ging. Indeed, he so won
upon me, that, after the first mile or two of our journey, we were
chatting like old friends.

"You must be a person of importance," he declared merrily. "Your coming
has created a tremendous commotion at Tanlay. Is it true that the Guises
are bent on a fresh war?"

"I cannot tell; I am nothing more than a messenger."

"'Twas said last night you were the bearer of startling news. There was
whisper of a plot to swoop down upon the Admiral and on Conde, and to
whisk them off to Paris. Faith, if the Guises once got them there we
should see little of them again."

"Why has the Admiral no soldiers?"

"Because he is too honourable to distrust others. He believes they will
keep their word. As for me, I would as soon trust a starving wolf as a
Guise, or the Queen-Mother. The Admiral is foolish, but he is too
good-hearted to think about himself."

Praise of the Admiral entered largely into Bellievre's conversation, as
indeed it did into that of all his retinue. No one was so wise or
strong, so full of courage and good sense, so patient and forbearing, so
grand and noble as Gaspard de Coligny. It was hero worship, perhaps, but
hero worship of the truest kind. Not one of his household but would have
died for him.

"Do you know," I said presently, "that the Admiral is coming to Noyers?"

"And his gentlemen! It looks as if rumour for once spoke true."

"But we cannot defend ourselves at Noyers against an army!"

"No, that is impossible. Besides, our leaders must be free, or there
will be no one to command the troops. Fancy an army without Conde or the
Admiral at its head!" and he laughed merrily.

"Then what is likely to be done?"

"Faith, I have no notion!" he answered lightly.

"We march and countermarch and fight, just as we are bidden; it is all
one to those of Coligny's household. We never ask questions."

It was a glorious day, with a fresh breeze tempering the heat of the
sun, and we rode along gaily. My comrade had already learned habits of
caution, but there was really no danger, and late in the afternoon we
reached Noyers, where, after a short delay, I was admitted into Conde's
presence.

He had received a message from Tanlay some hours previously, and he said
at once: "You are Edmond Le Blanc, who brought the packet from La
Rochelle."

"From the Castle of Le Blanc, my lord, where it was given me by Ambroise
Devine."

"Ah, yes, he was attacked and wounded. What did he tell you?