n the highroad to Poictiers.

It was, by the position of the sun, about nine o'clock in the morning
when we perceived a horseman approaching us. He appeared in a desperate
hurry, and was spurring his horse vigorously.

"Jacques!" I exclaimed, "this is a soldier of some sort. Will he be
coming from Montpensier, think you?"

"Likely enough, monsieur."

"If so, he may carry important news, and his information may be of
service to the Admiral. It should be easy for us to obtain it."

"True, monsieur; he will never dream of danger."

"But we must not hurt him, Jacques; mind that."

"Nothing more than a tap on the head," said Jacques, "if he should prove
obstinate."

The rider came along at a swinging pace. He was a young fellow, richly
dressed, and of a handsome appearance.

"Good news, monsieur!" I cried, riding toward him. "Do you carry good
news?"

It was evident that he had not the slightest idea of meeting with an
enemy in the rear of Montpensier's troops. He drew rein, saying, "Are
you from Monseigneur? I am bearing him welcome information. Coligny is
retreating, we fell on his rear just now and drove it in. Ah, ah, 'tis a
rich joke! He thinks Monseigneur himself is here with the whole army."

"While 'tis only Montpensier with a division!" I said, laughing. "Where
shall we find the Duke?"

"An hour's ride, not more; but I must be going. Monseigneur waits to
make his plans."

The next instant Jacques had clutched his bridle rein, while the young
fellow was gazing in blank astonishment along the barrel of my pistol.

"'Tis a disagreeable necessity, monsieur," I remarked, speaking very
harshly, "but you are our prisoner. Tie the horses' reins together,
Jacques, and remove this gentleman's weapons. Do not stir, monsieur, it
would be foolish. A cry or a movement will cost your life. We must have
that despatch which you are carrying to Monseigneur."

"Who are you?" he asked.

"We belong to the Huguenot army, and have met you by a stroke of good
fortune. And now the document, monsieur! Will you surrender it? Or will
you compel us to search you? That is an undignified proceeding, and will
not help you at all."

"No," he agreed gloomily; "I am in your power. But this is a sorry
trick; I would rather you had forced the paper from me at the sword's
point. It would have been more creditable to your honour."

"That may be so, but meanwhile we await the paper."

Finding himself helpless, he handed me the docu