y
proposed to take a crossroad, which lay between that of Lens and that of
Bethune. They obtained information at Ablain, and a statement of their
route was left for Grimaud. About seven o'clock in the morning they set
out. De Guiche, who was young and impulsive, said to Raoul, "Here we
are, three masters and three servants. Our valets are well armed and
yours seems to be tough enough."

"I have never seen him put to the test," replied Raoul, "but he is a
Breton, which promises something."

"Yes, yes," resumed De Guiche; "I am sure he can fire a musket when
required. On my side I have two sure men, who have been in action with
my father. We therefore represent six fighting men; if we should meet
a little troop of enemies, equal or even superior in number to our own,
shall we charge them, Raoul?"

"Certainly, sir," replied the viscount.

"Holloa! young people--stop there!" said the tutor, joining in the
conversation. "Zounds! how you manoeuvre my instructions, count! You
seem to forget the orders I received to conduct you safe and sound to
his highness the prince! Once with the army you may be killed at your
good pleasure; but until that time, I warn you that in my capacity of
general of the army I shall order a retreat and turn my back on the
first red coat we come across." De Guiche and Raoul glanced at each
other, smiling.

They arrived at Ablain without accident. There they inquired and learned
that the prince had in reality quitted Bethune and stationed himself
between Cambria and La Venthie. Therefore, leaving directions at every
place for Grimaud, they took a crossroad which conducted the little
troop by the bank of a small stream flowing into the Lys. The country
was beautiful, intersected by valleys as green as the emerald. Here
and there they passed little copses crossing the path which they were
following. In anticipation of some ambuscade in each of these little
woods the tutor placed his two servants at the head of the band, thus
forming the advance guard. Himself and the two young men represented the
body of the army, whilst Olivain, with his rifle upon his knee and his
eyes upon the watch, protected the rear.

They had observed for some time before them, on the horizon, a rather
thick wood; and when they had arrived at a distance of a hundred steps
from it, Monsieur d'Arminges took his usual precautions and sent on in
advance the count's two grooms. The servants had just disappeared under
the trees,