They had heard vague rumours of the arrival of the prince and Admiral, with a large force, at La Rochelle; but it might well be that he had turned aside on his journey, at the news of the occurrences at Niort.

The bishop was equally anxious to rescue the priests, for he felt that he might be blamed for their death by his ecclesiastical superiors.
Their consultation over, de Luc turned to the Count.
"Do you give me your solemn assurance and word, as a noble of France, that upon our performing our part of the condition, the prisoners in your hands shall be restored unharmed ?" "I do," Francois replied.

"I pledge my honour that, as soon as I find that the whole of those of our religion have left the town peaceably, the prisoners shall be permitted to return, unharmed in any way." "Then we accept the terms.

All those of the reformed religion in the town, whether at present in prison or in their homes, who may desire to leave, will be permitted to pass.

As soon as you retire, the gate shall be opened." Francois and his party fell back a quarter of a mile.