a second messenger met us.

"They are across, my lord," he cried, "all but ourselves; and the Prince
is preparing to defend the ford on the farther side of the river. He
begs that you will come immediately; the waters are rising."

"Forward! Forward!" Laughing and cheering, we raced along, a few
wounded, but none seriously, and most of us unharmed. Our comrades were
marshalled on the opposite bank, and they cried to us to hasten. From
what cause--unless by a direct intervention of Providence--I know not,
but the river was rising rapidly, and the last of our troop were
compelled to swim several yards.

But we reached the bank without mishap, and turning round perceived our
stubborn pursuers advancing at full speed. The foremost horsemen
reaching the river drew rein; the ford was no longer visible, and they
had no means of passage. They wandered along the bank disconsolately,
while we, sending them one last cheer, rode after our van.

"A point in the game to us, Edmond," said my comrade, "and oddly gained
too. The Admiral's chaplain will make use of that in his next discourse.
He will say that Providence is fighting on our side."

"'Tis at least a good omen! Had the enemy crossed, we must have been
defeated."

"Perhaps so; perhaps not. I'll wager Guise is storming over yonder, at
the escape of his prey."

"But why wasn't the ford guarded?" I asked.

"An oversight, most likely, and a fortunate one for us. However, we are
out of the trap."

"There is still a long distance to go."

"Yes, but every day's journey improves our position. Conde feels secure
now; he dreaded only the passage of the Loire. Guise made a huge blunder
which, in the future, will cost him dear."

Encouraged by our escape, and more so by the strange manner of it, we
rode on with light hearts, chatting gaily about our past adventures, and
looking forward with confidence to our safe arrival at Rochelle.

"I suppose you will throw in your lot with us," said Bellievre, as we
lay sheltering one noon from the sun's heat; "it is a great honour to
belong to the Admiral's household."

"I should like it of all things, but there are two objections to the
plan. In the first place the Admiral has not offered me the privilege,
and in the second I must return home. My parents will be alarmed at such
a long absence."

"Yes," he said slowly, "you must visit your father and mother. As for
the first objection," he added mysteriously, "it can be remedied
e