When they left the tent, to retail the circumstances of the Prince’s death, I was glad to lie down.  I was still anxious concerning my English comrade, but Felix, who was too excited to sleep, promised to bring me any information that he could gather.  My head ached terribly, but I managed to sleep, and for an hour or two at least I forgot the dismal tragedy that had occurred.

The whole camp was astir in the early morning, and my comrade brought me very welcome news.  Roger had arrived during the night, with about a dozen fellow-countrymen, tired out but unwounded.

“I half expected he was dead,” I said; “he was in the very thickest of the melee.”

“Humph!” said Felix, “I warrant he fought with no greater bravery than Edmond Le Blanc!  He is a gallant fellow enough, but you need not worship him as a hero.”

I looked at my comrade with surprise, and I think he felt rather ashamed of his ungenerous speech, as he continued:  “however, he is unhurt, which is the main thing.  It seems we have lost quite a number of brave fellows besides Conde at Jarnac.”

“I suppose the last of the stragglers are in?”

“Yes, and we strike camp almost immediately.  Anjou is very kind to give us breathing time.  According to our scouts, he is actually going to lay siege to Cognac.”

“He will meet with a warm reception!”

“If the citizens can hold him only for a few weeks,” said Felix, “all will go well.  We are to be joined by strong reinforcements.  The sun will shine again, Edmond.”

Making my way through the camp after breakfast I came across Roger, who had Just risen from a brief sleep.

“I did not come to your tent last night,” he said; “there was no need to disturb you.  You are not much hurt?”

“No, but rather ashamed!  We have begun badly.”

“And shall therefore make a better ending,” said he brightly.  “Cheer up, Edmond, there is no disgrace in being beaten by twice our number.  Jarnac is not the only field of battle in France.”

CHAPTER IX

A Glorious Victory

The steady courage and resolute will of our great leader raised the spirits of every soldier under his command; the disaster at Jarnac became more and more a dream; the retreat to Niort was conducted without the least disorder or confusion.  Every one trusted Coligny, and felt that under his rule all would go well.

And, as far as human skill and foresight could prevail, the Admiral deserved our confidence.  All through the day, and far into the night, he toiled, and never grew weary; at one time inspecting his troops, at another strengthening his defences; now endeavouring to form some useful alliance, again writing cheerful letters and putting heart into the more timid of our friends.