The Archbishop of Reims presided over the Council which was soon held. The Council appointed a Committee of Investigation, and sent emissaries to Domremy to inquire into her previous history. The Committee included several professors of theology, an abbot, a canon of Poictiers, and one or two friars. Escorted by a squire this Committee went to interview Jeanne at Robateau's house, for she was not formally examined before the whole board of Doctors. She came to meet them as they entered, but the sight of the priests irritated her. She had been subjected to so much questioning at Chinon that she was weary of it. It seemed so needless and futile. For working priests and for people in religion she held a sacred regard. For learned Doctors she had no use. The squire, a young man of the sword named Thibault, pleased her better than the priests, for he was in military dress. She acknowledged the presence of the Committee with an obeisance, then went quickly to the squire and clapped him on the shoulder, comrade fashion. "Would that I had many men of your way of thinking, friend," she said. "Maid," spoke the abbot gravely, "attend now to what we shall say. We are sent to you from the King." "I know quite well that you are sent to question me," spoke the maiden with spirit, "but of what avail is it? I know neither A nor B." At this the Committee began to ply her with questions. "Why have you come to Court?" asked the abbot. "I am come from the King of Heaven to raise the siege of Orléans, and to lead the Dauphin to Reims for his crowning and anointing," she made answer. "But what made you think of coming?" asked a professor of theology. "Because of the great pity there was in Heaven for the realm of France, my Voices told me to come, nothing doubting," replied the maiden earnestly. "Your voices? What voices?" Jeanne saw that much as she disliked to talk of her visions,--it was always of her mission and her Voices that she told,--there was need of some explanation. The grave Doctors listened attentively while she told something of her revelations, but not all. She was a peasant maid, ignorant, simple, her hands hardened with toil, her way of life humble and obscure, yet as she related her ineffable experiences she seemed a thing divine. Having much food for thought they questioned her no more that day, and Jeanne retired to the chapel to seek comfort from her saints, who all this time continued to visit her daily, yet giving only the one constantly repeated command. The next day the Committee returned. "You tell us," said a professor of theology, "that God wishes to free the people of France from their distress. If He wishes to free them there is no need for the soldiers you ask for." "In God's name," exclaimed Jeanne with some irritation, "the men-at-arms will fight, and God will give the victory."