"Gentlemen," said Aurilly, in a low voice--for he felt the effect these words had produced--"you see how monseigneur is affected; do not heed what he says, for since his misfortune I think he has really moments of delirium." "And so," continued the duke, emptying his glass, "that is how St. Aignan is dead and I alive. However, in dying he did me a last service, for it was believed, as he rode my horse, that it was me, and this belief spread not only among the French, but among the Flemings, who consequently ceased their pursuit; but reassure yourselves, gentlemen, we shall have our revenge, and I am mentally organizing the most formidable army that ever existed." "Meanwhile, monseigneur," said Henri, "will your highness take the command of my men? It is not fit that I should continue to do so when you are here." "So be it; and, first, I order every one to sup, particularly you, Du Bouchage--you have eaten nothing." "Monseigneur, I am not hungry." "In that case return to visit the posts. Tell the chiefs that I live, but beg them not to rejoice too openly until we gain a better citadel, or rejoin the army of our invincible Joyeuse, for I confess I do not wish to be taken now, after having escaped from fire and water." "Monseigneur, you shall be strictly obeyed, and no one shall know excepting ourselves that we have the honor of your company among us." "And these gentlemen will keep the secret?" said the duke, looking round. All bowed, and Du Bouchage went out. It only required an hour for this fugitive, this conquered runaway, to become again proud, careless, and imperious. To command 100 men or 100,000 men, was still to command. While Du Bouchage executed his orders with the best grace he could, Francois asked questions. He was astonished that a man of the rank of Du Bouchage had consented to take the command of this handful of men, and of such a perilous expedition. The duke was always suspicious, and asked, therefore, and learned that the admiral had only yielded to his brother's earnest request. It was the ensign who gave this information--he who had been superseded in his command by Henri himself, as Henri had been by the duke. The prince fancied he detected a slight irritation in this man's mind against Du Bouchage; therefore he continued to interrogate him. "But," said he, "what was the comte's reason for soliciting so earnestly such a poor command?" "First, zeal for the service, no doubt." "First!--what else?" "Ah! monseigneur, I do not know." "You deceive me--you do know." "Monseigneur, I can give only, even to your highness, public reasons." "You see," said the duke, turning to the others, "I was quite right to hide myself, gentlemen, since there are in my army secrets from which I am excluded."