第6章

Then，evenasshespoke，andasbymiracle，thatfiercewindwentrightabout，andblewstraightupthestream，andthesailsofthevesselsfilled。

"ThisistheworkofourLord，"saidtheBastardofOrleans，crossinghimself:andtheangerpassedfromtheeyesoftheMaid。

ThenheandNicoledeGiresmeprayedhertopassthestreamwiththem，andtoletherhostmarchbacktoBloisandsocometoOrleans，crossingbythebridgeofBlois。Tothisshesaidnay，thatshecouldnotleavehermenoutofhersight，lesttheyfelltosinagain，andallherpainswerelost。But，withmanyprayers，herconfessorPasquereljoininginthem，shewasbroughttoconsent。Sothehost，withpriestsandbanners，mustsetforthagaintoBlois，whiletheMaid，andwethatwereofhercompany，crossedtheriverinboats，andsorodetowardsthetown。Onthisway(thesameisaroadoftheoldRomans)theEnglishheldastrongfort，calledSt。

Loup，andwellmighttheyhavesalliedforthagainstus。ButthepeopleofOrleans，whoeverborethemselvesmorehardilythananytownsfolkwhomIhaveknown，madeanonfallagainstSt。Loup，thattheEnglishwithinmightnotsallyoutagainstus，wherewasfiercefighting，andtheytookastandardfromtheEnglish。

So，atnightfall，theMaid，withtheBastardandothercaptainsatherside，rodeintothetown，allthepeoplewelcomingherwithtorchesinhand，shoutingNoel!astoaking，throwingflowersbeforeherhorse"sfeet，andpressingtotouchher，oreventheharnessofherhorse，whichleapedandplunged，forthefireofatorchcaughtthefringeofherbanner。Lightlyshespurredandturnedhim，andlightlyshecaughtattheflamewithherhandandquenchedit，whileallmenmarvelledathergraceandgoodlybearing。

NeversawImorejoyofheart，forwhereasallhadfearedtofallintothehandsoftheEnglish，nowtherewassuchcourageinthem，asifMonseigneurSt。Michaelhimself，orMonseigneurStAignan，hadcomedownfromheaventohelphisgoodtown。Iftheywerehardybefore，asindeedtheywere，nowplainlytheywerefullofsuchmightandfurythatmanmightnotstandagainstthem。AndsoonitwasplainthatnolessfearhadfallenontheEnglish。ButtheMaid，withuswhofollowedher，wasledrightthroughthegreatstreetofOrleans，fromtheBurgundygatetothegateRegnart，wherebythefightingwasevermostfell，andtherewelodgedinthehouseoftheTreasureroftheDukeofOrleans，JacquetBoucher。

Neverwassleepsweetertome，afterthetwowearymarches，andthesoundsofmusicandrevelryinthestreetdidnothumamomentinmyears，beforeIhadpassedintothatblessedworldofslumberwithoutadream。

ButmywakingnextdaybroughtinstantlythethoughtofmybrotherRobin，concerningwhomIhadeverfearedthathefellwiththeflowerofScotland，whentheComtedeClermontdesertedussoshamefullyonthedayoftheBattleoftheHerrings。Nosoonerdidthisdoubtcomeintomymind，thanIleapedfrommybed，attiredmyself，andwentforthtothequartersoftheScotsunderSirChristianChambers。LittleneedIhadtotellmyerrand，fortheythatmetmeguessedwhoIwas，because，indeed，RobinandIfavouredeachothergreatlyinfaceandbodilypresence。

ItwasevenasIhaddeemed:mydearbrotherandfriendandtutorofolddayshaddied，chargingbackupontheEnglishwhopursuedus，andfightingbythesideofPothondeXaintrailles。Allthatday，andintheweekwhichfollowed，mythoughtwaseveruponhim；alookinastranger"sface，awordonanother"slips，bysomemagicofthemindwouldbringmybrotheralmostvisiblybeforeme，ay，amongthenoiseofswordsonmail，andthescreamingofarrows，andofgreatcannon-balls。

IfIheardillnews，itwasnomorethanIlookedfor；butbetternews，asitseemed，Ialsoheard，though，inmysorrow，Imarkeditlittle。Forthesoldierswerelamentingthelossoftheirfamedgunner，notJohntheLorrainer，butonewhohadcometothem，theysaid，nowsomeweeksagone，intheguiseofacordelier，thoughhedidnotfightinthatgarb，butincommonattire，andeverworehisvizordown，whichmendeemedstrange。Whitherhehadgone，orhowdisappeared，theyknewnot，forhehadnotbeenwiththosewhoyesterdayattackedSt。Loup。

"HecouldnevertholethethoughtoftheBlessedMaid，"saidAllanRutherford，"butwouldtellallthatlistenedhowshewasabrain-

sickwench，orawitch，andunderherstandardhewouldneverfight。

Heevenavowedtousthatshehadbeenachamber-wenchofaninninNeufchateau，andtherehadlearnedtobackahorse，andmanyaworsetrick，"whichwasaliedevisedbytheEnglishandthemofBurgundy。

But，gowherehewould，orhowhewould，IdeemeditwellthatBrotherThomasandI(forofasuretyitwasBrotherThomas)werenottomeetinOrleans。

ConcerningtheEnglishinthiswonderfuladventureofthesiege，I

havenevercomprehended，nordoInowknow，whereforetheyborethemastheydid。ThattheysalliednotoutonthetrainswhichtheMaidledandbroughtintothetown，amanmightsetdowntomerecowardiceandfaintheart——theyfearingtofightagainstawitch，astheydeemedher。Inlaterbattles，whenshehadwonsomanyavictory，theymaywellhavefearedher。But，asnow，theyshowednodreadwherehonourwastobewon，butratherprideanddisdain。OnthisverySaturday，themorrowofourarrival，LaHire，withFlorentd"Illiersandmanyotherknights，pushedforthamatteroftwobowshotsfromthecitywalls，andtookakeepthattheythoughttohaveburned。Theywereveryhardymen，andbeingcomfortedbytheMaid"scoming，werefullofcourageandgoodwill；yettheEnglishralliedanddrovethemback，withmuchfiringofguns，andnowfirstIheardthedinofwarandsawthegreatstoneballsfly，scattering，astheyfell，intosplintersthatscreamedintheair，withaveryterriblesound。TrulytheEnglishhadthebetterofthatfray，andwerenowhitadread，foratsunsettheMaidsentthemtwoheralds，biddingthembegone；yettheyansweredonlythattheywouldburnherforawitch，andcalledheraribaulde，orloosewench，andbadehergobackandkeepherkine。

Iwaswithherwhenthismessagecame，andherbrowsmetandhereyesflashedwithanger。Tellingusofhercompanytofollow，shewenttotheFairCrossonthebridge，wherenowherimagestands，fashionedinbronze，kneelingbeforetheCross，withtheKingkneelingopposite。ThereshestoodandcriedaloudtotheEnglish，whowereinthefortontheothersideofthebridgethatiscalledLesTourelles，andhervoicerangacrossthewaterlikeatrumpet，sothatitwasmarvel。Thencameoutontothebridgeagreatknightandatall，SirWilliamGlasdale；nobiggermanhaveIseen，andIbethoughtmeofGoliathinHolyScripture。Hespokeinaloud，north-countryvoice，and，whereassheaddressedhimcourteously，asshedidallmen，hecalledherbytheworstofnames，mockingatherforaribaulde。Shemadeanswerthathelied，andthatheshoulddieinfourdays"timeorfive，withoutstrokeofsword；andso，wavingherhandhaughtily，turnedandwentback。ButI，whowalkedclosebyher，notedthatsheweptlikeanygirlathisevilandlyingaccusations。

NextdaywasSunday，andnostrokewasstruck，buttheBastardofOrleanssetforthtobringbackthearmyfromBlois。AndonMondaytheMaidrodeoutandundertheverywallsoftheEnglishkeeps，thetownsfolkrunningbyherrein，asifsecureinhercompany；yetnomancameforthagainstthem，whichwasmarvel。AndontheWednesday，theMaid，withmanyknights，rodeforthtwoleagues，andmettheBastardofOrleansandallthearrayfromBlois，andalltheflocksandherdsthatweresenttoOrleansbythegoodtowns。RightbeneaththefortsoftheEnglishtheyrodeandmarched，withchantingofhymns，priestsleadingtheway，butnonedaredmeddlewiththem。Yetachildmighthaveseenthatnoworneverwasthechance:howbeitTalbotandGlasdaleandScales，menwelllearnedinwar，letfirenotevenasinglecannon。ItmaybethattheyfearedanattackoftheOrleansfolkontheirbastilles，iftheydrewouttheirmen。For，totelltheplaintruth，theEnglishhadnotmen-

at-armsenoughforthetasktheytookinhand；buttheyoftachievemuchwithbutlittleforce，andsopresumethemore，sometimestotheirundoing。And，tilltheMaidcame，tenofthemcouldchaseahundredoftheFrench。

SotheMaidreturned，leadingthearmy，andthen，beingveryweary，shewentintoherchamber，andlaydownonacouchtosleep，heresquire，D"Aulon，alsorestingintheroom，whereweretheladyandadaughterofthehouse，oneCharlotteBoucher。TherewasI，devisingidlywithherpage，LouisdeCoutes，aboyhalfScotsbybirth，andgood-brothertoMessireFlorentd"Illiers，whohadmarriedhissister。Butalas!hewasmoreFrenchthanScots，andlaterhelefttheMaid。Butthenwewereplayingourselvesatthedoorofthehouse，andallwasstill，themen-at-armsreposing，aswedeemed，aftertheirmarch。ThensuddenlytheMaidranforthtous，herfacewhiteandhereyesshining，andcriedtoLouisdeCoutes，ingreatanger-

"Wretchedboy，thebloodofFranceisbeingshed，andyoutoldmenowordofit!"

"Demoiselle，"saidhe，trembling，"Iwottednotofit。Whatmeanyou？"

AndIalsostoodinamaze，forwehadheardnosoundofarms。

"Go，fetchmyhorse，"shesaid，andwasgone。

Iwentwithhim，andwesaddledandbridledafreshcourserspeedily；butwhenwereachedthedoor，shestoodtherealreadyarmed，andsprangonthehorse，cryingforherbanner，thatDeCoutesgaveheroutoftheupperwindow。Thenherspurswereinherhorse"sside，andthesparksflyingfrombeneathhishoofs，asshegallopedtowardsSt。Loup，theEnglishfortontheBurgundyroad。

Thitherwefollowedher，withwhatspeedwemight，yetovertardily；

andwhenwecamethroughcrowdsofpeople，manybearingthewoundedonlitters，therewasshe，underthewallofthatfort，inarainofarrows，holdingupherbanner，andcryingontheFrenchandScotstothecharge。Theyansweredwithacry，andwenton，DeCoutesandI

pressingforwardtobewiththem；butereeverwecouldgainthefosse，theEnglishhadbeenoverwhelmed，and，forthemorepart，slain。For，aswefound，theFrenchcaptainshadcommandedanattackonSt。Loup，andhadtoldtheMaidnowordofit，whetherasdesiringtowinhonourwithouther，ortospareherfromtheperiloftheonslaught，Iknownot。Buttheirmenweregivingground，whenbythemonitionofthesaints，asIhaveshown，shecametothemandturnedthefray。

OftheEnglish，asIsaid，mostwereslain，nathelesscertainmeninpriests"raimentcameforthfromtheChurchofSt。Loup，andveryhumblybeggedtheirlivesoftheMaid，who，turningtoD"Aulon，heresquire，badehim，withDeCoutesandme，andsuchmenaswecouldgather，tohavechargeofthemandbeanswerableforthem。

So，whiletheFrenchwereplundering，wemusteredthesepriestsorderlytogether，theytremblingandtellingtheirbeads，andwestoodbeforethemfortheirguard。Falsepriests，Idoubt，manyofthemwere，EnglishmenwhohadhastilydoneonsuchholyrobesastheyfoundinthechurchofStLoup。NowLouisdeCoutes，beingbutaboy，andofamadhumour，cried-

""Cucullusnonfacitmonachum!"Goodsirs，letusseeyourreverendtonsures。”

Withthathetwitchedthehoodfromtheheadofatallcordelier，who，withoutmoreado，felledhimtotheearthwithhisfist。

Thehoodwasoffbutforaflashoftime，yetIsawwelltheshiningwolf"seyesandthelongdarkfaceofBrotherThomas。So，inthepicturesoftheromanceofRenardFox，haveIseenIsengrimthewolfinthefriar"shood。

"Felonandtraitor!"Icried，anddrawingmysword，wasabouttorunhimthroughthebody，whenmyhandwasstunnedbyastroke，andthesworddroppedfromit。Iturned，ingreatanger，andsawtheMaid，herswordinherhand，wherewithshehadsmittenmeflatlings，andnotwiththeedge。

"KnaveofaScot，"shecried，"wouldstthoustrikeaholymanandmyprisoner？VerilytheysaywellthattheScotsareallsavages。

Begonehome，tillIspeakwiththecaptainsaboutthycase!Andfortheseholymen，"shesaidtoD"Aulon，inasoftvoice，"seethattheyaresafelyhousedandministeredtointheChurchofMonseigneurSt。Aignan。”

WiththatIshrankbacklikeabeatenhound，andsawtheMaidnomorethatnight，asfearingherwrath。SowasIadreadandoutofallcomfort。But，whenfirstImight，IsoughtD"AulonandtoldhimallthetaleofBrotherThomas，andalltheevilIknewofhim，aswellasIcould，andIshowedhimwhereforeIhadsoughttoslaytheman，asforswornandatraitor，whohadmanifestlyfledtotheEnglish，beingbyhisdoggishnaturetheenemyoftheMaid。Isowroughtwithhim，thoughhewasweary，andwouldscarcelistentomytale，thathepromisedtospeakformetotheMaid，withoutwhomI

wasamanlost。Moreover，hesworethat，asearlyasmightbe，hewouldvisittheChurchofSt。Aignan，andthereexamineintothematterofthiscordelier，whomsomeknew，andcouldtestifyagainst，ifhewasmyman。

NomorecouldIdothatnight，butnextmorningD"Aulonawokemealittleafterdawn。

"Itisatruetale，"hesaid，"andworsethanIdeemed，foryourbirdhasflown!LastnighthesospokewithmeinthechurchwhenI

lodgedhimthere，thatIreckonedhimasimplemanandapious。Buthehasvanishedfromamonghisbrethren，noneknowshoworwhither。”

"Thedevil，hismaster，knows，"Isaid。"Faith，hehasashrewdcareofhisown。Butthis，Imisdoubtme，isthebeginningofeviltousandtotheMaid。”

"Aknavemoreorlessisoflittlecountintheworld，"saidhe；

"butnowImustmakeyourpeacewiththeMaid，forshespeaksofnolessthansendingyouforthfromherhousehold。”

Hispromisehekeptsowell——forhewasaveryhonourableman，asanyinFrance——thattheMaidsentformeandshowedmethebestcountenance，evenbeggingmypardonwithallsweetness，andinsofairamannerthatIcouldhavewept。

"Itwasmyfirstblowinwar，"shesaid，smilingkindly，aswashermanner，"andIhopetostrikenomoreaswithmyownhand，whereforeIcarrymybannertoavoidtheslayingofmen。ButverilyIdeemedthatyouwereaboutstabbingmyprisoner，andhimapriest。Belikeweshallhearnomoreofhim，andImisdoubtthatheisnotruesonofHolyChurch。To-dayletmeseeyoubearyourselfasboldlyagainstarmedmen，thatImayreportwellofyoutoyourladyandmyfriend。”

Therewithsheheldoutherhandsandtookmine，asfranklyasdoesonebrotherinarmswithanother。AndIkissedherhand，andkeptmytearsinmyownheart。ButnodeadlierblowforFranceandforherselfwaseverdealtthanwhentheMaidstruckdownmysword，thatwasthirstingforthebloodofBrotherThomas，andwaswithinaninchofhisthroat。OftenhaveImarvelledhowthesaints，who，asthen，guardedher，gavehernowarning，astheydidoftheonslaughtonSt。Loup；butitmightnotbe，oritwasnottheirwill，towhichwemusthumblysubmitourselves。AndnowIthinkIseethatwolf"sface，underthehood，withangerandfearintheominouseyes。IntheChurchofSt。Loupwefoundhim，andhewasawolfoftheholyplaces。Nonetheless，thewordsoftheMaidbroughtmorekeenlytomymindthethoughtofElliot，whominthesecrowdedhours，betweenmysorrowandanger，andfearoftheMaid"swrath，Ihadtosomedegreeforgotten。TheywerenoworderinganonslaughtonapostoftheEnglishbeyondtheriver，andtherecameintomyheartthatverseofthe"BookofaHundredBallades":howalovermustpressintobreach，andmine，andescaladetowinadvancementandhislady"sfavour；andIsworewithinmyselfthatto-dayIwouldbeamongtheforemost。

CHAPTERXIII——OFTHEFIGHTINGATLESAUGUSTINSANDTHEPROPHECYOF

THEMAID

JustabovethebrokenbridgeofOrleansthereisabroadisland，lyingveryneartheoppositeshore，withanarrow，swiftpassageofwaterbetweenbankandisland。Sometwofurlongshigheruptheriver，andonthefurtherbank，theEnglishhadbuiltasmallfort，namedSt。JeanleBlanc，toguardtheroad，andthithertheysentmenfromLesAugustins。Theplanofourcaptainswastocrossbyboatsontotheisland，andthencebyabridgeofplankslaidonboatstowinoverthenarrowchannel，andsomakeanonslaughtonSt。JeanleBlanc。ForthisonslaughttheMaidhadnowbeenarmedbyherwomen，andwithallhercompany，andmanyknights，wasmakingreadytocross。Butbeforeshe，orwewithher，couldattaintheshore，horsesbeingillbeastsinaboatferry，thelight-armedtownsfolkhadcrossedoveragainstSt。JeanleBlanctospyonit，andhadfoundthekeepempty，fortheEnglishhaddrawnbacktheirmentotheBastilleofLesAugustins。

Thustherewasnomoretodo，forthecaptainsdeemednotthatwewereofanyavailtoattackLesAugustins。Theywereretreatingthentothebridgeofboats，andMessiresdeGaucourt，DeVillars，andothergoodknightswereguardingtheretreat，allorderly，lesttheEnglishmightsallyoutfromLesAugustins，and，takingusintherear，mightslaymanyintheconfusionofcrossingtheboat-

bridge，whentheMaidandLaHire，bygreatdintoftoil，passedtheirhorsesinaferry-boatontothefurtherbank。AtthismomenttheEnglishsalliedforth，withloudcries，fromLesAugustins，andwerefallingonourmen，who，fearingtobecutoff，begantofleedisorderly，whiletheEnglishcalledoutillwords，as"cowards"and"ribaulds，"andwereblasphemingGodthatHeshoulddamnallFrenchmen。

HereontheMaid，withherbanner，andLaHire，withlanceinrest，theytwoalone，spurredintothepress，andnowherbannerwastossingliketheflagofashipinthebreakers，andmethoughttherewasgreatjeopardylesttheyshouldbetaken。ButtheotherFrenchandScots，perceivingthebannerinsuchaperil，turnedagainfromtheirflight，andmenwhoonceturnbacktoblowsagainareilltodealwith。Striking，then，andcrying，Montjoie!St。Denis!andSt。

AndrewforScotland!theymadetheEnglishgiveground，tilltheywerewithinthepalisadeofLesAugustins，wheretheydeemedthemsafeenough。NowIhadstruggledthroughthethrongontheisland，someflying，someadvancing，aseachman"sheartbadehim，tillI

leapedintothewateruptomywaistandwontheland。ThereIwasrunningtothefrontofthefightwhenD"Aulonwouldhavestoppedme，forhehadacommandtoholdacertainnarrowway，lesttheEnglishshoulddriveustothewateragain。

Allthiswasrightlydone，butI，hearingthecryofSt。Andrew，wasasonepossessed，andpayingnoheedtoD"Aulon，wasforthrustingmeforward，whenacertainSpaniard，AlphonsedePartada，caughtmebythearm，andtoldme，withanoath，thatImightwellbidewherebettermenthanIwerecontenttobe。AtthisImadeanswerthatmyplacewaswiththeMaid，and，asforbettermen，biggerhemightwellbe，butI，forone，wasnotcontenttolookonidlywhereblowswerebeingdealt。HeansweredinsuchtermsthatIbadehimfollowme，andseewhichofuswouldfarefurthestintothepress。

"AndforthatyoumaybeswifteroffootthanI，asyouhavelongerlegs，"Icried，"clasphandsonthisbargain，andletusreachthepalisadeswiththesamestep。”

Tothisheagreed，andD"Aulonnotrefusingpermission(forhelovedtolookonavaillance)，we，claspinghands，rantogetherswiftly，andstruckourswordsinthesamemomentagainstthewoodenfence。

Alittleopeningtherewas，notyetclosed，orhethatkeptitdeemedhemightwinmorehonourbyholdingitwithhisbody。Hewasagreatknightandtall，wellarmed，theredcrossofSt。Georgeonhisbreast，andhefoughtwithamightysword。Together，then，wemadeathim，twotoone，asneedsmustbe，forthiswasnogentlepassageofarms，butopenbattle。OnesweepofhisswordImadeshifttoavoid，butthenextlightingonmysalade，drovemestaggeringbackformoreyardsthantwoorthree，andIreeledandfellonmyhands。WhenIrose，AlphonsedePartadawasfallingbeneathasword-stroke，andIwasforrunningforwardagain；butlo!

thegreatEnglishknightleapedintheair，andso，turning，fellonhisface，hishandsgraspingatthegroundandhisfeetkicking。

LaterIheardfromD"AulonthathehadbiddenJohntheLorrainermarkthemanwithhiscouleuvrine，forthathedidovermuchmischief。But，thinkingofnoughtsavetobeforemostinthebreach，Iranin，stumblingoverthedeadman"sbody，andshoulderedatthesametimebyAlphonse，whowardedoffastabofapikethatwasdealtatme。Thenitwasafairmellay，ourmenpressingafterusthroughthegap，anddrivingusforwardbymereweightofonset，theycomingwithallspeedagainstourenemiesthatrantogetherfromallpartsofthekeep，andsoleftbarethefurtherwall。Itwasbodytobody，weightagainstweight，shortstrokesatclosequarters，and，overourheads，billsstrikingandfoiningattheEnglish。Eachmansmotewherehecould；wewaveredandswayed，nowoffourfeetinthepress，nowmakingsomeyardofground，andevilwasthesmellandthickthedustthatarose。Meanwhilecamethesoundoftherivingofplanksfromtheothersideofthepalisade；

abovethesteelpointsandthedustIsawtheMaid"spennonadvancingwiththefaceofmyladypaintedthereon，andIpressedtowardsit，crying"St。Andrew"withsuchbreathaswasinme。ThenrangouttheMaid"svoice，likeaclarion，"St。Denis!"andso，strokeechoingstroke，anddaggersgoingatclosequarters，beatenonandblinded，deafandbreathless，nowup，nowdown，westaggeredforward，tillIandtheMaidstoodsidebyside，andtheEnglishbroke，somefalling，someflyingtotheout-gate。

And，whenallwasdone，therewasI，knowinglittleenoughofwhathadcomeandgone，dazed，withmyswordbloodyandbent，myheadhumming，andmyfootonthebreastofanEnglishknight，oneRobertHeron。HimItooktoprisoner，rescueornorescue，andsosatwedown，veryweary，inthemidstofbloodandbrokenarms，formanyhadbeenslainandafewtaken，thoughthemoreparthadfledintotheboulevardofLesTourelles。Andhere，withajoyousface，andthevizorofherhelmraised，stoodtheMaid，herswordsheathed，wavingherbannerinthesightoftheEnglishthatwereonthebridgefort。

Natheless，herjoywasbutforamoment，andsoonwassheseatedlowlyontheground，holdinginherarmstheheadofanEnglishknight，sorewounded，forwhomherconfessor，FatherPasquerel，wasdoingtheofficesofreligion。Tearswererunningdownhercheeks，evenasifhehadbeenoneofherownpeople；andso，comfortingandhelpingthewoundedasshemight，sheabodetillthedarknesscame，andthecaptainshadmadeshifttorepairthefortressandhadsetguardsallorderly。Andalltheriverwasdarkwithboatscomingandgoing，theirlanternsglitteringonthestream，andtheywereladenwithfoodandmunitionsofwar。InoneoftheseboatsdidtheMaidcrosstheriver，takingwithherusofhercompany，andspeakingtome，aboveothers，inthemostgraciousmanner，forthatIhadbeenthefirst，withthatSpanishgentleman，topasswithintheEnglishpalisade。Andnowmyheartwaslight，thoughmyfleshwasveryweary，forthatIhaddonemydevoir，andtakenthefirstfruitsofElliot"sweddingportion。NoheavyransomIputonthatknight，SirRobertHeron，anditwashonourablypaidinnolongtime，thoughheilllikedyieldinghimtoonethathadnotgainedhisspurs。Butitwasfortuneofwar。So，halfinadream，wereachedourhouse，andtherewasthegreatestconcourseoftownsfolkclamouringinthepraiseoftheMaid，whoshowedherselftothemfromthewindow，andpromisedthatto-morrowtheyshouldtakeLesTourelles。ThatnightwasFriday，yet，sowornwereweallthattheMaidbadeussup，andherselftooksomemeatandalittlewineinherwater，thoughcommonlyshefastedonFriday。Andnowwewereabouttobounusforbed，andtheMaidhadrisen，andwasstandingwithherarmspassedabouttheneckofthedaughterofthehouse，afairlassandmerry，calledCharlotteBoucher，whoalwayslaywithher(forshehadgreatjoytobewithgirlsofherownage)，whentherecamethesoundofadagger-hiltbeatingatthedoor。Weopened，andtherestoodatallknight，wholoutedlowtotheMaid，capinhand，andshebadehimdrinktothetakingofLesTourellesthatshouldbeto-morrow。

Buthe，withtheflagonfullinhishands，andwithalathirstylookuponhisface，shookhishead。

"Toanotherpledge，Maiden，Iwillgladlydrink，namely，tothebravestdamselunderthesky。”

Andtherewithhedrankdeep。

"ButnowIamsentfromGaucourt，andtheBastard，forallthecaptainsareincounselagain。Andtheybidmetellyouthatenoughhathbeendone，andtheyarerightwellcontent。Butwearefewagainstsogreatahost，inaplacesostrongthatmenmaynotavailtomasteritbymainforce。Thecityisnowwellseeninallmannerofvictual；moreover，wecannowcomeandgobySologneandtheleftbank。TheskillisthereforetoholdthecitytilltheEnglishwaxwearyanddepart，ortillwehavesuccouranewfromtheKing。

Thereforeto-morrowthemen-at-armsshalltakerest，havinggreatneedthereof；andtherefore，gentleMaid，pardonmethatIdranknottothepledgewhichaladycalled。”

Thenhedrainedtheflagon。

TheMaid，holdingthegirlCharlotteyetclosertoher，smoteherrighthandonthetable，sothatitdirled，andthecupsanddishesleaped。

"Youhavebeenwithyourcounsel，"shecried，"andIhavebeenwithmine!ThecounselofMessirewillstandfastandprevail，andyoursshallperish，foritisofmen。Goback，andbearmywordstothecaptains，"quothshe；andthen，turningtous，wholookedonherinamazement，shesaid-

"Doyeallriserightearly，andmorethanyehavedoneto-dayshallyedo。Keepeverclosebymeinthemellay，forto-morrowIshallhavemuchtodo，andmorethaneveryetIdid。Andto-morrowshallmybloodleapfrommybody，abovemybreast，foranarrowshallsmitehere!"andshestrucktheplacewithherhand。

Thereontheknight，seeingthatshewasnottobemoved，madehisobeisance，andwentbacktothemthatsenthim，andallwelaydowntosleepwhilewemight。

ThesewordsoftheMaidI，NormanLeslie，heard，andbearrecordthattheyaretrue。

CHAPTERXIV——OFTHEFIGHTINGATTHEBRIDGE，ANDOFTHEPRIZEWONBY

NORMANLESLIEFROMTHERIVER

OnthatnightIsleptsoft，andwokeoft，beingutterlyforedone。

InthegreydawnIawoke，andgavealittlecough，when，lo!therecameahotsweetgushintomymouth，andgoingtothewindow，IsawthatIwasspittingofblood，belikefrommyoldwound。Itisastrangethingthat，therewith，asicknesscameoverme，andacoldfitasoffear，thoughfearIhadfeltnonewheremenmetinheatofarms。Nonetheless，seeingthatto-day，ornever，Iwastobemadeormarred，Ispokeofthematterneithertomannorwoman，butdrinkingalongdraughtofverycoldwater，Ispatsomedealmore，andthenitstanched，andIarmedmeandsatdownonmybed。

Mythoughts，asIwaitedforthefirststirinthehouse，werenotglad。Birdsweresinginginthegardentrees；allelsewasquiet，asifmenwerenotwakingtoslayeachotherandpassunconfessedtotheiraccount。Therecameonmeagreatsicknessofwar。YesterdaytheboulevardofLesAugustins，whenthefightwasover，hadbeenashambles；whitebodiesthathadbeenstrippedoftheirarmourlayhereandtherelikesheeponahillside，andwerenowsmirchedwithdust，athingunseemly。IputittomyselfthatIwasengaged，ifevermanwas，inarighteousquarrel，fightingagainstcrueloppression；andIwasundertheprotectionofonesent，asIverilybelieved，byHeaven。

Butbloodrunstardyinthecolddawn；mythoughtswerechilled，andIdeemed，tospeaksooth，thatIcarriedmydeathwithinme，frommyoldwound，and，evenifunhurt，couldscarceescapeoutofthatday"slabourandlive。Isaidfarewelltolifeandthesun，inmyownmind，andtoElliot，thinkingofwhom，withwhattendernessshehadnursedme，andofhermirthandpitifulheart，Icouldscarceforbearfromweeping。OfmybrotheralsoIthought，andindeathitseemedtomethatwecouldscarcelybedivided。ThenmythoughtwentbacktoolddaysofchildhoodatPitcullo，oldwanderingsbyEdenbanks，oldkindnessandoldquarrels，andIseemedtoseeavisionofagreattree，growingaloneoutofalittlemound，bymyfather"sdoor，whereRobinandIwouldplay"WillieWastleinhiscastle，"forthatwasourfirstmannerofholdingasiege。Aman-

at-armshaslittletomakewithsuchfancies，andwellIwotthatRandalRutherfordtroubledhimselftherewithinnomanner。Butnowtherecameanironfootsteponthestairs，andtheMaid"svoicerangclear，andpresentlytherearosethesoundofhammersonrivets，andallthedinofmensaddlinghorsesandsharpeningswords，soIwentforthtojoinmycompany。

StiffandsorewasI，andfeltasifIcouldscarceraisemysword-

arm；butthesightoftheMaid，allgleaminginherharness，andclearofvoice，andswiftofdeed，likeSt。Michaelwhenhemarshalledhisangelsagainsttheenemiesofheaven，drovemybroodingthoughtscleanoutofmind。Thesunshoneyellowandslantingdownthestreets；outoftheshadowoftheminstercamethebells，ringingforwar。Thearmedtownsfolkthrongedtheways，andoneman，oldandill-clad，broughttotheMaidagreatfishwhichhehadcaughtovernightintheLoire。Ourhostprayedhertowaittillitshouldbecooked，thatshemightbreakfastwell，forshehadmuchtodo。Yetshe，whoscarceseemedtolivebyearthlymeat，butbythewillofGod，tookonlyasopofbreaddippedinwine，andgailyleapingtoherselleandgatheringthereins，asaladyboundforahuntingwherenofearwas，shecried，"Keepthefishforsupper，whenIwillbringbackagoddon{25}prisonertoeathispart。Andto-night，gentlesir，myhost，Iwillreturnbythebridge!"——which，aswedeemed，mightinnomannerbe，foranarchofthebridgewasbroken。Thereonweallmounted，androdedowntotheBurgundygate，thewomenwatchingus，andcastingflowersbeforetheMaiden。Butwhenwewonthegate，behold，itwaslocked，andtworanksofmen-

at-arms，withlanceslevelled，wearingthecoloursoftheSieurdeGaucourt，weredrawnupbeforeit。Thatlordhimself，inharness，butbare-headed，stoodbeforehismen，andcried，"Herebyisnopassage。To-daythecaptainsgivecommandthatnoforcestirfromthetown。”

"To-day，"quoththeMaid，"shallwetakeLesTourelles，andto-

morrownotagoddon，saveprisonersandslainmen，shallbewithinthreeleaguesofOrleans。Gentlesir，bidopenthegate，forto-dayhaveIworktodo。”

ThereatGaucourtshookhishead，andfromthemultitudeoftownsfolkroseonegreatangryshout。Theywouldburnthegate，theycried；

theywouldfirethetown，buttheywouldfollowtheMaidandtheguidanceofthesaints。

Thereonstonesbegantofly，andarbalestswerebended，tilltheMaidturned，and，facingthethrong，herbannerliftedasinanger-

"Back，mygoodfriendsandpeopleofOrleans，"shesaid，"backandopentheposterndoorinthegreattowerontheriverwall。ByonewayoranothershallImeettheEnglishthisday，norshallmightofmanpreventme。”

Thenmanyranback，andsooncamethecrythattheposternwasopened，andthitherstreamedthethrong。ThereforeGaucourtsawwellthatanonslaughtwouldverilybemade；moreover，asamanwiseinwar，heknewthatthetownsfolk，thatday，wouldbehardtohold，andwouldgofar。Soheevenyielded，notungraciously，andsendingamessengertotheBastardandthecaptains，herodeforthfromtheBurgundyGatebythesideoftheMaid。Hewas，indeed，littlemindedtomisshispartofthehonour；norweretheothercaptainsmorebackward，forscarcehadwetakenboatandreachedthefartherbank，whenwesawthebannersoftheBastardandLaHire，Florentd"IlliersandXaintrailles，ChambersandKennedy，abovetheheadsofthearmedmenwhostreamedforthbythegateofBurgundy。Lessorderlywasnofighteverbegun，butthesaintswereofourparty。

ItwasthewisemanneroftheMaidtostrikeswift，blowuponblow，eachstrokefindinglessresistanceamongtheenemy，thathadbeenusedtoalaggardwar，forthenitwasthemannerofcaptainstodallyforweeksormonthsroundatown，castle，orotherkeep，andtheskillwastostarvetheenemy。ButthemanneroftheMaidwasevertosendclouduponcloudofmentomakeescaladebyladders，theircomradesaidingthemfromundercoverwithfireofcouleuvrinesandbows。EvensofoughtthatfamedKnightofBrittany，SirBertrandduGuesclin。Buthewaslongdead，andwhethertheMaid(whohonouredhismemorygreatly)foughtasshedidthroughhisexample，orbydirectteachingofthesaints，Iknownot。

Ifdisorderlywebegan，thefaultwassoonamended；theywhohadbeleagueredtheboulevardallnightweresetintherear，torestoutofshot；thefreshmenwerearrayedundertheirbanners，invineyardsandunderthewallsoffields，sothatifonecompanywasdrivenbackanotherwasreadytocomeon，thattheEnglishmighthavenoreposefrombattle。

Now，themanneroftheboulevardwasthis:first，therewasastrongpalisade，andmanymenmusteredwithinit；thencameawide，deep，dryfosse；thenastrongwallofearth，boundinwithwithesandpalisaded，andwithinitthegateoftheboulevard。Whenthatwaswon，andtheboulevardtaken，mendefendingitmightfleeacrossadrawbridge，overastream，narrowanddeepandswift，intoLesTourellesitself。HeretheyweresafefromthemonthesideofOrleans，byreasonofthebrokenarchofthebridge。Sostrongwasthistower，thatMonseigneurtheDucd"Alencon，visitingitlater，saidhecouldhavestakedhisduchyonhisskilltoholditforaweekatleast，withbutfewmen，againstalltheforcesinFrance。

ThecaptainoftheEnglishwasthatGlasdalewhohadreviledtheMaid，andconcerningwhomshehadprophesiedthatheshoulddiewithoutstrokeofsword。TherewasnofiercersquireinEngland，andhismenwerelikehimself，beingpickedandchosenforthatpost；moreovertheirbackswereatthewall，fortheFrenchandScotsoncewithintheboulevard，itwasinnowiseeasyforTalbottobringtheEnglisharescue，aswasseen。

Thebattlebeganwithshootingofcouleuvrinesatthepalisade，toweakenit，anditwasmarveltoseehowtheMaidherselflaidtheguns，ascunninglyasherowncountryman，thefamedLorrainer。Now，whentherewasabreachinthepalisade，Xaintraillesledonhiscompany，splendidinarmour，forhewasaverybraveyoungknight。

Wesawthepalesfallwithacrash，andthemengoin，andheardthecryofbattle；butslowly，onebyone，theystaggeredback，somefalling，somereelingwounded，androllingtheirbodiesoutofarrow-shot。Andthere，inthebreach，shonetheback-plateofXaintrailles，hisaxefallingandrising，andnotonefoothebudged，tillthemenofLaHire，withacry，brokeintobackhim，andafteralittlespace，swordsfellandrosenomore，butwesawthebannerswavingofXaintraillesandLaHire。Soonthesideofthepalisadetowardsuswasalldown，asifonehadsweptitflatwithhishand，buttherestoodtheearthenwalloftheboulevard，beyondthefosse。Then，allorderly，marchedforthabandofmeninthecoloursofFlorentd"Illiers，bearingscaling-ladders，andsobegantheescalade，theirfriendsbackingthembyshootingofarbalestsfrombehindtheremnantofthepalisade。Aladderwouldbesetagainstthewall，andwecouldseemenwithshields，ordoors，orsquaresofwoodontheirheadstofendoffstones，swarmupit，andaxesflashingonthecrestofthewall，andarrowsflying，andsmokeofguns:butthesmokecleared，andlo!theladderwasgone，andthethreelibbardsgrinnedontheflagofEngland。Sowentthewar，companyaftercompanystaggeringthinnedfromthefosse，andre-formingbehindthecoverofthevineyards；

companyaftercompanymarchingforth，freshandglorious，tofareastheirfriendshadfared。Andever，witheachcompany，wenttheMaidattheirhead，andD"Aulon，shecryingthattheplacewastheirsandnowwasthehour!Butthedaywentby，tillthesunturnedinheaventowardsevening，andnomorewasdone。TheEnglish，insooth，showednofearnorfaintheart；withaxe，andsword，andmace，andwiththeirveryhandstheysmoteandgrappledwiththeclimbers，andIsawatallman，hisswordbeingbroken，strikedownaFrenchknightwithhismailedfist，anddraganotherfromaladderandtakehimcaptive。Boldlytheyshowedthemselvesonthecrest，runningallriskofourarrows，asourmendidoftheirs。

NowcametheScots，underKennedy。Agallantsightitwastoseethemadvance，shouldertoshoulder——ScotsoftheMarchesandtheLennox，Fife，Argyll，andtheIsles，allgentlemenborn。

"Comeon!"criedRandalRutherford。"Comeon，menoftheMarches，ScotsoftheForest，Elliots，Rutherfords，Armstrongs，anddeemthat，wheresoeveraSouthronslinksbehindastone，thereisCarlislewall!"

TheRoughClanroared"Bellenden!"theBuchananscried"ClareInnis，"aragofahairyHighlanderfromtheLennoxblewawildskirlonthewar-pipes，andhearingtheBordersloganshoutedinastrangecountry，nomDieu!mybloodburned，asthatofanyScotsmanwould。ContrarytotheMaid"sdesire，forshehadnotedthatIwaswanandweary，andhadcommandedmetobideincover，Icried"A

Leslie!aLeslie!"andwentforwardwithmyownfolk，swordinhandandbucklerlifted。

BesidegoodRandalRutherfordIran，andwebothleapedtogetherintotheditch。Therewasaforestofladderssetagainstthewall，andIhadmyfootonarung，whentheMaidranupandcried，"NomDieu!whatmakeyouhere？LetmeleadmyScots"；andso，pennonandaxeinherlefthand，shelightlyleapedontheladder，andarrowsringingonhermail，andagreatstoneglancingharmlessfromhersalade，shesoclimbedthatmylady"sfaceonthepennonaboveherlookeddownintotheEnglishkeep。

But，eventhen，Isawafaceatanarchere，anillfaceandfell，thewolf"seyesofBrotherThomasglancingalongthestockofanarbalest。

"Gardez-vous，Pucelle，gardez-vous!"Icriedinherear，forIwasnextherontheladder；butaboltwhistledandsmoteherfull，andreeling，shefellintomyarms。

Iturnedmybacktoguardher，andfeltaboltstrikemyback-piece；

thenwewereinthefosse，andalltheScotsthatmightbewerebetweenherandharm。Swiftlytheyboreheroutofthefray，intoalittlegreenvineyard，wherewasasoftgrassyditch。ButtheEnglishsocriedtheirhurrah，thatitwasmarvel，andourmengavebackinfear；andhadnottheBastardcomeupwithafreshcompany，verifywemightwellhavebeensweptintotheLoire。

SomewhileIremainedwithRutherford，Kennedy，andmanyothers，forwhatcouldweavailtohelptheMaid？andtorunhasanilllook，andgivesgreathearttoanenemy。Moreover，thatsayingoftheMaidcameintomymind，thatsheshouldbesmittenofabolt，butnotuntodeath。SoIevenabodebythefosse，andhavingfoundanarbalest，mydesirewastowinachanceofslayingBrotherThomas，whereforeIkeptmyeyesonthatarcherewhencehehadshot。Butnoarbalestwaspointedthence，andthefightflagged。Onbothsidesmenwereweary，andtheytooksomemeatastheymight，noladdersbeingnowsetonthewall。

ThenIdeemeditnoharmtoslipbacktothevineyardwheretheMaidlay，andthereImetthegoodFatherPasquerel，thatwasherconfessor。Hetoldmethatnowshewasquiet，eitherprayingorasleep，forhehadleftherasstillasababeinitscradle，herpagewatchingher。Thebolthadspedbyarivetofherbreast-

piece，cleanthroughherbreasthardbelowtheshoulder，anditstoodahand-breadthoutbeyond。Thenshehadweptandtrembled，seeingherownblood；butpresently，withsuchmightandcourageaswasmarvel，shehaddraggedouttheboltwithherownhands。Thentheyhadlaidonthewoundcottonsteepedwitholiveoil，forshewouldnotabidethattheyshouldsteeptheboltwithweaponsalveandcharmthehurtwithasong，asthesoldiersdesired。ThenshehadconfessedherselftoPasquerel，andsohadlaindownamongthegrassandtheflowers。ButitwasPasquerel"sdesiretoletferryheracrosssecretlytoOrleans。Thiswasanillhearingforme，yetitwasputaboutinthearmythattheMaidhadbuttakenaslightscratch，andagainwouldleaduson，athingwhichIwelldeemedtobeimpossible。Sothedaywaxedlate，andfewonslaughtsweremade，andthesewithnogreatheart，theEnglishstandingonthewallsandopenlymockingus。

TheyaskedhowitwentwiththeMaid，andwhethershewouldnotfainbeathomeamongherkine，orinthegreasykitchen？Wewouldcryback，andformyownpartIbadethemseekthekitchenaspock-

puddingsandbelly-gods，andthatIcriedintheirowntongue，whilethey，tomygreatamaze，calledme"prenticeboy"and"jackanapes。”

HereinIsawthecraftanddevilishenmityofBrotherThomas，andwellIguessedthathehadgottensightofme；buthisfaceIsawnot。

Illnamesbreaknobones，andarrowsfromundercoverwroughtslightscathe；soonelastchargetheBastardcommanded，andledhimself，andasoretussletherewasthattimeonthewall-crest，oneortwoofourmenleapingintothefort，whencetheycamebacknomore。

Nowitwaseighthoursoftheevening，theskygrey，themenout-

wornandoutofallheart，andthecaptainsweregatheredincouncil。OfthisIconceivedtheworsthope，forafteracounselmenseldomfight。SoIwatchedthefortrightsullenly，andthetownofOrleanslookingblackagainstared，loweringskyinthewest。SomeconcourseoftownsfolkIsawonthebridge，besidethebrokenarch，andbytheBoulevardBelleCroix；butIdeemedthattheyhadonlycometoseethefrayasnearasmightbe。Otherswerebusyundertheriverwallwithagreatblackboat，beliketoferryoverthehorsesfromourside。

Allseemedended，andImisdoubtedthatwewouldscarcechargeagainsobrisklyinthemorning，nay，wemightwellhavetoguardourowngates。

AsIsatthus，ponderingbythevineyardditch，theMaidstoodbymesuddenly。Herhelmetwasoff，herfacedeadlywhite，hereyesliketwostars。

"Bringmemyhorse，"shesaid，sosternlythatIcrushedtheansweronmylips，andtheprayerthatshewouldriskherselfnomore。

Herhorse，thathadbeencroppingthegrassnearhimhappilyenough，Ifound，andbroughttoher，andso，withsomeado，shemountedandrodeatafoot"spacetothelittlecrowdofcaptains。

"Maiden，mamie，"saidtheBastard。"GladIamtoseeyouabletomount。Wehavetakencounseltowithdrawforthisnight。Martin，"

hesaidtohistrumpeter，"soundtherecall。”

"Iprayyou，sir，"shesaidveryhumbly，"grantmebutalittlewhile"；andsosaying，shewithdrewalonefromthethrongofmenintothevineyard。

WhatpassedthereinIknownotandnomanknows；butinaquarterofanhour"sspaceshecameforth，likeanotherwoman，herfacebrightandsmiling，hercheekslikethedawn，andsobeautifulthatwemarvelledonherwithreverence，asifwehadseenanangel。

"Theplaceisours!"shecriedagain，andspurredtowardsthefosse。

Thenceherbannerhadnevergoneback，forD"Aulonhelditthere，tobeaterrortotheEnglish。EvenatthatmomenthehadgivenittoacertainBasque，averybraveman，forhehimselfwasout-wornwithitsweight。AndhehadchallengedtheBasquetodoavaillance，orboastfuldeedofarms，asyesterdayIandtheSpaniardhaddone。SoD"Aulonleapedintothefosse，hisshieldup，defyingtheEnglish；

buttheBasquedidnotfollow，fortheMaid，seeingherbannerinthehandsofamanwhomsheknewnot，laidholdofit，crying，"Ha，monestandart!monestandart!"

There，astheystruggledforit，theBasquebeingmindedtofollowD"Aulontothewallfoot，thebannerwildlywaved，andallmensawit，andrallied，andflockedamaintotherescue。

"Charge!"criedtheMaid。"Forward，FrenchandScots；theplaceisyours，whenoncemybannerfringetouchesthewall!"

Withthatwordthewindblewoutthebannerfringe，andsosuddenlythat，thoughIsawthematter，Iscarceknewhowitwasdone，thewholehostswarmedupandon，ladders，lifted，andsofuriouslywentthey，thattheywonthewallcrestandleapedwithinthefort。ThenthemorepartoftheEnglish，adread，asIthink，atthesightoftheMaidwhomtheyhaddeemedslain，fledmadlyoverthedrawbridgeintoLesTourelles。

Thenstandingonthewallcrest，whitherIhadclimbed，Ibeheldstrangesights。First，throughthedimnessofthedusk，Isawamanarmed，walkingasdoesarope-dancer，balancinghimselfwithhisspear，acrosstheemptyair，forsoitseemed，abovethebrokenarchofthebridge。Thisappeared，inverysooth，tobeamiracle；but，gazinglonger，IsawthatagreatbeamhadbeenlaidbythemofOrleanstospanthegap，andnowotherbeamswerebeingset，andmanymen，bearingtorches，werefollowingthatgoodknight，NicoleGiresme，whofirstshowedthewayoversuchabridgeofdread。SonowweretheEnglishinLesTourellesbetweentwofires。

AnotherstrangesightIsaw，forinthatswiftandnarrowstreamwhichthedrawbridgespannedwherebytheEnglishfledwasmooredagreatblackbarge，itsstemandsternshowingoneithersideofthebridge。Boatswerebeingswiftlypulledforthfromitintothestream，andasIgazed，thereleapedupthroughthedarkonelongtongueoffire。ThenIsawtheskillofit，namely，toburndownthedrawbridge，andsocuttheEnglishofffromallsuccour。Fedwithpitchandpinetheflamesoaredlustily，andnowitshonebetweentheplanksofthedrawbridge。Onthestoneplatformoftheboulevard，whereinthedrawbridgewaslaid，stoodafewEnglish，andabovethemshonetheaxeofatallsquire，Glasdale，asitfellonshieldandhelmoftheFrench。Othersheldusatbaywithlonglances，andneversawIanyknightdohisdevoirmorefiercelythanhewhohadreviledtheMaid。Foronhisheadlayalltheblameofthetakingoftheboulevard。TorearofhimrangtheshoutsofthemofOrleans，whohadcrossedthebrokenarchbythebeam；butheneverturnedabout，andourmenreeledbackbeforehim。Thenthereshonebehindhimtheflamesfromtheblazingbarge；andso，blackagainstthatblaze，hesmoteandslew，notknowingthatthedrawbridgebegantoburn。

OnthistheMaidranforth，andcriedtohim-