We have not had much fighting.
Niort made but a poor resistance, and Parthenay surrendered without striking a blow; then I went with the party that occupied Fontenay.
The Catholics fought stoutly there, but we were too strong for them.

Those three places have given La Rochelle three bulwarks to the north.
"Then we started again from La Rochelle, and marched to Saint Jean d'Angely, which we carried by storm.

Then we came on here, and I believe we shall have a try at Saintes or Angouleme.

When we have captured them, we shall have a complete cordon of strong places round La Rochelle.
"We expect La Noue down from Brittany every hour, with a force he has raised there and in Normandy; and we have heard that a large force has gathered in Languedoc, and is advancing to join us; and all is going so well that I fancy, if Monsieur d'Anjou does not come to us before long, we shall set out in search of him.
"So much for our doings; now sit down comfortably in my tent, and tell me all about your journey.

I see you have brought Pierre and your two men back with you." "You would be nearer the truth, if you said that Pierre and the two men had brought me back," Philip laughed; "for if it had not been for them, I should probably have lost my head the day after the queen left Nerac." "That is a good beginning to the story, Philip; but tell me the whole in proper order, as it happened." Philip told his story at length, and his cousin was greatly pleased at the manner in which he had got through his various dangers and difficulties.
The queen remained but a few hours with the army, after Cognac had opened its gates.