The English shall not fire a shot to hinder us, for the fear of the Maid has fallen upon them!" We gazed at her in wonder as she stood a little apart, her face full of power and calm certainty.

And indeed, it was but a very few minutes later that the wind dropped to a dead calm, and a light air sprang up from a contrary direction, and the laden boats gladly spreading sail, floated quietly onwards with their precious load towards the suffering city.
Then we embarked, somewhat silently, for the awe which fell upon those who had never seen the Maid before, extended even to us.
Moreover, with those frowning towers of the English so close upon us, crowded with soldiers who seemed to know what was happening, and who were coming into Orleans, it was scarce possible not to look for resistance and hostile attack.
But curious as it may seem, not a shot was fired as we passed along.

A silence strange and sinister seemed to hang over the lines of the enemy; but when we reached the city how all was changed! It was about eight o'clock in the evening when at last we finished our journey by water and land, and entered the devoted town.

There the chiefest citizens came hurrying to meet us, leading a white charger for their Deliverer to ride upon.
And when she was mounted, the people thronged about her weeping and shouting, blessing and hailing her as their champion and saviour.
The streets were thronged with pale-faced men; women and children hung from the windows, showering flowers at our feet.

Torches lit up the darkening scene, and shone from the breastplates and headpieces of the mailed men.