“Tête-Dieu! we are not yet come to that pass,” cried Bayard. “Again I say, let us provoke the enemy to battle. If we do not conquer, we shall die with honour.” “How say you, messeigneurs?” demanded Bonnivet. “I have every faith in the Chevalier Bayard, but he is sometimes too rash. I will be governed by the general voice. Shall we risk an engagement?” “No,” replied the leaders, unanimously. “It is too hazardous.” “You are overruled, you see, Chevalier Bayard,” said Bonnivet. “You will regret your determination, my lord,” rejoined Bayard, chafing fiercely. “If you retreat, Bourbon will say you are afraid of him.” “I shall not be turned from my purpose by a taunt,” said Bonnivet. “I will not sacrifice my men.” “Then you decide upon immediate retreat?” demanded the Comte de Saint-Pol. “Such is my decision,” replied Bonnivet. “To-morrow night I shall quit Novara and march to Romagnano. If I can get the army safely across the Sesia, all will be well.” “Think not to elude Bourbon,” remarked Bayard. “The thirst of vengeance will make him doubly vigilant. He will assuredly cut off our retreat.” “The design must be kept so secret that no intelligence can be conveyed to him,” said Bonnivet. “To you, De Lorges,” he added to that captain, “I confide the construction of the bridge of boats across the Sesia. Set out for Romagnano to-night.” “Your commands shall be obeyed, general,” returned De Lorges. “On your arrival at Romagnano, you shall find the bridge ready for the passage of the army.” “Use all possible caution,” said Vandenesse. “If Bourbon hears of the bridge, he will guess the design.” “He shall _not_ hear of it,” returned De Lorges. “Not a soul shall quit Romagnano.” “Then all is settled,” said Bonnivet. “We will meet again at noon to-morrow, when the order of march can be finally arranged.” “At what hour do you propose to set out?” demanded Saint-Pol. “At dusk,” replied Bonnivet. “Each leader will have his corps in readiness. You, Saint-Pol, will take charge of the first battalion. To you, Vandenesse, I confide the artillery. Chevalier Bayard, you will bring up the rear-guard. I shall be with you.” On this the council broke up, and the leaders quitted the tent. VIII. IN WHICH BAYARD RELATES HIS DREAM TO DE LORGES. |Bonnivet quitted Novara as agreed upon, and marched throughout the night, but he did not reach Romagnano until late in the afternoon of the following day, the progress of the troops being much impeded by the bad state of the roads; but as the men were greatly fatigued by their hurried march, he determined to give them a few hours' repose, and to defer the passage of the river until the following morning at daybreak. In this decision he acted against the opinion of Bayard, who advised him to cross at once (the bridge of boats having been completed by De Lorges), and take up his quarters on the opposite bank of the Sesia, but Bonnivet would not be turned from his purpose.