"If the supper is cooked by then!" answered Jacques slily.

There seemed to be some little doubt about that, but finally our host,
who had been scouring the village, returned in triumph with provisions
for an ample meal.

Awake soon after dawn, we fed the animals, broke our own fast, and,
having settled the score, started off on the highroad to Poictiers.

It was, by the position of the sun, about nine o'clock in the morning
when we perceived a horseman approaching us. He appeared in a desperate
hurry, and was spurring his horse vigorously.

"Jacques!" I exclaimed, "this is a soldier of some sort. Will he be
coming from Montpensier, think you?"

"Likely enough, monsieur."

"If so, he may carry important news, and his information may be of
service to the Admiral. It should be easy for us to obtain it."

"True, monsieur; he will never dream of danger."

"But we must not hurt him, Jacques; mind that."

"Nothing more than a tap on the head," said Jacques, "if he should prove
obstinate."

The rider came along at a swinging pace. He was a young fellow, richly