Francois de Laville and Philip had fought by the side of La Noue, in the engagement in the streets of Orleans; but had seen little of the Count afterwards, his time being fully employed in completing the various arrangements to ensure the safety of the town.

They had been lodged in the house of one of the Huguenot citizens, and had spent their time walking about the town, or in the society of some of the younger gentlemen of their party.
"Are you both ready for service again ?" the Count de la Noue, who had sent for them to come to his lodgings, asked on the evening of the third day after the capture of Orleans.
"Quite ready," Francois replied.

"The horses have all recovered from their fatigue, and are in condition for a fresh start.

Are we bound for Paris, may I ask ?" "No, Francois, we are going on a recruiting tour: partly because we want men, but more to encourage our people by the sight of an armed party, and to show the Catholics that they had best stay their hands, and leave us alone for the present.
"I take a hundred men with me, including your troop and my own, which I hope largely to increase.

Sometimes we shall keep in a body, sometimes break up into two or three parties.