set my horse into a canter. Now and again I
overtook a body of troops, marching cheerfully, and singing their
favourite hymns. They, too, were tired of inaction, and eager to plunge
into the strife.

With the falling of darkness I slackened my pace, riding carefully,
listening for any unusual sounds, and peering into the gloom. I had not
forgotten my former adventure, but nothing untoward happened, and
shortly after midnight I drew rein at the gate of the town.

"Your business?" exclaimed the officer of the guard.

"I am from Rochelle, with a despatch for your commandant."

"From the Prince?"

"From the Admiral--it is all one."

The gate was opened, and, having dismounted, I led my horse forward by
the bridle.

"You have had a dark ride, monsieur."

"But a safe one," I answered, laughing. "Where is the commandant to be
found? He will not feel well pleased at being wakened from his sleep."

"Ah, you do not know him! He is like the owl, and sleeps only in the
daylight. At other times he watches; he is going the rounds now, and
will be with us in a few minutes. It will need a craftier leader than
Anjou to take Saint Jean d'Angely by surprise! Ah, here is the
commandant!"

A veteran soldier, with white moustaches, white hair, and grizzled
beard! A strongly-built man of middle height, with resolute, determined
face, and an air that betokened long years of command.

"A despatch from the Admiral, monsieur," I said, saluting and handing
him the packet.

Tearing off the covering, he read the letter by the light of a torch,
folded the paper, and put it away carefully. By his face one could not
judge whether the information he had received was good or ill.

"You are from Rochelle?" he asked sharply.

"I have just ridden from there, monsieur."

"And are you returning?"

"No, monsieur. I am proceeding to Cognac."

"You have had a brisk ride, and your horse is in leed of rest. Come with
me."

He conducted me to an inn, wakened the landlord, and did not leave until
my horse was comfortably stabled, and preparations for a good supper
were in progress. Then he said: "You will be starting early in the
morning. Have a care on your journey to Cognac. Bodies of the enemy have
been prowling around the district for some days."

"I thank you, monsieur. I was unaware they had ventured so far south."

"They are striking, I think, at Angouleme," he said; "I have sent a
courier to Rochelle with the news. Good-night! And d