"A rare thought, indeed," the Admiral said warmly.
"De la Noue, these cousins of yours are truly apt scholars in war. The oldest soldier could not have thought of a better device.
"And you say you killed seven hundred of them, Laville?"
"That is the number, sir, counting in a hundred and thirty wounded, who are now lying in a granary here."
"They must have fought stoutly. But what was your strength?"
"We had fifty men-at-arms, sir, five or six Huguenot gentlemen with their retainers, and a hundred and fifty men from our own estate; all of whom fought as doughtily as old soldiers could have done.
"The enemy thought to take us by surprise, yesterday evening; but we were ready for them, and our discharge killed over fifty. Then they drew off, and left us until this morning. They made two great attacks: the first by throwing planks across the moat, and placing ladders at three places; the second by trying, again, to storm with ladders, while other bands tried to force their way in at this gateway, and at the two posterns.
"Of course they have burned all the farina to the ground, but the cattle were all safely driven in here, before they arrived.
"Now if you will enter, sir, we will endeavour to provide for your wants. No one is yet in bed. We have been too busy carrying out the dead, and collecting the wounded, to think of sleep."
The countess was at the steps of the chateau, to receive the Admiral as he dismounted.