Then came the opening struggle at Quatre Bras, followed by the yet more memorable death-wrestle of nations at Waterloo.
No need to repeat the incidents of that famous day—Picton's bravery, Napoleon's strategy, Wellington's tenacity of purpose, the glorious stand around the farmhouse of La Haye Sainte.
Napoleon charged again and again the immovable British centre. The destinies of nations hung in the balance, and it was not until Wellington gave the famous command—"Up, Guards, and at them!"—that the balance turned to the side of victory.
Jack was foremost in the charge, and as his column swept down the slope, he heard a voice cry out to the fleeing Frenchmen:
"Arrêtez! Arrêtez!"
He recognised the voice as that of the man whom he had met at the shroud of Minnie Denton. Though the interview had only been brief, he could recall every accent. The voice was one he was never likely to forget.
Finding his efforts to check the retreating soldiers unavailing, the officer turned and faced the pursuing column.
Jack was the first to reach him. The rest of the column swept on, leaving the two face to face, sword to sword.
"Your prophecy has come true, Monsieur," said Jack. "We have met again—a little sooner probably than you anticipated."
"Ah! it is you," said the officer. "Truly pleased to see you. We are destined, it seems, to be rivals till the last. I beat you in love, you will admit; and I shall do my best to——"