ling vigorously, though I was fast losing all hope,
when the tramp of hoofs sounded in the distance. Who were the
travellers? They could not make our situation worse; they might improve
it. Our assailants seemed to be of the same opinion, and, leaving
Jacques, they flung themselves at me.

Could I hold out a few minutes longer? I set my teeth hard, and braced
myself for the effort. Twice the unknown cavalier missed my breast by a
hair's breadth; but I was still unwounded, save for a slight scratch,
when a body of mounted men turned the bend in the road. They appeared to
be a nobleman's bodyguard, and wore blue favours, but this told me
nothing.

Jacques, however, was better informed. "Lord St. Cyr!" he cried feebly.
"For the Admiral!" and sank to the ground.

Echoing my comrade's words, I cried lustily, "For the Admiral!" at which
the gentlemen set spurs to their horses, while our assailants as hastily
rode off.

Before the troop came up, I dismounted, and bending over my comrade
whispered, "Who is this St. Cyr?"

"A friend," he replied; "the papers are safe now; you can trust him."

A noble-looking gentleman rode in front of the troop. He was well
advanced in years--at least fourscore, as I afterwards learned--but he
sat erect in his saddle, and his eyes were keen and vigorous.

"What is the meaning of this, monsieur?" he asked sternly, as I went
toward him.

"Am I speaking to the Lord St. Cyr?" I asked.

"I am the Count of St. Cyr."

"Then, my lord, I can speak freely. My name is Edmond Le Blanc; my
father is the Sieur Le Blanc----"

"Sufficient recommendation," he interrupted, with a genial smile.

"My servant and I were on our way to Tanlay, carrying important
despatches to the Admiral. At the ford we were attacked by five
ruffians. Two were wounded; the others followed us here."

"What was their object?"

"I fear, my lord, they must have learned the nature of my mission."

"And wished to obtain possession of the papers! Are they really of great
importance?"

"The original bearer, my lord, was waylaid and grievously wounded near
my home. He assured me solemnly that their loss would probably plunge
thousands of Frenchmen into mourning. He hinted at some special peril to
the Admiral."

"You have made a gallant fight," said the count, "and Providence has
plainly sent us to your aid. Your servant is wounded I see. Leave him to
my care, and meanwhile I will provide you with suitable escort. The
ruf