my lord,” I said, “this is the more pressing matter.”

He broke the seal and read the letter, slowly, as if committing each word to heart.  Then he said in his grave manner, “This is from La Rochelle, and should have reached me by the hand of Ambroise Devine.  Where is he?”

“There are those who desired that you should not receive this communication, my lord, and the original messenger lies in my father’s house, grievously wounded.  As there was none other to bring it, the packet was even entrusted to my keeping.”

“You are of the Religion?”

“The son of the Sieur Le Blanc could not well be otherwise, my lord.”

“The Sieur Le Blanc has proved his devotion on more than one battlefield.  So you are his son!  And you have risked your life to help me!  I am grateful, my young friend, and others will be grateful also; but I will speak with you again.  For the present I must place you under the care of my gentlemen.  There is much here,” touching the packet, “to be considered, and that without delay.  But you have deserved well of the Cause, boy, and the Sieur Le Blanc can be justly proud of his son.”

I was thoroughly tired by my long, hazardous journey, but I lay awake for hours that night, my cheeks burning at the remembrance of the Admiral’s words.  He had praised me—­Edmond Le Blanc—­this hero whom I regarded as the highest, the bravest, the noblest gentleman in the whole world!  It seemed incredible that I should have obtained such honour!

CHAPTER IV

How We Kept the Ford

Early next morning I was summoned to attend the Admiral, who received me very graciously.