The Great Bastard—­him of the ducal house, and governor of Orleans—­had been clamoring for weeks for Joan to be sent to him, and now came another messenger, old D’Aulon, a veteran officer, a trusty man and fine and honest.  The King kept him, and gave him to Joan to be chief of her household, and commanded her to appoint the rest of her people herself, making their number and dignity accord with the greatness of her office; and at the same time he gave order that they should be properly equipped with arms, clothing, and horses.

Meantime the King was having a complete suit of armor made for her at Tours.  It was of the finest steel, heavily plated with silver, richly ornamented with engraved designs, and polished like a mirror.

Joan’s Voices had told her that there was an ancient sword hidden somewhere behind the altar of St. Catherine’s at Fierbois, and she sent De Metz to get it.  The priests knew of no such sword, but a search was made, and sure enough it was found in that place, buried a little way under the ground.  It had no sheath and was very rusty, but the priests polished it up and sent it to Tours, whither we were now to come.  They also had a sheath of crimson velvet made for it, and the people of Tours equipped it with another, made of cloth-of-gold.  But Joan meant to carry this sword always in battle; so she laid the showy sheaths away and got one made of leather.  It was generally believed that his sword had belonged to Charlemagne, but that was only a matter of opinion.  I wanted to sharpen that old blade, but she said it was not necessary, as she should never kill anybody, and should carry it only as a symbol of authority.

At Tours she designed her Standard, and a Scotch painter named James Power made it.  It was of the most delicate white boucassin, with fringes of silk.  For device it bore the image of God the Father throned in the clouds and holding the world in His hand; two angels knelt at His feet, presenting lilies; inscription, Jesus, Maria; on the reverse the crown of France supported by two angels.

She also caused a smaller standard or pennon to be made, whereon was represented an angel offering a lily to the Holy Virgin.

Everything was humming there at Tours.  Every now and then one heard the bray and crash of military music, every little while one heard the measured tramp of marching men—­squads of recruits leaving for Blois; songs and shoutings and huzzas filled the air night and day, the town was full of strangers, the streets and inns were thronged, the bustle of preparation was everywhere, and everybody carried a glad and cheerful face.  Around Joan’s headquarters a crowd of people was always massed, hoping for a glimpse of the new General, and when they got it, they went wild; but they seldom got it, for she was busy planning her campaign, receiving reports, giving orders, despatching couriers, and giving what odd moments she could spare to the companies of great folk waiting in the drawing-rooms.  As for us boys, we hardly saw her at all, she was so occupied.