CONTENTS
[CHAPTER I]
A PERILOUS RIDE
[CHAPTER II]
TRACKED, OR NOT?
[CHAPTER III]
THE FIGHT BY THE WAY
[CHAPTER IV]
HOW WE KEPT THE FORD
[CHAPTER V]
A TRAITOR TO THE KING
[CHAPTER VI]
THE UNKNOWN CAVALIER
[CHAPTER VII]
A COMMISSION FOR THE ADMIRAL
[CHAPTER VIII]
THE TRAGEDY OF JARNAC
[CHAPTER IX]
A GLORIOUS VICTORY
[CHAPTER X]
I REJOIN THE ADVANCE
[CHAPTER XI]
A DESPERATE CONFLICT
[CHAPTER XII]
THE RETURN TO ROCHELLE
[CHAPTER XIII]
A DARING ENTERPRISE
[CHAPTER XIV]
SCOUTING FOR COLIGNY
[CHAPTER XV]
A GLORIOUS TRIUMPH
[CHAPTER XVI]
A GLEAM OF SUNSHINE
[CHAPTER XVII]
THE KING'S PROMISE
[CHAPTER XVIII]
A WARNING FROM L'ESTANG
[CHAPTER XIX]
WHO KILLED THE COURIER?
[CHAPTER XX]
L'ESTANG'S COURIER
[CHAPTER XXI]
I SAVE CORDEL'S LIFE
[CHAPTER XXII]
L'ESTANG TELLS HIS STORY
[CHAPTER XXIII]
A ROYAL MARRIAGE
[CHAPTER XXIV]
A MYSTERIOUS WARNING
[CHAPTER XXV]
A DASTARDLY DEED
[CHAPTER XXVI]
WHAT WILL THE KING DO?
[CHAPTER XXVII]
THE DAY OF THE MASSACRE
[CHAPTER XXVIII]
FAREWELL FRANCE
[L'ENVOI]
CHAPTER I
A Perilous Ride
"I trust no harm has happened to my father, Jacques. The night grows late and there are strange rumours afloat. 'Tis said that the Guises are eager to break the peace."
"Better open warfare than this state of things, monsieur. The peace is no peace: the king's troops are robbing and slaying as they please. François of the mill told me a pretty tale of their doings to-day. But listen, I hear the beat of hoofs on the road below."
"There are two horses, Jacques, and they approach very slowly. My father does not usually ride like that."
"No, faith!" said Jacques, with a laugh; "if his horse went at that pace the Sieur Le Blanc would get down and walk! But the travellers are coming here, nevertheless. Shall we go to the gate, monsieur?"