in a mill at Carmes, outside Nimes, singing psalms. Although he was told
at the same time that the gathering was composed entirely of old people
and children, he was none the less furious, and rising from the table,
gave orders that the call to horse should be sounded. Putting himself at
the head of his dragoons, he advanced on the mill, and before the
Huguenots knew that they were about to be attacked they were surrounded
on every side. It was no combat which ensued, for the Huguenots were
incapable of resistance, it was simply a massacre; a certain number of
the dragoons entered the mill sword in hand, stabbing all whom they could
reach, whilst the rest of the force stationed outside before the windows
received those who jumped out on the points of their swords. But soon
this butchery tired the butchers, and to get over the business more
quickly, the marshal, who was anxious to return to his dinner, gave
orders that the mill should be set on fire. This being done, the
dragoons, the marshal still at their head, no longer exerted themselves
so violently, but were satisfied with pushing back into the flames the
few unfortunates who, scorched and burnt, rushed out, begging only for a
less cruel death.

Only one victim escaped. A beautiful young girl of sixteen was saved by
the marshal's valet: both were taken and condemned to death; the young
girl was hanged, and the valet was on the point of being executed when
some Sisters of Mercy from the town threw themselves at the marshal's
feet end begged for his life: after long supplication, he granted their
prayer, but he banished the valet not only from his service, but from
Nimes.

The very same evening at supper word was brought to the marshal that
another gathering had been discovered in a garden near the still smoking
mill. The indefatigable marshal again rose from table, and taking with