Joan lived far away from Orléans; but her Voices kept saying to her that she must go and drive away the English from that town. She did not want to do this, as she preferred to live quietly in her native village. But the Voices were urgent, and so at last Joan went to a nearby town, Vaucouleurs, and asked the commander there to lend her an escort, so that she might go to King Charles of France at Chinon (Shee-nong). This commander, whose name was Robert de Baudricourt (Bó-dree-koor), laughed at her; but when Joan told him of a great disaster that had happened to the French army near Orléans at the time that it happened, whereas he did not hear of it until sometime later, he was convinced of her miraculous power, and sent her to Charles. This was on February 23, 1429. After riding for several days, the maid and her band reached Chinon. Then there was more delay; but at last she was allowed to have an audience with the king. To test her power, Charles stood among a crowd of courtiers, clothed very simply; but without hesitation Joan knelt before him and said: "Fair sir, you are the Dauphin to whom I am come." Charles pointed to another and said, "That is the king." "No, fair sir," said Joan, "It is to you that I am sent." This assured the king; but to convince him further of her power, she told him of his own private secret. This was that he prayed every night to know whether or not he was the rightful king of France. As Charles had not told this secret to a living soul, he was amazed. He was also encouraged when the girl told him he _was_ the rightful king. Then Joan was examined by the wise men of the court, and finally everyone agreed that she was advised by supernatural powers. An army was then collected, with which she was to march to the relief of Orléans. White armor was made for her and a sacred banner presented to her. Her sword was dug from the ground behind the altar of Saint Catharine, in a little town named Fierbois (Fyere-bwah). She had prophesied that this sword would be found there. Then the Maid led the French to Orléans. [Illustration: AT CHINON, FRANCE JOAN OF ARC, BY J. ROULLEAU] THE RELIEF OF ORLÉANS Monograph Number Three in The Mentor Reading Course Joan entered Orléans at nightfall. The people were all glad to see her, and lighted her way with torches. They tried to kiss her hands. In her white armor she was an inspiration to the French. Joan wanted to sally out from Orléans immediately and attack the English; but the commander of the French forces did not think it wise to do so. Shortly afterward, however, Joan had her way.