lobby, exclaimed excitedly: "It has begun, Edmond; we march almost
immediately. I am just going to say good-bye to your sister. Will you be
away from us long?"

"I think not. I am carrying a despatch to the commandants at Saint Jean
d'Angely and Cognac. Afterwards I shall rejoin you."

"Till we meet again then," said he, hurriedly, anxious to make the most
of the short time still at his disposal.

Several of our leaders besides De Guerchy were with the Admiral, and
from time to time one of them came out, mounted his horse, and galloped
off. Presently the door opened, and De Guerchy called me inside, where
the Admiral handed me two packets.

"One for the commandant at Saint Jean d'Angely," he said, "and one for
him at Cognac. From Cognac you will proceed to Angoulême, unless you
meet with us on the way. I need not warn you to be prudent and vigilant,
nor remind you that these despatches must not fall into the hands of an
enemy. Start at once; you should reach Saint Jean d'Angely before
norning."

I took the packets, placed them securely inside my doublet, and, after a
last word of caution from De Guerchy, left the room. The news of the
coming movement had spread throughout the town and the streets were
crowded. The excitement was intense, and I witnessed many sad scenes;
for every one understood that of the thousands who marched from Rochelle
comparatively few would return.

Heavy carts, and big, clumsy guns--chiefly useful for making a