“Yes, I am going to join the Admiral,” I said; “but have you not had enough of adventures?  Would you not rather stay at Rochelle?”

“While monsieur is wandering about the country?” he asked.  “Ah,” as a servant came from the building, “here is a summons for monsieur!”

The commandant had finished his letter, and having received his instructions I returned to the courtyard, mounted my horse, and, followed by Jacques, started on my journey.  I was very glad of his company, since it took me out of myself, and gave me less opportunity for brooding.

“Did Monsieur Bellievre and the Englishman escape from Montcontour?” he asked, as we reached the open country.

“Yes, we shall meet them both at Saintes; but about yourself—­I was afraid you were killed.”

“So was I,” he laughed.  “Monsieur, it was a terrible day, and a still more terrible night.  Our poor fellows received little mercy.  Monseigneur’s troopers gave no quarter.  I got a nasty cut, and hid in a hollow till all was quiet; then I crawled out, took my choice of several riderless horses, and rode into the darkness.  I thought I might find the army somewhere, but there was no army to be found.”

“No,” I said rather bitterly, “the army was running to all the points of the compass.”

“That’s just what I was doing, monsieur.  What with the darkness, and the pain of my wound, and the fear of falling into the hands of Monseigneur’s troops, I lost my head entirely, and wandered about in a circle.  When morning came I was hardly a mile from Montcontour.  Then some peasants seized me, and for once in my life I was glad to count a robber among my friends.”

“How so?”

“One of the fellows was Jules Bredin, from our own village.  He recognized me, and as he possessed some authority I came to no harm.  Indeed, they took me to their camp in the woods, and attended to me until I had quite recovered.  I owe Jules a debt of gratitude.”

“On which side do these fellows fight?”

“I asked Jules that question myself, and he laughed in my face.  ’My dear Jacques,’ said the rascal, ’we fight for ourselves, and we get our victims from both parties.  They won’t let us work, so we must earn our living as best we can.’  And they seemed to be flourishing, monsieur.  They had no lack of wine and provisions.  Jules never feasted so well in his life before.  But, monsieur, what is the Admiral doing at Saintes?”

“That I do not know, Jacques, but doubtless we shall soon discover.”

Our journey passed without incident, and having delivered the despatch I sought my comrades.  Roger had by this time been made acquainted with my loss, and both he and Felix showed me the greatest kindness.  It was pleasant to feel that one possessed such trusty friends.

“You have arrived just in time,” said Felix, “for we march in the morning.”

“March?” I asked in surprise, “where?”