This, however, was stark madness, so we galloped on, with the royalists
like sleuth-hounds on our track.

Presently they slackened their pace, and then abandoned the pursuit, for
we were approaching our cavalry, commanded by Count Louis of Nassau.

"You are welcome, brave hearts!" he exclaimed, "every man is needed,"
and his troops cheered us vigorously.

"My lord," I said, riding up and saluting, "I have come from the
Admiral; he begs that you will cover the retreat, for unless you can do
so all is lost."

"Where is the Admiral, monsieur?"

"My lord, when the centre broke, he was carried away by the rush. He
has been wounded in the head, and I fear seriously."

"Did you leave him in safety?"

"He was surrounded by his bodyguard; at least, by all those who were
left alive."

"Will the centre rally, think you?"

"There is no centre; it is a scattered mob. I fear there is no army
except the troops you have here. The left, I am sure, has given way."

He was about to reply when a cavalier galloped up to us. His horse's