"An oversight, most likely, and a fortunate one for us. However, we are
out of the trap."

"There is still a long distance to go."

"Yes, but every day's journey improves our position. Condé feels secure
now; he dreaded only the passage of the Loire. Guise made a huge blunder
which, in the future, will cost him dear."

Encouraged by our escape, and more so by the strange manner of it, we
rode on with light hearts, chatting gaily about our past adventures, and
looking forward with confidence to our safe arrival at Rochelle.

"I suppose you will throw in your lot with us," said Bellièvre, as we
lay sheltering one noon from the sun's heat; "it is a great honour to
belong to the Admiral's household."

"I should like it of all things, but there are two objections to the
plan. In the first place the Admiral has not offered me the privilege,
and in the second I must return home. My parents will be alarmed at such
a long absence."

"Yes," he said slowly, "you must visit your father and mother. As for
the first objection," he added mysteriously, "it can be remedied
easily."

I did not understand his meaning, but the very next day, as we were
proceeding on our journey, the Admiral came to my side.