reat a favourite as Felix. Indeed, I sometimes thought that Jeanne
regarded him with even more favour. She spent much time in his company,
listening to his accounts of the English Court and of his own home,
which was situated in a district called Devonshire. I think Felix was
not too well pleased with this intimacy, but whatever sorrow it caused
him he kept locked up in his own breast.

One evening, they started together to the house, expecting me to follow
as soon as I was relieved of my duty. It was, I remember, about a half
after six, when I left the hotel. The streets as usual were thronged
with citizens and soldiers, who in some places almost blocked the road.
In front of me was a horseman, to all appearance but newly arrived. He
was proceeding at a foot pace, and evidently looking for suitable
accommodation.

"A fine beast!" I thought, glancing at the animal, and then--"Surely I
have seen that horse before!"

The knowledge did not come to me at once, but by degrees I remembered
the early morning ride through the sleeping village of Le Blanc, and the
richly-dressed cavalier with whom we had travelled some distance. I
quickened my steps, and scanned the rider closely. I could not see his
face well, but there could be no mistaking the alert, soldierly figure,
and the short, brown curls escaping over the forehead.

"Faith, my friend," I said to myself, "the tables are turned now! One
word from me, and you would be torn in pieces; but you must be a brave
rascal to venture alone into Rochelle! If Anjou has many spies as
fearless as you, he must be well served."

I walked close behind him, wondering what was best to be done. He was
certainly a spy, who had entered the city for the purpose of searching
out our strength and weakness. Perhaps it would be best to call a
patrol, and have him arrested on the spot. I was still considering this,
when he turned up a side street and dismounted before the door of an
inn. An ostler led his horse to the stables, and he entered the house.

Now the fellow was so completely in my power that I had the mind to
watch him a little further. Several persons were in the room, but he had
taken his place at an unoccupied table in the corner, and called for the
host.

"Some food and a little wine," he said, "but serve me quickly; I have
important business on hand."

"Monsieur has travelled?" said the landlord, with a glance at his boots.

"Yes," he answered, "and one feels safer inside