“Whether we fight or retreat,” said he, “in my opinion the situation is equally desperate.”

“The Council has decided to give battle,” exclaimed Felix, who had just come from the Admiral’s tent.

“Then a good many of us are spending our last evening on earth,” observed Roger calmly.

“We must take our chance,” said Felix; “every battle levies its toll; but I can see no more danger here than at Roche Abeille.  Do you think our fellows have lost heart?”

“Not exactly; but they are dispirited, while their opponents are full of confidence.”

“We beat them at Roche Abeille!”

“They have recovered from that defeat.”

“We flung them off at Dive!”

“A bagatelle!  Remember, only Montpensier’s division was engaged.  Things are different now.  Monseigneur has a thoroughly good army.  His cavalry especially are as brave as ours, and far more numerous.  Still, I may be looking through a smoked glass.  This time to-morrow you may be rallying me on my gloomy prophecy.  I hope so, with all my heart!”

“I am sure of it,” laughed Felix merrily.  “You will not have the courage to look me in the face!”

During this conversation there was a matter on my mind of which I was resolved to speak before my English comrade returned to his own quarters.

“Is it necessary,” I asked, “to carry that flag into the battle to-morrow?  According to your account, the conflict will be a desperate one; is it well to expose your comrades to even greater danger?  The sight of it will rouse your opponents to fury, and your troop will be singled out for vengeance.”

“As Felix would say, we must take our chance,” he answered smilingly.  “The Admiral committed the flag to our charge, and, my comrades will guard it with their lives.”

“It is needless risk.”

“I think not, Edmond; it will put heart into us when the hour of trial comes.  But the night grows late; I must wish you farewell, and trust that we may meet again when the battle is over.”

We bade him good-night, and, having no duties to perform, lay down to rest.  I slept very lightly, my brain being filled with all sorts of confused fancies, and it was a relief to hear the bugles sound the rouse.

Felix sprang up cheerfully, and in a short time we had placed ourselves in attendance on our chief, who greeted us with his usual grave but kindly smile.

“Let us commend our souls to God, gentlemen,” he said reverently, “and beseech Him to strengthen our hearts in the approaching encounter.”

It may have been pure fancy on my part, but as we rode along the lines I seemed to miss that air of cheerful confidence which had been so evident at Roche Abeille.  The men greeted their general with cheers, and I had no doubt they would do their duty; but they lacked that eager vivacity which goes so far toward winning victory.

Across the plain the enemy were drawn up in two lines with their artillery posted on a hill, and about eight o’clock the first cannon ball came booming toward us.  Instantly our guns replied, and a fierce artillery duel which lasted throughout the battle began.