o had, before the
outbreak of the troubles, occupied the rank of colonel general of
the French infantry. His death was attributed by both parties to
poison, believed to have been administered by an emissary of
Catherine de Medici. The fact, however, was not clearly
established; and possibly he fell a victim to arduous and unceasing
toil and exertion.

Both Francois de Laville and Philip Fletcher had been severely
wounded in the battle of Jarnac, and some twenty of their troop had
fallen in the fight. They were able, however, to sit their horses
until they reached Cognac. The Admiral visited them, as soon as he
arrived there. He had noticed the little band, as it emerged
unbroken from the charge and, at once, ranged itself up to aid him
in retreating from the village of Bassac, until Conde's charge
enabled him to draw off. He praised the cousins highly for their
conduct and, as soon as they were able to be about again, he
bestowed on both the honour of knighthood; and then sent them to La
Rochelle, to remain there until perfectly cured.

The vacancies in the troop were filled up by young men from the
estate, who responded to the summons, of the countess, for men to
take the place of those who had fallen in her son's command.

The young Prince of Navarre had, while at Cognac, paid frequent
visits to Philip, for whom he had taken a great liking; and he
again begged Coligny to appoint him as one of the knights told off
as his special bodyguard. The Admiral, however, repeated the
arguments he had before used.

"He is very young, prince, though he has borne himself so well; and
it would create much jealousy among our young nobles, were I to
choose a foreigner for so honourable a post."

"But my councillors are all staid men, Admiral; and I want someone
I can talk to, without ceremony."

"There are plenty of young Frenchmen, prince. If you must choose
one, why not take the Count de Laville? You were saying, but
yesterday, that you liked him."

"Yes, he is something like his cousin. I think being together has
given him Philip's manner. If I cannot have Philip, I should like
to have him."

"He would doubtless feel it a great honour, prince; while I doubt,
were I to offer the post to the young Englishman, if he would
accept it. He has not come here to seek honour, but to fight for
our faith. I had a conversation with him, one day, and found that
it was with that simple purpose he came here; and however
honourable the