My servant produced a loaded pistol. "I am well provided, monsieur," he answered. "I think these gentlemen will not give trouble."
"Very good. Take your time; I expect our troops are on the march. Forward, Edmond," and, setting spurs to our horses, we galloped off.
All danger was over now, and before long we caught sight of the advanced-guard of our army.
"Can you tell us where to find the general?" asked Felix of an officer, as we pulled up.
"He is with the centre, monsieur. Have you seen the enemy?"
"Yes," I answered, riding on, "and there will be some stirring work soon!"
Coligny was riding with a group of his principal officers when we drew up, and he greeted us with a kindly smile.
"Here are our knights-errant," said he, "let us hear what they have to say. Have you seen the enemy, Bellièvre?"
"Yes, my lord; their camp is a few miles beyond Arnay-le-Duc. They were preparing to march when we left, though they seemed to be in no particular hurry. The officers were holding some sort of inspection."
"We had a clear view of the whole camp from the top of a wooded hill in the rear."
"And you have formed some idea of their numbers?"
"There were three of us, my lord, and we were all fairly well agreed. The marshal has six guns, between four and five thousand cavalry, and about thirteen thousand infantry."
"Do you agree with that statement, Le Blanc?"
"The numbers are a little over my calculation, my lord; but not much."
"In any case, you think the figures are high enough?"
They were simple words, simply spoken, but they went straight to our hearts, amply repaying us for the risks attendant on our night's adventure.
Marching slowly, and halting two or three times during the day, as the general wished to husband his men's strength, we arrived early in the evening at a little stream near Arnay-le-Duc, and beheld, on the other side, two or three thousand of the royalist cavalry. There were no guns in sight, and the infantry had been drawn up at some distance in the background.
The troops took their supper--a very meagre one, too; our provisions being at a low ebb--sentries were posted, and Coligny made all arrangements for battle, in case the enemy should attack before morning.
"There is Roger coming towards us!" I exclaimed, as we lay wrapped in our cloaks on the ground.