Thereon we all mounted, and rode down to the Burgundy gate, the women watching us, and casting flowers before the Maiden.

But when we won the gate, behold, it was locked, and two ranks of men-at-arms, with lances levelled, wearing the colours of the Sieur de Gaucourt, were drawn up before it.

That lord himself, in harness, but bareheaded, stood before his men, and cried, "Hereby is no passage.

To- day the captains give command that no force stir from the town." "To-day," quoth the Maid, "shall we take Les Tourelles, and to-morrow not a goddon, save prisoners and slain men, shall be within three leagues of Orleans.

Gentle sir, bid open the gate, for to-day have I work to do." Thereat Gaucourt shook his head, and from the multitude of townsfolk rose one great angry shout.