From him I heard first of the thing which had taken place.
"It was De Gamache and some of the other lesser officers who designed it," he cried.

"They declared that the power of the English was already broken; that they would not leave their walls or show fight today; that already they had grown faint hearted, and were ready to fly before the French.
"My Captain, I tell you the truth, these men are jealous of the Angelic Maid whom Heaven has sent us.

They say that she will take from them all the honour and glory; that they will fight and risk their lives, but that she alone will have the praise.

So they were full of bitterness and anger; and some, methinks, may have thought to shame her by showing that they could act without her aid, and do the work she has come to do, whilst she takes her rest and holds her councils.

So, gathering a band of soldiers together, these officers have sallied forth to try and storm and take the fortress of St.Loup, which lies some two thousand English yards from the walls along the river banks.