company of foot, came into involuntary contact with the glistening groom
of the chamber. The lace of the later's boot caught in the steel
shoulder piece of the infantry officer, and was torn. Irritated and
excited Elliot brought down his hand upon the unconscious offender, and
dealt him a heavy blow on the side of the face. At this sight--with
nerves already overstrung--Marguerite became unable to control her
usually placid steed; and Alain le Gallais--for he was the militia
officer--was diverted from his instinctive but imprudent impulse of
immediate retaliation, by seeing the young lady slip from her saddle
into his arms.

The little incident was over in an instant, and the king passed on, but
not without taking it all in with the observation natural to him.

"A comely wench, Tom!" he said to his companion, "and one that seemeth
to know thee. But it seems that others gather what thou fellest."

"Faith, sir," answered Elliot, smilingly, "I have given him his wage
beforehand. It is well that he should do my work."

There was no time for longer or plainer speech. The guns began a royal
salute, their muzzles fortunately directed towards the sea--for many of
the pieces had been charged for ball practice. This somewhat dangerous
demonstration was followed by a dropping fire of blank cartridge from
the matchlocks of the foot, and then by general acclamations of "Vive le
Roi" from all ranks. Then Philip de Carteret, Seigneur of S. Ouen, being
called to the front, received the congratulations of the king on the
appearance of the forces, in which, under the lieutenant-governor, his
uncle, he held the chief command. He was then bidden to kneel, touched
with the royal sword, and told to "Rise, Sir Philip de Carteret." The