“This gentleman is my friend,” cried Gervase, placing himself before him and guarding him with the pike he still carried. “I will not have him touched.” Then as the men fell back willingly enough, the Vicomte recognized his deliverer, and flinging away his sword, held out his hand. “There is no need for this now,” he said, “and I could not surrender it even to you. This is the second time, Mr. Orme, I have to thank you for my life. I grow weary of your kindness.” “I am very troublesome without doubt,” Gervase answered with a smile. “I hope you have not been touched.” “Not the prick of a pin point, but these men of yours fight like devils and against all the rules of war.” “They are learning their trade,” Gervase answered, “and you cannot expect beginners to be perfect But they have made a complete rout of your horse, and left but few of them to carry back the story to the camp. They have got Butler yonder, and are carrying him to the town.” “Whither, I suppose, I must bear him company? I am weary of the camp and would prefer to visit your city for a change. You do not eat your prisoners?” “It has not come to that yet, but I think it may. Now, Vicomte, if I can do aught to lighten your captivity be assured I will do my best to that end. But in the meantime, I must send you in with the guard as my work is not yet finished.” “Put yourself to no inconvenience for me,” said the Vicomte cheerfully, “I am quite content.” Placing De Laprade in custody of the guard which had already secured the other prisoners, and telling them that he was under obligations to the gentleman, whom, he hoped, they would treat with consideration, Gervase went to assist in looking after the wounded. Only three or four of the horsemen had succeeded in cutting their way back to the camp, and it was a matter of congratulation that so complete a victory had been won with so little loss. A great victory, won in the open field against the very flower of the enemy´s cavalry and with no great superiority of numbers, was a thing of which they might be fairly proud. The women were looking after those who had fallen, many of whom had crawled back to the trench and were waiting there to be carried to the city. A crowd of soldiers were gathered round their colonel, who was reading them a striking homily on the lessons of the day. Gervase did what he could for the brave fellows who were lying round him, and was about to make his way back to the city, when he came upon Mistress Sproule looking the picture of despair. “Oh! Mr. Orme, for the love of God, have you seen Simon anywhere? I´m told he was here among you in the very front of the fighting, but I cannot find him yonder, and I cannot find him here.”