e had given.

When he reached the threshold of the door the prisoner stopped. The
soldiers, who knew only their orders, attempted to force him along.

"One moment," said the prisoner, in French. "I am ready to speak, my
lord."

"Ah! ah!" said the prince, laughing, "I thought we should come to that.
I have a sure method of limbering tongues. Young men, take advantage of
it against the time when you may be in command."

"But on condition," continued the prisoner, "that your highness will
swear that my life shall be safe."

"Upon my honor," said the prince.

"Question, then, my lord."

"Where did the army cross the Lys?"

"Between Saint-Venant and Aire."

"By whom is it commanded?"

"By Count de Fuonsaldagna, General Beck and the archduke."

"Of how many does it consist?"

"Eighteen thousand men and thirty-six cannon."

"And its aim is?"

"Lens."

"You see; gentlemen!" said the prince, turning with a triumphant air
toward Marshal de Grammont and the other officers.

"Yes, my lord," said the marshal, "you have divined all that was
possible to human genius."

"Recall Le Plessis, Bellievre, Villequier and D'Erlac," said the prince,
"recall all the troops that are on this side of the Lys. Let them hold
themselves in readiness to march to-night. To-morrow, according to all
probability, we shall attack the enemy."

"But, my lord," said Marshal de Grammont, "consider that when we have
collected all our forces we shall have hardly thirteen thousand men."

"Monsieur le marechal," said the prince, with that wonderful glance that
was peculiar to him, "it is with small armies that great battles are
won."

Then turning toward the prisoner, "Take away that man," he said, "and
keep him carefully in sight. His life is dependent on the information
he has given us; if it is true, he shall be free; if false, let him be
shot."

The prisoner was led away.

"Count de Guiche," said the prince, "it is a long time since you saw
your father, remain here with him. Monsieur," he continued, addressing
Raoul, "if you are not too tired, follow me."

"To the end of the world, my lord!" cried Raoul, feeling an unknown
enthusiasm for that young general, who seemed to him so worthy of his
renown.

The prince smiled; he despised flatterers, but he appreciated
enthusiasts.

"Come, monsieur," he said, "you are good in council, as we have already
discovered; to-morrow we shall know if you are good in action."

"And I," said