thousand rumours."

"Is Roger Braund not with his comrades?" I asked.

"No; there are a good many of the English still missing, but their
friends are not anxious; they have lost their way perhaps, and we shall
see them in the morning."

As nothing could be done, I accompanied Felix to the tent, where a
number of our comrades speedily assembled. Felix gave me food, as I had
eaten nothing for hours, and then I related my story.

"On the plain of Jarnac!" exclaimed one in surprise; "what was the
Prince doing there?"

"I cannot say. Remember, I came upon them by mere chance."

"'Twas stupid folly!" exclaimed the speaker. "We aren't so strong that
we can afford to divide our forces. Condé's rashness will ruin
everything. One would think he was a hot-headed boy!"

"If Condé was in fault, he has paid dearly for his mistake," I remarked,
and was greeted by cries of "What do you mean?" "Is the Prince hurt?"
"Is he a prisoner?" "Speak out, Le Blanc!"

"The Prince, gentlemen," I replied slowly, "is dead; and if my account
be true, most foully murdered."

"Condé dead!" cried one, "no, no; there must be some strange mistake!"