"They marched in the direction of Poictiers. It is rumoured that the Admiral intends to besiege the town."
"It may be so," I observed doubtfully, "but it is hardly likely. That is the mistake Monseigneur made after Jarnac."
"Well," replied Jacques with a smile, "it cannot interest monsieur very much for the next three or four weeks."
He had quite recovered from his own wounds, and was full of praise of the Count St. Cyr, who had treated him with the greatest kindness.
"The count is a noble gentleman," he remarked, "and full of zeal for the Cause. He is bringing his retainers to aid the Admiral."
"He is an old man, too," I said musingly.
"But with all the fire of a boy, monsieur."
"Have you heard that a price has been set on my father's head?" I asked presently.
"Yes," and the worthy fellow's face clouded over with passion, "that is Etienne Cordel's handiwork."
"But we have done the man no harm!"