But the hour was late, and he would have found it difficult to obtain food and forage, without pressing the horses.
He therefore determined to pass the night at La Rochelle, as he could take the last news, thence, back to Laville.
The streets of the town presented a busy aspect.

Parties of Huguenot gentlemen and their retainers were constantly arriving, and fugitive villagers had come in from a wide extent of country.
Large numbers of men were working at the walls of the town.

The harbour was full of small craft.

Lines of carts brought in provisions from the surrounding country, and large numbers of oxen, sheep, and goats were being driven in.
"As we shall start for Laville in the morning," Philip said to his men, "it is not worth while to trouble to get quarters; and indeed, I should say, from the appearance of the place, that every house is already crowded from basement to roof.

Therefore we will bivouac down by the shore, where I see there are many companies already bestowed." As soon as they had picketed their horses, a party were sent off, to purchase provisions for the troop and forage for their horses; and when he had seen that the arrangements were complete, Philip told Pierre to follow him, and went up to the castle, where Conde and Coligny, with their families, were lodged.