"He saved the army at least. My quarters happened to be on a hill. Conde's troops were pouring towards it; half our men had scattered, and the others were wavering, when Humphreys sprang to the front, calling us to rally. A few of us ran up, and only just in time. The enemy, perceiving we held the key to the position, swarmed to the attack. We, knowing how much depended on every minute's delay, stood our ground. Once we rolled them back, but they came again. Our men fell fast, but Humphreys was a host in himself, and through him we held on till the runaways had time to re-form. Every one declared he had saved the army, and he received his commission on the field." "And the credit was as much Raoul's as mine," said Humphreys, "but things go like that in this world. I suppose, now that Mazarin's troops have reinforced us, we shall march south and fight Conde." "It is possible, though there is a whisper that we are to move on Angers. I wish we three could keep together." "It would be splendid," said Raoul, "but we must make the most of our opportunities," which, as long as the army remained in the neighbourhood of Poitiers, we did. Very soon, however, we advanced on Angers, and having captured that town removed to Saumur. Here we were joined by Marshal Turenne, and being too weak to reduce the important town of Orleans proceeded to Gien. Raoul was quartered with his regiment some miles away, but Humphreys and I were both stationed in the town. I was spending an hour with him one evening when Pillot, in a tremendous hurry, came with a message that M. Belloc wished to see me immediately. "It must be something important, monsieur," said the dwarf, "as M. Belloc ordered me to saddle the horses." I found my old friend in a state of great agitation, and without giving me time to speak he asked, "Do you know where Conde is?" "In Guienne, monsieur." "So we all thought, but it is a mistake. He is hurrying to take command of the army of the Loire. A courier has just arrived with the information, and we are despatching parties to capture him, dead or alive. He is travelling with six companions, and will endeavour to reach Chatillon. If he can be caught, we shall finish the war in a week. You are well acquainted with the prince?" "Yes, monsieur." "Take half a dozen troopers; ride to the bridge at Chatillon, and let no one pass till I send permission." "Very good, monsieur," and within ten minutes I was tearing along at the head of my men as fast as my horse could gallop.