“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, a second messenger met us.

“They are across, my lord,” he cried, “all but ourselves; and the Prince is preparing to defend the ford on the farther side of the river.  He begs that you will come immediately; the waters are rising.”

“Forward!  Forward!” Laughing and cheering, we raced along, a few wounded, but none seriously, and most of us unharmed.  Our comrades were marshalled on the opposite bank, and they cried to us to hasten.  From what cause—­unless by a direct intervention of Providence—­I know not, but the river was rising rapidly, and the last of our troop were compelled to swim several yards.

But we reached the bank without mishap, and turning round perceived our stubborn pursuers advancing at full speed.  The foremost horsemen reaching the river drew rein; the ford was no longer visible, and they had no means of passage.  They wandered along the bank disconsolately, while we, sending them one last cheer, rode after our van.