CHAPTER XI

A Desperate Conflict


WE had crossed the Dive safely, the cavalry last of all, and the
soldiers, wearied by their long marches, had thrown themselves down to
snatch a brief rest. The enemy were assembling on the opposite bank of
the river, and it was plain that they had been heavily reinforced.

"Monseigneur must have arrived with his troops," said Felix. "I hope the
Admiral will offer him battle. The victory over Montpensier has put our
fellows in fine fettle; they would fight now with a good heart."

"The enemy have us at a disadvantage," said Roger. "You forget our guns
are at Montcontour."

A surgeon had dressed his wounds; he had borrowed a helmet from a
comrade, and had changed his doublet. His left arm troubled him
somewhat, but otherwise he suffered no ill effects from his famous fight
for the flag.

"They outnumber us, too," said I, "especially in their cavalry, and
Anjou's gentlemen are no mean sworders."

"But we must fight at some time or other; we cannot wander about the
country for ever!" laughed Felix. "It seems to me we have been playing
at hide-and-seek with Anjou ever since leaving Poictiers. And let me