"Then what is likely to be done?"

"Faith, I have no notion!" he answered lightly.

"We march and countermarch and fight, just as we are bidden; it is all
one to those of Coligny's household. We never ask questions."

It was a glorious day, with a fresh breeze tempering the heat of the
sun, and we rode along gaily. My comrade had already learned habits of
caution, but there was really no danger, and late in the afternoon we
reached Noyers, where, after a short delay, I was admitted into Condé's
presence.

He had received a message from Tanlay some hours previously, and he said
at once: "You are Edmond Le Blanc, who brought the packet from La
Rochelle."

"From the Castle of Le Blanc, my lord, where it was given me by Ambroise
Devine."

"Ah, yes, he was attacked and wounded. What did he tell you?"

"That troops were being collected secretly to surround Tanlay and
Noyers, that the banks of the Loire were guarded"--the Prince gave a
start of surprise--and that unless you moved quickly, your escape would
be cut off."

"And you rode from Le Blanc to Tanlay? Did you hear anything of this on
the journey?"