"No, my lord, but there seemed to be a general feeling of uneasiness
abroad, as if people thought something strange was about to happen."

"Did you notice any movement of troops?"

"No, my lord."

"Where did you cross the Loire?"

"At the ford a little to the north of Nevers."

"And it was unguarded? But there, it matters little; it will be guarded
by now. How do the folks in your own neighbourhood talk?"

"That the present state of things cannot continue, and that one side or
the other must begin a fresh war."

"Humph," he said, half to himself, "if we unsheath the sword again, we
will not lay it down until the work is finished. Monsieur, you need rest
and refreshment; my gentlemen will attend to you. The Admiral will be
here by nightfall. We have to thank you for your services. It was a very
gallant enterprise."

Bellièvre, who was no stranger at Noyers, introduced me to several of
his acquaintances, and we spent a merry evening together. The rumour of
some impending calamity had spread rapidly, and all sorts of opinions
were expressed by Condé's cavaliers.

"I hope," said one, "if war does break out that the Prince will not make