"To Monseigneur!" and, turning to my prisoner, he said, "Is he not with
the troops who attacked us?"

"I do not know the customs of your gentlemen, my lord," he replied, with
a low bow, "but it is not our practice to betray secrets to an enemy."

"A proper answer," said the Admiral, with more slowness of speech even
than usual, "and a just reproof. But this paper should tell what I wish
to learn," and he broke the seal.

"Montpensier's division alone," he muttered; "this is valuable
information. Le Blanc, can we be sure of this?"

"It is certain, my lord, that Monseigneur's troops are not present,
though I believe they are hurrying to join with the Duke's."

"There will be just time," he said, "just time," and, leaving his meal,
he instantly summoned his principal officers.

As soon as my interview with him was over a dozen of my old comrades
crowded around, congratulating me on my recovery, and asking all sorts
of questions. Several familiar faces were missing, and I learned that
more than one of my intimate friends had been left behind in the
trenches at Poictiers. Felix, happily, was unhurt, and he informed me
that Roger Braund was still with the little troop of Englishmen.

"But what of your prisoner?" he asked. "Has he given his parole?"

"No, I fancy he is rather counting on the chance of escape."