but triumphant, a second messenger met us.

"They are across, my lord," he cried, "all but ourselves; and the Prince
is preparing to defend the ford on the farther side of the river. He
begs that you will come immediately; the waters are rising."

"Forward! Forward!" Laughing and cheering, we raced along, a few
wounded, but none seriously, and most of us unharmed. Our comrades were
marshalled on the opposite bank, and they cried to us to hasten. From
what cause--unless by a direct intervention of Providence--I know not,
but the river was rising rapidly, and the last of our troop were
compelled to swim several yards.

But we reached the bank without mishap, and turning round perceived our
stubborn pursuers advancing at full speed. The foremost horsemen
reaching the river drew rein; the ford was no longer visible, and they
had no means of passage. They wandered along the bank disconsolately,
while we, sending them one last cheer, rode after our van.

"A point in the game to us, Edmond," said my comrade, "and oddly gained
too. The Admiral's chaplain will make use of that in his next discourse.
He will say that Providence is fighting on our side."

"'Tis at least a good omen! Had the enemy crossed, we must have been
defeated."

"Perhaps so; perhaps not. I'll wager Guise is storming over yonder, at
the escape of his prey."

"But why wasn't the ford guarded?" I asked.