"The rear is the post of honour, gentlemen," said Andelot, with his
pleasant smile--he was, I think, even more kindly than his famous
brother--"but it is also the post of danger. We must keep these troops
at bay until our comrades succeed in discovering a ford," and we greeted
his words with a loyal cheer.

The situation was in truth an awkward one. Unless our scouts could find
some way of crossing the river we must either surrender or suffer
annihilation, and the word had gone forth that there must be no
yielding. "Faith, Edmond," exclaimed Felix merrily, "it seems you are to
have a good baptism. One could not wish a better introduction to
knightly feats. Ah, here comes one of Condé's men with news."

A cavalier galloping back from the advance-guard informed Andelot that
the ford was passable, and that the Prince expected us to keep off the
foe until the ladies, with a small escort, had crossed to the opposite
side.

"The Prince can trust in our devotion," replied Andelot briefly.

We proceeded steadily and in perfect order, Andelot last of all, when
presently we heard the thunder of hoofs and a loud shout of "For the
King!" as the foremost of the enemy tore pell-mell toward us. We
quickened our pace in seeming alarm, and the royalists rushed on
cheering as if their prey were already secured.

Suddenly Andelot gave the signal; we wheeled as one man, and with a yell
of defiance dashed at them. The surprise was complete. Confident in
their numbers they were riding anyhow, and before they could form we
were upon them. Down they went, horses and riders, while the air was