"'Tis a simple matter winning a battle--in our minds," laughed Roger,
"but not always so easy in practice. Monseigneur's troops fought well
enough at Jarnac."

"Ah," said Felix merrily, "they will fight well here, but we shall fight
better!"

"Is an assault decided on?"

"No one knows," I replied; "there is to be a meeting of the Council
presently. But I take it that we must attack. Monseigneur has the
advantage of us. He can obtain provisions; we can't."

"And we aren't likely to retreat!" exclaimed Felix.

"In that case we must go forward; but we shall hear the decision in an
hour or two."

The Council sat for a considerable time, while we of the Admiral's
household discussed the situation among ourselves. There were various
opinions given, the older men declaring Monseigneur was too strongly
posted to be dislodged, the younger and more hot-headed making light of
the danger.

At length the Council broke up, and, though nothing was actually
disclosed, we soon became aware that Coligny had resolved on risking a
battle.

"Bravo!" said Felix, as we went to our tent, "'twill be a pity if Roche