rospects seemed to me far from rosy, and I
found that Roger Braund held the same view.

"Whether we fight or retreat," said he, "in my opinion the situation is
equally desperate."

"The Council has decided to give battle," exclaimed Felix, who had just
come from the Admiral's tent.

"Then a good many of us are spending our last evening on earth,"
observed Roger calmly.

"We must take our chance," said Felix; "every battle levies its toll;
but I can see no more danger here than at Roche Abeille. Do you think
our fellows have lost heart?"

"Not exactly; but they are dispirited, while their opponents are full of
confidence."

"We beat them at Roche Abeille!"

"They have recovered from that defeat."

"We flung them off at Dive!"

"A bagatelle! Remember, only Montpensier's division was engaged. Things
are different now. Monseigneur has a thoroughly good army. His cavalry
especially are as brave as ours, and far more numerous. Still, I may be
looking through a smoked glass. This time to-morrow you may be rallying
me on my gloomy prophecy. I hope so, with all my heart!"

"I am sure of it," laughed Felix merrily. "You will not have the courage
to look me in the face!"

During this conversation there was a matter on my mind of which I was
resolved to speak before my English comrade returned to his own
quarters.

"Is it necessary," I asked, "to carry that flag into the battle
to-morrow? According to your account, the conflict will be a desperate
one; is it well to expose your comrades to even greater danger? The
sight of it will rouse your opponents to fury, and your troop will be
singled out for vengeance."

"As Felix would say, we must take our chance," he answered smilingly.
"The Admiral committed the flag to our charge, and, my comrades will
guard it with their lives."

"It is needless risk."

"I think not, Edmond; it will put heart into us when the hour of trial
comes. But the night grows late; I must wish you farewell, and trust
that we may meet again when the battle is over."

We bade him good-night, and, having no duties to perform, lay down to
rest. I slept very lightly, my brain being filled with all sorts of
confused fancies, and it was a relief to hear the bugles sound the
rouse.

Felix sprang up cheerfully, and in a short time we had placed ourselves
in attendance on our chief, who greeted us with his usual grave but
kindly smile.

"Let us commend our souls to God, gentlemen," he said revere