“I really believe,” said Felix one morning, “that we are about to move.  Conde has issued instructions for all his followers to hold themselves in readiness, and a body of infantry left Rochelle an hour ago.”

We were on duty in the Admiral’s ante-chamber, and my comrade had just finished speaking when our leader, attended as usual by the Sieur de Guerchy, ascended the staircase.  He glanced round at us with his kindly smile, and, clapping me lightly on the shoulder, exclaimed:  “A word with you in my room, Monsieur Le Blanc.”

Expecting some trifling commission, such as often fell to his gentlemen of the bodyguard, I followed him into the apartment, and stood waiting to hear his commands.

“A prudent youth, De Guerchy,” he remarked to his companion, “and not without experience.  He it was who brought the timely warning to Tanlay.  His father is the Sieur Le Blanc.”

“A gallant soldier!” said De Guerchy with decision.

“And I think the lad will follow in his father’s footsteps.  I am about to send him to Saint Jean d’Angely, and to Cognac,” adding, with a laugh, “’tis a far less distance than to Tanlay.”

“But the commission is almost as important,” said De Guerchy.

“Much less dangerous though,” and, turning to me, he added:  “Can you carry a letter to the commandant at Cognac?”

“I will do my best, my lord.”

“Then make your preparations; I shall be ready for you at the end of two hours.”

I saluted and returned to the ante-chamber, where Felix, catching sight of my smiling face, exclaimed:  “More good fortune, Edmond?  I shall be jealous of you soon!  Why do the Fates select you for their favours?”

“It is an affair of little importance,” I said.

“Does it carry you away from Rochelle?”

“A short distance; but I must attend to my horse; our patron is in a hurry,” and expecting that we should meet later I hurried away.

Having saddled my horse and put my pistols in order I paid a hasty visit home, though fully expecting to be back in the city within a few days.  My father, however, thought my absence would be for a longer period.

“The truth is, Edmond,” he said, “that the campaign has opened.  Some of the troops have already started, and Coligny himself leaves the city before night.  So, should you be charged with a message for him, you are not likely to return to Rochelle.”

“And you?” I asked.

“I am waiting for orders, I may march with the troops, or remain here; it depends on our leaders.”

My father’s information put a greyer colour on the farewell; Jeanne and my mother embraced me very tenderly, and neither could altogether keep back the tell-tale tears.  Still, they were very brave, and when at last I rode off, they stood at the window waving their handkerchiefs and smiling, though I suspect the smiles quickly faded after I disappeared from sight.