I hardly thought he would venture his life by misleading us of set
purpose, yet for all that I rode cautiously, keeping my eyes open for
any sign of the enemy. But either by good luck or our prisoner's skilful
guidance--and it matters little which--we entirely avoided the Royalist
army, and came up with our own troops just as they had halted for a
short rest.

Being instantly challenged, I gave my name to the officer, and asked
where the Admiral was to be found.

"I will take you to him," said he, and he led us through the camp,
walking by the horse's side.

Coligny was eating his frugal meal, but he glanced up at our approach,
and the officer said, "Edmond Le Blanc, general, who claims to belong to
your household."

"Le Blanc!" echoed the Admiral, knitting his brows--he had doubtless
forgotten me--"ah, of course; you have been absent from duty a long
time."

"I had the misfortune to be left behind at Roche Abeille, my lord."

"Ah, I remember. You are Bellièvre's comrade, and you carried my message
to De Courcy. So you have recovered?"

"Yes, my lord; but I have something important to say. I have had the
good luck to capture a messenger carrying a despatch from the Duke of
Montpensier to Monseigneur."