glad?"

"Upon my word I am not sorry. Where do we go? Is the mystery solved?"

"No," he said, laughing good-humouredly, "the chief still keeps his
secret. But when it does leak out I fancy there will be a surprise for
us."

The news soon spread, and the town was filled with bustle and animation.
Every one was busy with his preparations, and from morning till night
the streets were crowded with men and horses, and with wagons for
carrying the provisions and stores. Our days of idleness were over; we
had no rest now. Felix and I were ever hurrying from place to place,
carrying orders and instructions to the different leaders.

At last the day came when with cheerful confidence we marched out from
the town that had been our winter home. The sick had recovered their
health, every one was strong and vigorous, the horses were in capital
condition, and we all looked forward to a successful campaign, though
without the slightest idea where it would take place.

I had thought it most probable that we should retrace our steps to
Toulouse, but instead we speedily struck eastward. What did our leader
intend doing? was the question asked by every one that night, and which
no one could answer. A few of the troops showed some concern, but the
majority shared my comrade's opinion.

"What does it matter where we go," said he, "as long as Coligny leads
us? It is for him to form the plan, and for us to carry it out."