But how this gentleman could have killed so notable a swordsman is more than I can understand.

He looks, if you will pardon my saying so, a mere youth." "He rode beside Francois de la Noue in the battle of Saint Denis, seneschal," the queen said; "and as he was chosen by my cousin Conde, and Admiral Coligny, for the difficult and dangerous enterprise of carrying a communication to me, it is clear that, whatever his years, he is well fitted to act a man's part." "That is so," the seneschal said heartily.

"I shall be glad to talk to you again, sir; but at present, madame, it is time to mount.

The troops are mustering, and we have a long ride before us.
"If you will lead the way with the infantry at once, Monsieur de Rebers, we will follow as soon as we are mounted.

We must go your pace, but as soon as we start I will send a party to ride a mile ahead of you, and see that the roads are clear." At starting, the queen rode with the prince and the seneschal at the head of the mounted party, some two hundred and fifty strong; and behind followed the noblemen and gentlemen who had come with her, and those who had accompanied the seneschal.