Itchanced，oneday，thatIwassittingandsunningmyselfinthewarmSeptemberweather，onasettleinasecureplacehardbytheChapelGate。WithmewasBarthelemyBarrette，foritwasthedayofOurLady'sFeast，thatverydaywhereonwehadfailedbeforeParislastyear，andtherewastruceforthesacredseason。Wefelltodevisingofwhathadbefallenthatdayyear，andwithoutthoughtI
　　toldBarthelemyofmyescapefromprison，andso，littlebylittle，IopenedmyhearttohimconcerningBrotherThomasandallhistreasons。
　　NeverwasmanmoreastoundedthanBarthelemy；andhebademeswearbytheBlessedTrinitythatallthistalewastrue。
　　"Mayhapyouwerefevered，"hesaid，"whenyoulayinthecasementseat，andsawtheMaidtakenbydeviceofthecordelier。”
　　"IwasnomorefeveredthanIamnow，andIswear，bywhatoathyouwill，andbythebonesofSt。Andrew，whichthesesinfulhandshavehandled，thatFlavy'sfacewassettheotherwaywhenthatcrycame，'Downportcullis，updrawbridge，closegates!'AndnowthatIhavetoldyoutheverytruth，whatshouldIdo？"
　　"BrotherThomasshouldburnforthis，"quothBarthelemy；"butnotwhilethesiegeendures。HecarriestoomanyEnglishlivesinhismunition-box。Norcanyouslayhiminsinglecombat，oratunawares，forthemanisapriest。NorwouldFlavy，whoknowsyounot，listentosuchastory。”
　　Sotherehesat，frowning，andpluckingathisbeard。"Ihaveit，"
　　hesaid；"D'AulonisnofurtheroffthanBeaulieu，whereJeandeLuxembourgholdshimtillhepayshisransom。Whenthesiegeisraised，ifeverwearetohavesuccour，thenpurchasesafe-conducttoD'Aulon，takehistestimony，andbringittoFlavy。”
　　Ashespoke，somestirinthestillairmademelookup，andsuddenlythrowmybodyaside；anditwaswell，foraswordsweptdownfromthelowparapetaboveourheads，andsmoteintothebackofthatsettlewhereonweweresitting。
　　EreIwellknewwhathadchanced，Barthelemywasonhisfeet，hiswhingerflewfromhishand，andhe，leapingupontotheparapet，wasfollowingafterhimwhosmoteatme。
　　Inthesamemomentaloudgratingvoicecried——"TheMaidshallburn，andnottheman，"andaflashoflightwentpastme，thewhingerflyingovermyheadandclippingintothewaterofthemoatbelow。”
　　RisingasIbestmight，butheedfully，Ispiedovertheparapet，andtherewasBarthelemycomingback，hisnakedswordinhishand。
　　"Thedevilturnedasharpcornerandvanished，"hesaid。"Andnowwherearewe？WehaveaworsefoewithinthanallthemenofBurgundywithout。Theregoesthedevil'stally!"hecried，andthrewthelittlecarvenrodfarfromhimintothemoat，whereitfellandfloated。
　　"Nomansawthisthatcouldbearwitness；mostareinchurch，whereyouandIshouldhavebeen，"Isaid。
　　Thenwelookedoneachotherwithblankfaces。
　　"Mypostisfarfromhis，andmyharnessisgood，"saidBarthelemy；
　　"butforyou，beware!"Thenceforth，ifIsawanycowlofacordelierasIwalked，Ieventurnedandwenttheotherway。
　　Iwasofnoavailagainstthiswolf，whomallmenpraised，soserviceablewashetothetown。
　　OnceanarbalestboltstruckmystafffrommyhandasIwalked，andIwasfaintotakeshelterofacorner，yetsawnotwhencetheshotcame。
　　Onceagreatstonefellfromaturret，andbrokeintodustatmyfeet，anditisnotmymindthatacannon-ballhadloosenedit。
　　Thusmylifewentbyindreadandwatchfulness。Nomorebitterpenancemaymandreethanwasmine，tobenearthisdevil，andhavenopowertoavengemydeadlyquarrel。Thereweremanyheavyheartsinthetown；for，onceitwastaken，whatmancoulddeemhislifesafe，orwhatwomanherhonour？Butthoughtheylaydownandroseupinfear，andweredevouredbydesireofrevenge，theirswasnosuchthirstasmine。
　　Sothedayswenton，anddarkenedtowardsthepromisedseasonofMartinmas，buttheredawnednolightofhope。Now，ontheWednesdaybeforeAllSaints，IhadclamberedupintothetoweroftheChurchoftheJacobins，onthenorth-eastofthecity，whencetherewasaprospectfarandwide。Withmewereonlytwooftheyoungestofthefathers。IlookeddownintothegreatforestofPierrefonds，andupanddownOise，andbeheldthearmyofourenemiesmovingindiversways。ThebannersoftheEnglishandtheirlongarraywerecrossingtheDukeofBurgundy'snewbridgeofwood，thathehadbuildedfromVenette，andwiththemthemenofJeandeLuxembourgtroopedtowardsRoyaulieu。Onthecrestoftheirbastille，overagainstourPierrefondsGate，matcheswerelightedandmenwerewatchingindoubleguard，andthesameontheothersideofthewater，attheGateMargny。PlainlyourfoesexpectedarescuesenttousofCompiegnebyourparty。Buttheforest，fivehundredyardsfromourwall，laysilentandpeaceable，aseaofbrownandyellowleaves。
　　Then，whiletheEnglishandBurgundianmen-at-arms，thathadmarchedsouthandeast，weredrawnupinorderofbattleawaytotherightbetweenwoodandwater，behold，trumpetssounded，faintenough，beingfaroff。Thentherewasaglitterofthepalesunonlonglinesoflance-points，underthebannersofFrenchcaptains，issuingoutfromtheforest，overagainsttheenemy。Wewhostoodonthetowergazedlongatthesetwoarmies，whichweremarshalledorderly，withnomorethanabowshotandahalfbetweenthem，andeverymomentwelookedtoseethemchargeuponeachotherwiththelance。
　　MuchweprayedtotheSaints，fornowallourhopewasonthisonecast。TheyofBurgundyandofEnglanddismountedfromtheirhorses，fortheEnglisheverfightbestonfoot，andtheydeemedthattheknightsofFrancewouldrideinuponthem，andfallbeneaththeEnglishbows，asatAzincourandCrecy。We，too，lookedfornoughtelse；buttheFrencharrayneverstirred，thoughhereandthereaknightwouldgallopforthtodoavaliance。Seldomhasmanseenastrangersightinwar，fortheEnglishandBurgundianscouldnotcharge，beingheavy-armedmenonfoot，andtheFrenchwouldnotmoveagainstthem，weknewnotwherefore。
　　Allthisspectaclelayfaroff，tothesouth，andwecouldnotbesatisfiedwithwonderingatitnorturnawayoureyes，when，ontheleft，atrumpetrangoutjoyously。Then，allofuswheelingroundasoneman，wesawthemostblessedsight，wheretoourbackshadbeenturned；for，intotheChapelGate——thatis，fartotheleftofthePierrefondsGateonthenorth-east——werestreamingcattle，sheepandkine，prickedonandhastenedbyacompanyofahundredmen-at-
　　arms。TheyhadcomebyforestpathsfromChoisyway，andanonallourgunsontheboulevardofthePierrefondsGateburstforthatonceagainsttheEnglishbastilleoveragainstit。Nowthisbastille，asIhavesaid，hadneverbeenstronglybuilded，and，insomesort，wasnotwhollyfinished。
　　Afteronegreatvolleyofgunsagainstthebastille，we，lookingdownintoourboulevardofthePierrefondsGate，sawtheportcullisraised，thedrawbridgelowered，andagreatarrayofmen-at-armscarryingladdersrushout，andchargeuponthebastille。Then，throughthesmokeandfire，theystrovetoscaletheworks，andforthespaceofhalfanhourallwasroarofguns；butatlengthourmencameback，leavingmanyslain，andtherunninglibbardsgrinnedontheflagofEngland。
　　Imightendurenolonger，but，clamberingdownthetowerstairsasbestImight，forIwasstilllame，IlimpedtomylodgingsattheJacobins，didonmyharness，and，takingahorsefromthestable，I
　　mountedandrodetothePierrefondsGate。ForBrotherThomasandhismurderouswaysIhadnownocareatall。
　　Never，sure，sawanymansuchasight。Ourboulevardwasfull，notonlyofmen-at-arms，butofallwhocouldcarryclubs，burgessesarmed，oldmen，boys，yea，womenandchildren，somewithrustyswords，somewithcarpenters'axes，somebearingcudgels，somewithhammers，spits，andknives，allclamouringfortheportcullistoriseandletthemforth。Theirfaceswereleanandfierce，theireyeswerelikeeyesofwolves，fornow，theycried，wasthehour，andtheprophecyoftheMaidshouldbefulfilled!Verily，thoughshelayinbonds，herspiritwaswithusonthatday!
　　Butstillourportculliswasdown，andthelongtailofangrypeoplestretchedinwards，fromtheinnermouthoftheboulevard，alongthestreet，surginglikeaswollenlochagainstitsbarrier。
　　OnthecrestoftheboulevardwasFlavy，batoninhand，lookingforthacrossfieldandforest，watchingforIknewnotwhat，whilestillthepeopleclamouredtobeletgo。Buthestoodlikethestatueofaman-at-arms，andfromthebastilleoftheBurgundiansthearrowsrainedaroundhim，whoalwayswatched，andwasstill。
　　Nowtheguardsofthegatehadhardworktokeeptheangrypeopleback，wholeapedandtoreatthemen-at-armsarrayedinfrontofthem，andyelledforeagernesstoissueforthandfight。
　　Suddenly，onthecrestoftheboulevard，Flavythrewuphisarmandgaveonecry-
　　"Xaintrailles!"
　　Thenheroaredtodrawupportcullisandopengates；themen-at-armschargedforth，themultitudetrampledovereachothertobefirstinfield，Iwassweptonandalongwiththemthroughthegate，andoverthedrawbridge，likeastrawonawave，and，lo!alittleonourleftwasthebannerofPothondeXaintrailles，hisforemostmendismounting，therearguardjustridingoutfromtheforest。Thetwobandsjoined，wefromCompiegne，thefourhundredofXaintraillesfromthewood，and，liketwoswollenstreamsthatmeet，weracedtowardsthebastille，underarainofarrowsandballs。Nothingcouldstayus:aboyfellbymysidewithanarrowthrillinginhisbreast，buthisbrotherneveroncelookedround。IknewnotthatI
　　couldrun，butrunIdid，thoughnotsofastasmany，andbeforeI
　　reachedthebastilleourladderswereup，andthethrongwasclambering，falling，risingagain，andflowingfuriouslyintothefort。Thetownsfolkhadnothoughtbuttoslayandslay；fiveorsixwouldbeatthethroatofoneBurgundianman-at-arms；hammersandaxeswerebreakinguparmour，kniveswerescratchingandsearchingforacrevice；women，liftinggreatstoneballs，wouldstaggeruptodashthemontheheadsofthefallen。Ofthewholegarrison，one-half，ahundredandsixtymen-at-arms，wereputtothesword。OnlyPothondeXaintrailles，andthegentlemenwithhim，asknowingthemannerofwar，savedandheldtoransomcertainknights，asMessireJacquesdeBrimeu，theSeigneurdeCrepy，andothers；
　　while，formyownpart，seeingaknightassailedbyaknotofclubmen，Istruckinonhispart，forgentlebloodmusteveraidgentleblood，andso，notwithoutshrewdblowsonmysalade，ItooktoransomMessireCollartdeBertancourt。
　　Thereafter，verylate，andinthetwilightofOctoberthetwenty-
　　fifth，weturnedbacktoCompiegne，leavingtheenemies'bastilleinaflamebehindus，whileinfrontwereblazingthebonfiresofthepeopleofthegoodtown。And，inCompiegne，weheardhowtheEnglishandthemainarmyofBurgundianshadturned，lateintheday，andcrossedbytheDukeofBurgundy'sbridge，leavingmentokeepguardthere。Soourvictorywasgreat，andwisehadbeentheprudenceoftheFrenchcaptains，subtletybeingthemotherofvictory；for，withoutablowstruck，theyhadkeptJeandeLuxembourg，andtheEarlsofHuntingdonandArundel，waitingidleallday，whiletheirgreatbastillewastakenbyXaintraillesandthetownsfolk，andfoodwasbroughtintoCompiegne。ThusforthesecondtimeIpassedanightofjoyinabeleagueredtown，fortherewasmusicineverystreet，thechurchesfullofpeoplepraisingGodforthisgreatdeliverance，menandmaidsdancingaroundbonfires，yetgoodwatchwaskeptatthegatesandonthetowers。Nextdayweexpectedbattle，butourspiesbroughtintidingsthatBurgundiansandEnglishhaddecampedinthedawn，theirmendeserting。Thatdaywasnotlessjoyfulthanthenighthadbeen；foratRoyaulieu，intheabbeywhereJeandeLuxembourghadlain，thetownsfolkfoundallmannerofmeat，andofwinegreatplenty，sorightgoodcheerwemade，foritcostusnothing。
　　CHAPTERXXVIII——HOWTHEBURGUNDIANSHUNTEDHARES，WITHTHEENDOF
　　THATHUNTING
　　"Tellme，whattidingsofhim？"BarthelemyBarretteaskedme，onthedayafterthatunboughtfeastatRoyaulieu。
　　HewassittinginthenoondaysunonthebridgeofCompiegne，andstrangeitwastoseetheplacesobatteredyetsopeacefulafterfivemonthsofwar。TheOiseslidingbyandripplingonthepierswasnotmorequietthanthisbridgeofmanybattles，yetblackinplaceswithdried-upbloodofmenslain。"TidingscanIfindnone，"
　　Ianswered。"Hewhosawthecordelierlastwasonguardintheboulevardduringthegreatcharge。HemarkedBrotherThomaslevelhiscouleuvrinenowandagain，asweranforthebastille，andcriedouttohimtoaimhigher，forthattheballwouldgoamongstus。”
　　"Youwerehistarget，Imakenodoubt，"saidBarthelemy，"butbyreasonofthethronghehadnocertainaim。”
　　"Afterwebrokeintothebastille，Icanfindnomanwhohasseteyesonhim，"andIcursedthecordelierforveryrage。
　　"Heiswellaway，ifhestaysaway:youandIneedscarceanylongerprayforeyesinthebacksofourheads。Butwhatmakewenext？"
　　"Ihavebutonethought，"Isaid:"toplucktheMaidoutofthehandsoftheEnglish，fornowmensaythatsheissoldtothembyJeanofLuxembourg。TheymeantotakehertoArras，andsobyCrotoyatthemouthofSeine，andacrossNormandytoRouen。SaveherFrancemust，forthehonourofFrance。”
　　"Mymindisthesame，"hesaid，andfellintoamuse。"Hencethestraightroad，andtheshortest，"hesaidatlast，"isbyBeauvaisontoRouen，whereshewilllieinchains，"anddrawinghisdaggerhescratchedlinesonthebridgeparapetwithitspoint。"HereisCompiegne；there，fartothewest，isthesea，andhereisRouen。
　　Thatstraightline，"whichhescratched，"goestoRouenfromCompiegne。Here，midway，isBeauvais，whereofwespoke，whichtownwehold。Butthere，betweenusandBeauvais，isClermont，heldbyCrevecoeurfortheBurgundians，andhere，midwaybetweenBeauvaisandRouen，isGournay，whereKyrielandtheLordHuntingdonliewithagreatforceofEnglish。Doyoucomprehend？WemustfirsttakeClermonterewecanridetorescuetheMaidatRouen!"
　　"TheKingshouldhelpus，"Isaid。"ForwhatisthearmythathasdeliveredCompiegnebutasetofprivatebands，underthisgentleman'sflagorthat，somewithBoussac，somewithXaintrailles，somewithadozenothers，andvictualsarehardtocomeby。”
　　"Ay，manyapeacefulmansitsbythefireandtellshowgreatcaptainsshouldhavedonethis，andmarchedthere，neverthinkingthatmenfightontheirbellies。AndtheKingshouldhelpus，andmarchwithD'AlenconthroughNormandyfromthesouth，whileourcompaniestakeClermontifwemay，anddrivebacktheEnglishandBurgundians。ButyouknowtheKing，andmensaythattheArchbishopofReimsopenlydeclaresthattheMaidisrightlypunishedforherpride。Hehassetupamadshepherd-boytotakeherplace，Heavenhelphim!whocanfightaswellasthatstonecanswim，"andhedroppedaloosestoneoverthebridgeintothewater。
　　"Whoeverstaysathome，wetakethefield，"Isaid；"letusseekcounselofXaintrailles。”
　　WeroseandwenttotheJacobins，whereXaintrailleswaslodged，andtherefoundhimathisdejeuner。
　　Hewasatallyoungknight，straightasalance，leanasagreyhound；forallhisdayshisswordhadwonhismeat；andhewashardy，keen，andbright，witheyesofsteelinascarredface，andhisbrowwasalreadywornbaldwiththehelmet。Whenhewalkedhislegssomewhatstraggledapart，byreasonofhismuchriding。
　　Xaintraillesreceivedusinthebestmanner，wetellinghimthatwehadriddenwiththeMaid，thatIwasofherownhousehold，andthattosaveherwewerewillingtogofar，andwellknewthatundernobannercouldwebesoforwardasunderhis。
　　"IwouldallmycompanywereashonestasItakeyoutwaintobe，"
　　hesaid，"andIgladlyreceiveyouundermycolourswithanymenyoucanbring。”
　　"Messire，IhaveahandfulofhorseoftheMaid'scompany，"saidBarthelemy，hardily；"butwhendowemarch，forto-dayisbetterthanto-morrow。”
　　"Assoonasmaybe，"saidtheknight；"theMarechaldeBoussacleadsusagainstClermont。ThattownwecannotleavebehinduswhenwesetforthfromBeauvais。But，withthesegreatbombards，whichwehavewonfromtheBurgundians，wemayhavereasonofClermont，andthen，"clappinghishandstogether，andlookingup，"thenforRouen!
　　Weshallburstthecageandfreethebird，Godwilling!"
　　Hestoodlikeoneinprayer，crossinghimself，andourheartsturnedtohiminloyalty。
　　"IfbuttheKingwillsendaforcetojoinhandswithLaHireinLouviers，theEnglishshallhavenewsofyou，Messire!"Imadeboldtosay。
　　"Ay，if!"quothXaintrailles，andhisfacegrewdarker，"butwemustmakegoodspeedyforthemidwinterdrawsnigh。”
　　Therewithwelefthim，and，infewdays，weremarchingonClermont，draggingwithlongtrainsofhorsesthegreatbombardsoftheBurgundians。
　　TooursummonsMessiredeCrevecoeuransweredknightly，thatClermonthewouldholdtilldeathorrescue，sowesettobatteringhishouseabouthisears。But，alas!afterfourdaysasentinelofourssaw，toolate，anEnglishknightwithninemenslipthroughthevines，undercoverofdarkness，andwinaposterngateinthetownwall。Soonweheardajoy-fireofgunswithinClermonttown，andforebodedtheworst。AtmidnightcameapeasanttoXaintrailles，withtidingsthatarescuewasridingtoClermont，andnextmorningitwasbootsandsaddlesandaway，sohastilythatweleftbehindusthegreatbombardsoftheBurgundians。Onthistheymademuchmirth；buttheylaughbestwholaughlast，asshallheseen。
　　AndthecauseofourgoingwasthattheEarlofHuntingdonhadriddenoutofGournay，inNormandy，withagreatforceofEnglish，todeliverClermont。Againstfoeswithinthetownandfoeswithoutthetownthecaptainsjudgedthatwewereofnoavail。Sowedeparted，heavyatheart。Nowthecompaniesscattered，andBarthelemyandI，sorryenough，rodebehindXaintrailles，duenorthtoGuermigny，whencewethreatenedAmiens。
　　AtGuermigny，then，forashortseason，layXaintrailles，gatheringalltheforcehemightalongthePicardymarches，fortheDukeofBurgundywasinPeronne，fullofwrathandsorrow，somanyevilshadbefallenhim。Forourselves，wewereinnogentlertemper，havinglostourhopeofpushingontoRouen。
　　Iwasglad，therefore，whenXaintrailleshimselfrodeonedaytothedoorofourlodginginGuermigny，strodeclangingintoourchamber，andaskedifwewerealone？Wetellinghimthatnonewaswithinear-shot，hesathimdownonthetable，playingwithhisdaggerhilt，and，withhishawk'seyeonBarthelemy，asked，"Youknowthislandwell？"
　　"Ihaveriddenoverit，inwarorpeace，sinceIwasaboy。”
　　"HowfartoLihons？"
　　"Amatteroftwoleagues。”
　　"Whatmannerofcountryliesbetween？"
　　"Chieflyplain，rudeanduntilled，becauseofthedistressesofthesetimes。Thereismuchheathandlonggrasses，agreatcountryforhares。”
　　"Knowyouanycovertnightheroad？"
　　"Thererunsabrookthattheroadcrossesbyabridge，midwaybetweenGuermignyandLihons。Thebanksaresteep，andwellwoodedwithsuchtreesandundergrowthaslovewater。”
　　"Youcanguidemethither？"
　　"Thereisnomissingtheroad。”
　　"Godcouldnothavemadethislandbetterforme，ifHehadaskedmycounsel，"saidXaintrailles。"Youcankeepyourown？"
　　"NomDieu，yea!"saidBarthelemy。
　　"AndyourScotsfriendIcantrust。Agood-daytoyou，andthanksmany。”
　　Thereuponhewentforth。
　　"Whathasheinhismind？"IaskedBarthelemy。
　　"Belikeanambush。TheDukeofBurgundyliesatPeronne，andhasmusteredagreatforce。LihonsismidwaybetweenusandPeronne，andisinthehandsofBurgundy。IdeemXaintrailleshastidingsthattheyintendtoridefromPeronnetoLihonsto-night，andthencemakeearlyonfallonusto-morrow。Beingheavy-patedmenofwar，andbemusedwiththeirstrongwine，theyknownot，belike，thatwehavemorewithusthanthesmallgarrisonofGuermigny。Andwearetoawaitthemontheroad，Idoubtnot。YoushallseementhatwearyourcrossofSt。Andrew，butnotofyourcolour。”
　　IshamenottosaythatofbushmentsinthecolddawnIhadseenasmuchasIhadstomachfor，underParis。Butifanycaptainwaswaryinwar，andknewhowtodiscoverwhatsoeverhisenemydesigned，thatcaptainwasXaintrailles。NonethelessIhopedinmyheartthathissecrettidingsoftheBurgundianonfallhadnotcomethroughapriest，andnamelyacordelier。
　　Dawnfoundusmounted，andridingatafoot's-pacethroughthegreatplainwhichliesroughanduntilledbetweenGuermignyandLihons。
　　Allgreyandstillitwas，saveforacockcrowingfromafarmsteadhereandthereonthewidewold，brokenonlybyalineoftreesthatranacrosstheway。
　　Underthesetrees，whichweremainlypoplarsandthickundergrowthofaldersaboutthesteepbanksofalittlebrook，wewerehalted，andheretookcover，ourmenlyingdown。
　　"Letnomanstir，orspeak，savewhenIspeaktohim，whateverbefalls，onperilofhislife，"saidXaintrailles，whenwewerealldisposedinhiding。ThentouchingmeontheshoulderthatIshouldrise，hesaid-
　　"Youareyoungenoughtoclimbatree；areyoureyesgood？"
　　"Icommonlywasthefirstthatsawthehareinherform，whenwewentcoursingathome，sir。”
　　"Thenupthistreewithyou!keepoutlookalongtheroad，andhideyourselfasbestyoumayintheboughs。Throwthisrussetcloakoveryourharness。”ItwasshrewdlychillinthegreyNovembermorning，ahoarfrostlyingwhiteonthefields。Itookthecloakgladlyandbestowedmyselfinthetree，sothatIhadawideviewdownLihonsway，whenceweexpectedourenemies，theroadrunningplaintoseeforleagues，likearibbon，whenoncethelowsunhadscatteredthemists。Itwasalongwatch，andaweary，myhandsbeinghalffrozeninmysteelgauntlets。Manyofourmenslept；ifeverawayfarercrossedthebridgehardbyhewasstopped，gagged，andtrussedinarope'send。Butwayfarerswerefew，andallwerewanderingafoot。Iwassorryfortwolasses，whocrossedonsomebusinessoftheirfarm，buttherewasnoremedy。
　　Thesediversionspassedthetimetillnighnoon，whenIwhisperedtoXaintraillesthatIsawcloudsofdusttheroadsbeingverydryaleagueaway。HesentBarthelemyandanothertowakenanythatslept，andbadeallbereadyataword。
　　Nowtherecameshoutsonthewind，criesofvenerie，loudlaughter，andsnatchesofsongs。
　　Andnow，upinmyperch，ImyselfbrokeintoalaughatthatIsaw。
　　"Silence，"fool!"whisperedXaintrailles。"Whylaughyou，inthenameofBehemoth？"
　　"TheBurgundiansarehuntinghares，"Iwhispered；"theyareridingalldisorderly，someontheroad，somehereandthereabouttheplain。Onemanhasnolance，anotherisunhelmeted，manyhavelefttheirharnessbehindwiththebaggage!"EvenasIspokeroseupagreathuntingcry，andapointofthechasewasblownonatrumpet。
　　TheforemostBurgundianswerespurringlikemadmenaftersomebeast，throwingatitwiththeirlances，andsoonIsawafoxmakingourwayforitsverylife。
　　"Tohorse，"criedXaintrailles，and，leavingthirtymentoholdthebridge，thewholeofourcompany，withspearsinrest，drovedownonthesehare-huntersofBurgundy。
　　Twohundredpickedmeninall，fullyarmed，werewe，andwescatteredtheforemostridersastheyhadscatteredthehares。
　　Saddleswereemptied，archerswerecutdownorspearederetheycoulddrawbows，theBurgundianswerespurringfortheirlives，manycriedmercy，andweretakentoransom，ofwhomIhadmyshare，asI
　　shalltell。
　　Butafewmenmadearightgoodend。ThomasKyriel，aknightofEngland，stoodtohisbanner，hisarchersralliedaboutit，withthreeorfourknightsofBurgundy。There，unhelmetedforthemostpart，theychosethewayofhonour，buttheywereofnoavailwheresomanylanceswerelevelledandsomanyswordswerehewingatsofew。Therewasagreatslaughter，butGeoffreydeThoisy，nephewtotheBishopofTournay，pluckedfromdangerfortune，forhesoborehimthathebeingfullyarmedwetookhimforMessireAntoinedeVienne，averygoodknight。Forhiscouragewesparedhim，butAntoine，beingunhelmetedandunknown，wassmittenontheheadbyBarthelemyBarrette，withablowofacasse-tete。
　　ForthisBarthelemymademuchsorrow，notonlythatsogoodaknightwasslain，butthathehadlostagreatransom，wherebyheshouldhavebeenarichman。Yetsuchisthefortuneofwar!Whichthatdaywasstrangelyseen；foraknighthavingyieldedtomebecausehishorsethrewhim，andhelostforamomentallsensewiththefallandfoundmybootonhisneckwhenhecametohimself，whoshouldhebebutMessireRobertHeron，thesamewhomItookatOrleans!
　　Who，whenheknewme，tookoffhissaladeforgreaterease，and，sittingdownonarockbytheway，sworeasneverIheardmanswear，French，English，Spaniard，orScot；andatlengthlaughed，andsaiditwasfortuneofwar，andsowascontent。Thisskirmishbeingthusended，wereturned，blitheandrichmeneveryoneofus，whatwithprisoners，horses，arms，andallmanneroftreasuretakenwiththebaggage。ThatnightwesleptlittleinGuermigny，butfeastedanddrankdeep。Formyownpart，IknownotwellwhereIdidsleep，orhowIwontowhatbed，whichshamesmesomedealafteralltheseyears。
　　OnthemorrowweleftGuermignytothegarrisonoftheplacefortheirill-fortune，androdebacktowardsCompiegne。
　　AndthiswasthesportthattheBurgundianshadinhare-hunting。
　　ThisBattleoftheHareswasthemerriestpassageofarmsforourparty，andbourdesweremadeonit，andsongssung，asbytheEnglishonthatotherBattleoftheHerrings。Now，moreover，I
　　mightbecalledrich，whatwithransoms，whatwithmyshareoftheplunderinhorses，rings，chainsofgold，jewels，silverdishes，andrichcloths，outofthebaggageoftheenemy。VerilylackofwealthcouldnomoresunderElliotandme!ForPothonwasasopenofhandashewashighofheart，andwasnogreedycaptain，whereforemenfollowedhimthemoregladly。
　　CHAPTERXXIX——SHOWETHHOWVERYNOBLEWASTHEDUKEOFBURGUNDY
　　Allthiswaswell，butwewerenonearerRouen，andthefreeingoftheMaid，onthistwentiethofNovember，thanwehadbeenwhenthesiegeofCompiegnebrokeup，onthetwenty-sixthofOctober。
　　TheDukeofBurgundy，welearned，waslikeamanmadwhenheheardoftheBattleoftheHares。NothingwouldservehimthatdaybuttoleadallhishosttoGuermignyfromPeronne，whencehewouldhavegotlittlecomfortofvengeance，forwewereinaplaceofsafety。
　　ButJeandeLuxembourgtoldhimthathemustnotventurehisnobilityamongroutierslikeus，whereinhepleasedtheDuke，butspokefoolishly。Fornoman，behedukeorprince，canbeofbetterbloodthanweoftheHouseofRothes，nottospeakofXaintraillesandmanyothergentlemenofourcompany。
　　TheDuke，then，putnothisnoblepersoninanyjeopardy，but，morewisely，hesentmessengersaftermyLordofHuntingdonthatheshouldbringuptheEnglishtoaidtheBurgundianhare-hunters。ButHuntingdonhaddepartedtoRouen，wherethenlayHenry，KingofEngland，aboyonwhomandonwhoseHouseGodhasavengedtheMaidwithterriblejudgments，andwillyetthemoreavengeher，blessedbeHisname!
　　TheDukeofBurgundycomfortedhimselfafterhiskind，forwhenhedidpluckuphearttogoagainstGuermigny，he，findingusdeparted，sackedtheplace，andrazedittotheveryground，andsowithdrewtoRoye，andtherewaitedforwhathelpEnglandwouldsendhim。NowRoyeissomesixteenleaguesduenorthofCompiegne。
　　Sothedayswentby，forMessireLefebvreSaint-Remy，thepursuivant，washuntingformyLordofHuntingdon，allupanddownNormandy，andatlastcametoRouen，andtothepresenceoftheDukeofBedford，theuncleoftheEnglishKing。AllthisImyselfheardfromMessireSaint-Remy，whoisstillapursuivant，andalearnedman，andamakerofbooks。
　　Bedfordthen，whowasbusyhoundingthatdevil，Cauchon，sometimeBishopofBeauvais，againsttheMaid，senttheComtedePercheandMessireLoysRobsart，tobidtheDukeofBurgundybeofwhatcouragehemight，forsuccourofEnglandheshouldhave。WhereinBedfordwasnotrueprophet。
　　Ofallthiswe，inCompiegne，knewsomuchasthatitwaswisertostriketheDukeatRoye，beforehecouldaddEnglishtalbotstohisBurgundianharriers。Thereforeallthecaptainsofcompanies，asBoussac，Xaintrailles，AlainGiron，AmadeedeVignolles，andLoysdeNaucourt，musteredtheirseveralcompanies，tothenumberofsomefivethousandmen-at-arms。WehadnewsofsixhundredEnglishmarchingtojointheDuke，andonthemwefellatCouty，hardbyAmiens，andthereslewLoysRobsart，agoodknight，oftheOrderoftheGarter，anddrovetheEnglishthatfledintothecastleofCouty，andwetookalltheirhorses，leavingthemshamed，fortheykeptnoguard。
　　ThencewerodetowithinaleagueofRoye，andthencesentaherald，inalldueform，tochallengetheDuketoopenbattleforhishonour'ssake。Thiswedid，becausewehadnostoreofvictual，andmustfightorridehome。
　　TheDukereceivedtheherald，andmadeasifhewouldhearhimasbeseemsagentlemanunderchallenge。Buthiswisecounsellorsforbadehim，becausehewassonoble。
　　Wewerebut"routiers，"theysaid，andhadnoPrinceinallourcompany；sowemusteventarrytillthemorrow，andthentheDukewouldfight。IntruthheexpectedtheEnglish，whowerefootingittoCastleCouty。
　　IstoodbyXaintrailleswhenthepursuivantborebackthismessage。
　　Pothonspatontheground。
　　"Shallwebemorenobleto-morrowthanto-day，orto-morrowcanthishuxterofmaids，theDuke，belessnoblethanheis，everydaythathesoilsknighthood？"
　　Thereonhesenttheheraldback，tosaythattheDukeshouldhavebattleathisgatesifhegavenobetteranswer，forthatwaitforhispleasurewecouldnot，forwantofvictuals。
　　AndsowedrewhalfaleaguenearertoRoye。
　　TheDukesentbackourheraldwithwordthatofvictualshewouldgiveushalfhisownstore；forhehadread，asIdeem，theromanceofRichardLion-Heart，anothermannerofmanthanhimself。Wesaidnoughttothis，notchoosingtodineinsuchhighcompany，butrodeupunderthewallsofRoye，defyingtheDukewithopenribaldry，suchasnomanantcouldbearbuthewouldtakecudgelinhandtodefendhishonour。Ourintentwas，iftheDukeacceptedbattle，tofightwithnonebuthim，ifperchancewemighttakehim，andholdhimashostagefortheMaid'slife。
　　Howbeit，soverynoblewastheDukethisday，thathedidnotputlanceinrestasbelikehewouldhavedoneonthemorrow，but，drawinguphismenonfoot，behindcertainmossesandmarshes，allinfirmarray，hekepthimselfcoybehindthem，andnottoofarfromthegateofRoye。
　　Tocrossthesemossesandmarsheswasbeyondourcunning，norcouldwefastallthatnight，andseeiftheDukewouldfeelhimselflessnoble，andmorewarlike，onthemorrow。
　　So，withcursesandcriesofshame，weturnedbridle，and，forthatwecouldnotholdtogether，beinginlackofmeat，thecompaniesbrokeup，andwenteachtohisownhold。
　　IhaveheardMessireGeorgesChastellaintell，intimesthatwerestilltocome，howfiercelytheDukeofBurgundyborehimincouncilthatnight，afterthatwehadallgone，andhowheblamedhispeoplewhowouldnotlethimfight。But，afterhehadwellsupped，heevenletthisadventureslipby，asbeingordainedbythewillofGod，who，doubtless，holdsinveryhighhonourmenofbirthprincely，andsuch，aboveall，asletsellyoungvirginstothetormentors。AndthusendedourhopetosavetheMaidbytakingcaptivetheDukeofBurgundy。
　　CHAPTERXXX——HOWNORMANLESLIETOOKSERVICEWITHTHEENGLISH
　　"Whatmakewenow？"IaskedofBarthelemyBarrette，oneday，afterthecompanieshadscattered，asIhavesaid，andwehadgonebackintoCompiegne。"WhatstrokemayFrancenowstrikefortheMaid？"
　　Hehunghisheadandpluckedathisbeard，erehespoke。
　　"Tobeasplainwithyouasmyheartiswithmyself，Norman，"heansweredatlast，"deliverance，orhopeofdeliverance，seeInone。
　　TheEnglishhavethebirdinthecage，andRouenisnotastrengththatcanbetakenbysuddenonslaught。And，wereitso，whereisourforce，inmidwinter？Iratherputmyfaith，thatcanscarcemovemountains，insomesubtlemeans，ifanymanmightdevisethem。”
　　"Wecannotsitidlehere，"Isaid。"Andforthreelongmonthstherewillbenomovingofarmiesinopenfield。”
　　"AndinthreemonthsthesedogsoffalseFrenchdoctorsofPariswillhavetriedandcondemnedtheMaid。Formypart，IridewithmyhandfulofspearstotheLoire。PerchancethereisyetsomehopeintheKing。”
　　"ThenIridewithyou，grantedyourgoodwill，forImustneedstoTours，andIhaveovermuchtreasureinmywallettoridealone。”
　　Indeed，Iwasnowarichman，morebyluckthanbyvalour；andthoughIsaidnoughtofit，Ihopedthatmylongwooingmightnowcometoahappyend。
　　Barthelemyclaspedhandsgladlyonthatoffer；andnottomakealongtale，heandhismenweremyescorttoTours，andthenceherodetoSullytoseetheKing。
　　Ihadnoheartforgladsurprisesthistime，buthavingsentonalettertomymaster，byaKing'smessengerwhorodefromCompiegneerewedid，IwasexpectedandwelcomedbyElliotandmymaster，withallthejoythatmightbe，afterourlongseverance。Andinmymaster'shandsIlaidmynewlygottengear，andheardprivilyfromhimthat，withhisgoodwill，Iandhisdaughtermightwedsosoonasshewould。
　　"Forsheispiningwithgrief，andprayer，andfasting，andmarriageisthebestremedeforsuchmaladies。”
　　OfthisgraceIwasrightglad；yetChristmaswentbyandIdarednotspeak，forElliotseemedsetonfarotherthingsthanmirth，andwaseverandearlyinthechurches，aboveallwhenserviceandprayerwereofferedupfortheMaid。Shewasverywillingtohearallthetaleofthelongsiege，andherface，thatwasthinandwan，unlikeherbrightcountenanceofold，flushedscarletwhensheheardhowwehadbeardedandshamedthenobleDukeofBurgundy，andwhatwordsXaintrailleshadspokenconcerninghisnobleness。
　　"ThereisonetrueknightleftinFrance!"shesaid，andfellsilentagain。
　　Then，webeingaloneinthechamber，Itriedtotakeherhand，butshedrewitaway。
　　"Mydearlove，"shesaid，"Iknowallthatisinyourheart，andallmylovethatisinmineyouknowwell。Butinminethereisnocareforhappinessandjoy，andtospeakasplainasamaidenmay，Ihavenownowilltomarry。WhiletheSisteroftheSaintsliesinduresse，orifshebeunjustlyslain，Ihavesetupmyresttoabideunwed，forever，astheBrideofHeaven。And，ifthelastevilbefallher，aswellIdeemitmust，IshallwithdrawmefromtheworldintothesisterhoodoftheClarisses。”
　　Hadthegreatmid-beamoftherooffallenandsmittenme，Icouldnothavebeenstrickenmoredumbanddead。Myfaceshowedwhatwasinmymindbelike，for，lookingfearfullyandtenderlyonme，shetookmyhandbetweenhersandcherishedit。
　　"Mylove，"Isaidatlast，"youseeinwhatcaseIam，thatcanscarcespeakforsorrow，afterallIhaveventured，andlaboured，andwon，foryouandfortheMaid。”
　　"AndI，"sheanswered，"beingbutagirl，canventureandgivenothingbutmypoorprayers；andifshenowperish，thenImustpraythemorecontinuallyforthegoodrestofhersoul，andtheforgivenessofherenemiesandfalsefriends。”
　　"Sure，shehathalreadythecertainpromiseofParadise，andeveninthisworldherlifeiswiththeSaints。Andifmenslayherbody，weneedherprayersmorethansheneedsours。”
　　ButElliotsaidnoword，beingverywilful。
　　"ConsiderwhatmanneroffriendtheMaidis，"Isaid，"whodesiresnothingbutjoyandhappylifetoallwhomsheloves，asshelovesyou。Verily，Iamrightwellassuredthat，couldsheseeusinthishour，shewouldbidyoubehappywithme，andnotchoosepenanceforloveofher。”
　　"Ifsheherselfbidsmedoasyoudesire，"saidElliotatlast，"thenIwouldnotbedisobedienttothatDaughterofGod。”
　　HereItooksomecomfort，fornowathoughtcameintomymind。
　　"But，"saidElliot，"aswereadoftherichmanandLazarus，betweenherandusisagreatgulffixed，andnonemaycomefromhertous，orfromustoher。”
　　"Elliot!"Isaid，"ifeithertheMaidbedelivered，orifshesendsyousureandcertaintidingsunderherownhandthatshewillsyoutoputoffthishumour，willyouthenbepersuaded，andmakenomoredelay!"
　　"Indeed，ifeitherofthesemiraclesbefall，orboth，rightgladlywillIobeybothyouandher。ButnowherSaints，methinks，havelefther，weariedbythewickednessofFrance。”
　　"Iasknomore，"Ianswered，"for，Elliot，eithertheMaidshallbefree，orsheshallsendyouthiscommand，oryoushallseemyfacenomore。”
　　Mypurposewasnowclearbeforeme，evenasIexecutedit，asshallbeseen。
　　"Indeed，ifmyvowmustbekept，nevermayIagainbeholdyou；foroh!mylove，myheartwouldsurelybreakintwain，beingalreadyweakwithgriefandfasting，andwearywithprayer。”
　　Whereonshelaidherkindarmsaboutmyneck，and，despitemymanhood，Iweptnolessthanshe。
　　ForHolyWritsayswell，thathopedeferredmakeththeheartsick；
　　andminewassickuntodeath。
　　OfmyresolveIspokenowordmoretoElliot，lesthercounselshouldchangewhensheknewthejeopardywhereintoIwasfirmlymindedtogo。AndtomymasterIsaidnomorethanthatIwasmindedtoridetotheCourt，andforthatendIturnedintomoneyapartofmytreasure，formoneyIshouldneedmorethanarms。
　　Onematterinespecial，whichIdeemedshouldstandmeinthegreateststead，IpurchasedforgoldofthepottingeratTours，thesamewhohadnursedmeaftermywound。ThisdraughtIbestowedinasilverphial，gravenwithstrangesigns，andIkeptitevercloseandsecret，foritwasmychiefmainstay。
　　SecretlyasIwrought，yetIdeemthatmymasterhadsomeunderstandingofwhatwasinmymind，thoughItoldhimnothingofthewordsbetweenmeandElliot。ForIwasinnowaywithouthopethat，whenthebitternessofhergriefwasoverpast，Elliotmightchangehercounsel。Andagain，Iwouldnothavehimdeviseanddisputewithher，asnow，wherebyIverywellknewthatshewouldbebutthemoreunhappy，andthemoresetontakingherownwilfulway。
　　IthereforesaidnomorethanthatitbehovedmetoseesuchcaptainsaswereabouttheKing。
　　ThereafterIbadethemfarewell，noramIdisposedtowriteconcerningwhatpassedatthepartingofElliotandme。ForthriceerenowIhadlefthertopassintothemouthofwar，butnowIwentintootherperil，andwithfainterhope。
　　IdidindeedridetotheCourt，whichwasatSully，andthereImet，asIdesired，BarthelemyBarrette。Hegreetedmewell，andwasrichlyclad，andprosperoustobehold。Butitgavemegreaterjoythathespokeofsomesecretenterprisewhichshouldshortlybeputinhand，whenthespringcame。
　　"ForIhavegoodintelligence，"hesaid，"thattheBastardofOrleanswillrideprivilytoLouvierswithmen-at-arms。NowLouviers，whereLaHireliesingarrison，isbutsevenleaguesfromRouentown，andwhatsecretenterprisecanhepurposethere，savetobreakthecageandsetfreethebird？"
　　InthishopeItarriedlong，intendingtoridewiththespearsofBarthelemy，andplacingmytrustontwoknightssogoodandskilledinwarasLaHireandtheBastard，theMaid'soldcompanionsinfight。
　　Butthedayswaxedlong，anditwasMarchthethirteentherewerodenorth，andalreadythedoctorshadbeguntoentraptheMaidwiththeirquestions，whereoftherecouldbebutoneend。
　　Withoutadventureverynotable，ridingmuchatnight，throughforestsandbyways，wecametoLouviers，wheretheyreceivedusjoyfully。ForitwasverywellknownthattheEnglishweremindedtobesiegethistown，thatbravedthemsoneartheirgatesatRouen，andthattheyonlyheldbacktilltheyhadslaintheMaid。Whileshelivedtheydarednotstiragainstus，knowingwellthattheirmenfearedtofollowtheirflag。
　　Now，indeed，Iwasingoodhope，butalas!therewerelongcounselsofthecaptains，therewasmuchharryingofNormandy，andsomeoutlyingbandsofEnglishweretrapped，andprisonersweretaken。
　　ButofanassaultonRouenweheardnoword，and，indeed，theadventurewasdesperate，though，forthehonourofFrance，Imarvelyetthatitwasnotputtothetouch。
　　"Thereisnoughttobedone，"Barthelemysaidtome；"IcannottakeRouenwithahandfulofspears，andthecaptainswillnotstir。”
　　"Then，"saidI，"farewell，forundertheliliesIfightneveragain。
　　Onechanceremains，andIgotoproveit。”
　　"Man，youaremad，"heansweredme。"Whatdesperateperilareyoumindedtorun？"
　　"Iammindedtoendthismatter，"Isaid。"Myhonourandmyverylifestanduponit。Askmenotwhy，andswearthatyouwillkeepthissecretfromallmen，ifyouwoulddothelastservicetome，andtoHer，whomwebothlove。Itellyouthat，helpmeorhinderme，Ihavenochoicebutthis；yetsomuchIwillsaytoyou，thatI
　　putmyselfinthisjeopardyformyhonourandthehonourofScotland，andformylady。”
　　"Thedaysarepastfortheoldchivalry，"hesaid；"butnomorewords。IswearbySt。Ouentokeepyourcounsel，andifmoreIcando，withoutmeremadnessandriskoutofallhope，Iwilldoit。”
　　"Thisyoucandowithoutrisk。LetmehavetheaccoutrementsofoneoftheEnglishmenwholieinward，andletmeridewithyourbandatdaybreakto-morrow。Itiseasytotellsomefeignedtale，whenyouridebackwithoutme。”