sides were flaked with spume, and the gallant beast quivered in every
limb. The rider was deathly pale; one arm hung down limply, his side was
stained with blood. He rolled from side to side, having scarcely
sufficient strength to keep his seat in the saddle.

He endeavoured to salute Count Louis, while I, leaning forward, placed
my arm round his waist to support him.

"My lord," he said, "the Admiral----" and stopped helpless.

"'Tis one of Coligny's gentlemen," I exclaimed, "he has come on the same
errand as myself. There were three or four of us."

The wounded cavalier looked into my face. "Le Blanc!" he said feebly;
"it is all right," and with that his head fell forward, and he dropped
dead across his horse's neck.

"A brave and gallant gentleman!" exclaimed Count Louis. "France should
be proud of her sons!"

Lifting him from his horse, we laid him on the plain and turned away.
On that awful day no one had leisure for sorrow; the sorrow would come
afterwards.

It was useless now attempting to return to the Admiral, so I joined my
English comrade.

"You are hurt?" I said anxiously.

"A trifle; no more. Where is Bellièvre?"