," he said, "that the Bastard of Orleans
will ride privily to Louviers with men-at-arms. Now Louviers, where La
Hire lies in garrison, is but seven leagues from Rouen town, and what
secret enterprise can he purpose there, save to break the cage and set
free the bird?"

In this hope I tarried long, intending to ride with the spears of
Barthelemy, and placing my trust on two knights so good and skilled in
war as La Hire and the Bastard, the Maid's old companions in fight.

But the days waxed long, and it was March the thirteenth ere we rode
north, and already the doctors had begun to entrap the Maid with their
questions, whereof there could be but one end.

Without adventure very notable, riding much at night, through forests and
byways, we came to Louviers, where they received us joyfully. For it was
very well known that the English were minded to besiege this town, that
braved them so near their gates at Rouen, and that they only held back
till they had slain the Maid. While she lived they dared not stir
against us, knowing well that their men feared to follow their flag.

Now, indeed, I was in good hope, but alas! there were long counsels of
the captains, there was much harrying of Normandy, and some outlying
bands of English were trapped, and prisoners were taken. But of an
assault on Rouen we heard no word, and, indeed, the adventure was
desperate, though, for the honour of France, I marvel yet that it was not
put to the touch.

"There is nought to be done," Barthelemy said to me; "I cannot take Rouen
with a handful of spears, and the captains will not stir."

"Then," said I, "farewell, for under the lilies I fight never again. One
chance remains, and I go to prove it."

"Man, you are mad," he answered me. "What desperate peril are you minded
to run?"

"I am minded to end this matter," I said. "My honour and my very life
stand upon it. Ask me not why, and swear that you will keep this secret
from all men, if you would do the last service to me, and to Her, whom we
both love. I tell you that, help me or hinder me, I have no choice but
this; yet so much I will say to you, that I put myself in this jeopardy
for my honour and the honour of Scotland, and for my lady."

"The days are past for the old chivalry," he said; "but no more words. I
swear by St. Ouen to keep your counsel, and if more I can do, without
mere madness and risk out of all hope, I will do it."

"This you can do without risk. Let me