Now Alençon had built a bridge across the Seine above Paris, expecting to make an onset upon the south as well as the north of the city, and Jeanne and he decided secretly to make a new effort in that direction. Accordingly they slipped away very early the next morning, which was September tenth, with a few chosen troops, and rode hastily to the place. The bridge was in ruins. It had been destroyed in the night; not by their enemies, but by the _King_. Sadly the two with their men rode back to the "City of the Tomb," which had become the grave of their hopes. Jeanne's heart was hot with disappointment and the thwarting of all her plans, and leaving Alençon she crept painfully to the chapel of the Abbey, and knelt for a long time before the image of the Virgin. After a time she rose, and slowly, awkwardly, for she was without her squire, unbuckled her armour, and laid it piece by piece upon the altar, until at length the complete suit lay there. With a gesture of infinite yearning she stretched her hands over it. "To Saint Denys," she said with quivering lips. Turning she went slowly from the Abbey. Jeanne, the invincible Maid, had met her first defeat at the hands of her King. ----- [19] Scrofula. It was believed it could be cured by the touch of a King. [20] Percéval De Cagny. [21] De Cagny. [22] Jean Chartier. CHAPTER XXIV JEANNE'S LAST FIELD "_I fear naught but treachery._" JEANNE'S _own words_. "_Saith each to other, 'Be near me still; We will die together, if God so will.'_" JOHN O'HAGAN. "_The Song of Roland._" No longer buoyed up by hope Jeanne began to feel her wound to faintness, and was compelled to seek her room for rest. As she lay on her bed, despondent and heavy-hearted, her Saints came to her with words of comfort. Daily they appeared, but since the crowning of Charles at Reims they had given the maiden no specific direction. There had been no further definite message. They had said, "Raise the siege of Orléans and lead the Dauphin to his crowning"; and she had done both things. Now they consoled the girl in her humiliation and sorrow, and uttered a message: "Remain at St. Denys, Daughter of God," they said. "Remain at St. Denys."