"There is some one, on the litter of leaves." "Yes." The archer was re-assured, resumed the conversation, which lasted some time, then both lay down beside the extinguished fire. But before day the voice of Jeanne was heard; she awoke her companions. of the niche where he had been concealed, and whence he had witnessed the result of the warning given by him to Jeanne. He remained beneath the porch as long as he perceived her white horse amid the night, then re-entered the church to awaken Father Cyrille, that they might resume their journey. CHAPTER V. "Come, Messire Jean Metz, Messire Bertrand de Poulengy," said she, "it is time to put foot into stirrups, to go whither God is send-ed the limit where French authority was main ing us." rose. The gentlemen shook off their slumbers and After prayer repeated aloud by the young peasant, the horses were bridled and brought out under the porch, where each mounted the saddle. The day was then beginning to appear, and Jeanne perceived that the messenger and Exaudi nos were beside her; she started as if the sight of them had suddenly awakened a reminiscence, and summoning Jean de Metz, asked: "Do you know, Messire, why these two men have stationed themselves at my right and left?" "Why, but to serve as guides ?" replied the gentleman. IN proportion as our two travellers approachtained, the country became still more ravaged, and the scanty aid they had until then found failed them completely. Cyrille and Remy were obliged to avoid the towns where they might have procured, resources, for the French, Burgundians and English, regarded as enemies those who were too weak to resist. Our travellers were several times arrested and ransomed, but on their arrival at Tonniere, they were served as spies, and thrown into prison. The monk asked in vain to be admitted to speak to the governor; several days rolled away without his being able to obtain an audience. They had been placed in a lower hall along with Jews caignardiers* and child-stealers, whose only ambition was to allow themselves to be forgotten until chance should furnish them with an op"You reply in their place; but I have an-portunity for deliverance. One of their fellowother idea, and since they say nothing, I will speak for them." "As you say," returned Jeanne. "It only remains to learn whither they intend to guide me." "To the king, doubtless." "For us!" repeated the two men, surprised. "Very soon we shall encounter a river," resumed Jeanne. The messenger and the archer made a move ment. "Over this river is a bridge without a parapet." prisoners, however, suggested a method by which they might obtain access to the governor. "Refuse to pay the gaol-fees," said he, "and as you will no longer be of any profit to our keeper, he will soon find a way of obtaining for you an audience." Cyrille followed this counsel, and the predio tion was fulfilled. The monk and Remy, giving the gaoler nothing but the trouble of guarding them, were soon conducted before the governor They started. "These two men will take the bridle of my to be interrogated. horse under pretence of leading it. . . They turned pale. "And when we have reached the middle, they will push me into deep water! Was not this what you agreed upon to rid yourself of her whose guidance exposes you, you say, to great perils? Exaudi nos and his companion clasped their hands in terror. "Pardon! pardon! Lady Jeanne," exclaimed they, tremblingly. They found the latter seated with some comrades before a table covered with cups and mugs. He was a man of about forty years, somewhat stout and tanned by the sun and wind. His forehead was low, his look haughty, and his thin lips indicated avarice and insensibility. At the moment when the two prisoners appeared, he had just filled his cup and was preparing to empty it. He paused in his libation. "Whom have we here?" said he, "whence come this cowl and this young rascal?" Then, as if he had suddenly remembered, he "By heaven! if this is the truth, the miscreants should be hung to the first tree!" exclaim-resumed: ed Bertrand de Poulengy, hastily advancing his horse towards the archer and his accomplice. But Jeanne stopped him by a gesture. "Let them alone," said she; "they take me for a sorceress; but I will prove to them that my power proceeds from God and not from satan. This time we have nothing to fear, for a Christian warned me of their base designs. Let them therefore accompany us without making yourself uneasy about them, and if it please God, they shall not harm us." At these words, she raised the bridle of her horse and set out accompanied by the whole troop. When she had disappeared, Remy came out "Ah! I know more spies of Bedford. Let them pay ransom or be hung." 66 'Very well," said the monk, resolutely; "but neither of us deserves to be ransomed or hung; far from being messengers of Bedford, we are true Frenchmen." "Who are you? whence come you? what seek you here? reply or I will have you hung from one of the trees of the great square, as sure as my name is De Flavi!' Remy and Father Cyrille started. *Certain dangerous vagabonds who were accus tomed to lodge under the bridges of Paris were called caignardiers. "De Flavi!" exclaimed they. "The cousin of the Lady of Varennes!" added the monk. "What then?" asked Flavi, more attentive. "What signifies this surprise on hearing my name, and why speak to me of the Lady of Varennes? Approach, old monk, and reply without delay." "God has just wrought for us a miracle," said he.. "My father," cried the latter, overcome with joy. They re-commenced their march through the thicket, following the Serei till they found a fording-place, then directed their steps towards La Cure. They marched during the remainder of the night and a part of the following day, at last, near Vermanton, fatigue compelled them As he pronounced these words, the governor to stop. of Tonnerre hastily placed his cup on the table. Cyrille, who was about to reply, suddenly start-fortable appearance, built in the forest, which ed and stopped; he had just perceived the carved ox which formed the handle of the cup. The horoscope of Remy immediately returned to his memory; he recalled the sinister presages attached to the sign of Taurus, and doubted not that the danger had arrived. They knocked at the door of a house of comthey took to be the dwelling of a woodman. But the woman who came to open to them wore a citizen's costume; she looked at them through a wicket, asked what they wanted, and at last opened with some hesitation. On entering they were offered seats around a table, and the two travellers, who were faint with hunger, ate and drank freely of what was placed before them. When they were at last satisfied, Father Cyrille addressed the woman: Flavi, surprised and irritated at this sudden silence, renewed his questions impatiently; but the monk had resolved to give him no explanation. He replied only that he was on his way to Touraine by permission of the prior to settle "You will excuse our silence, my daughter," a disputed succession; and all the efforts of said he, "but the best conversation for him who Flavi could wrest from him nothing more. Fi-bestows hospitality is the sound of the knife and nally, out of patience, he ordered that the tra- spoon of his guests. God will reward you for vellers should be re-conducted to prison; that what you have done for poor travellers." they might be hung on the morrow, as convicted spies. The mistress of the house crossed herself with a sigh, and murmured: "May he hear you, reverend sir, for we live in times when we must expiate severely the faults of some." Father Cyrille at first took this order for a threat; but his anxiety became more serious when on their return, the gaoler shut them up in separate cells. He wished to speak to the gov- "You are right,” replied Father Cyrille mildernor again, but was informed that he had just ly; "at this moment we see our kingdom deleft Tonnerre at the head of an armed band, and livered up to two nations and two princes whose would be absent several days. The gaoler add-only occupation is to injure each other; so no ed, by way of parenthesis, that Mastre Richard, one can tell when our evils will end." an archer of the Sire de Flavi, had received orders not to forget the prisoners, and that he would present himself at day-break with a confessor. "Perhaps the moment is approaching," observed the woman, "for a new Judith has just arrived to save King Charles." "A new Judith!" repeated the monk aston Henceforth doubt was impossible; Father Cy-ished. rille had thought he was acting prudently by "Did you not know it?" resumed the woman, concealing the truth, and this silence had ruined" a girl who professes to be sent from God arboth Remy and himself. rived at Chinon in the month of February. After having caused her to be examined by the bishops and the university of Poitiers, Charles placed her at the head of a body of troops he was sending to Orleans, and she caused the English to raise the siege." A part of the night had already rolled away; the hour appointed for the execution was approaching; all chance of safety seemed lost! Suddenly a reddish gleam shone without; it became more vivid, increased; an immense clamor arose; it is fire! Its sparkling flames illuminated the walls. The gaoler ran to open the doors of the cells crying out that the fire was in the finish quarter, situated behind the prison. "Let us set out for Loches, father!" exclaimThe monk precipitated himself into the narrowed the youth, rising. "Is it possible!" interrupted Remy. "So possible, that she is now at Loches, where the King is at present.” galleries, he summoned Remy; a voice replied Their hostess objected. The dangers of the to him; they sought each other and met at the road covered with English parties, who, since prison-gate. It was open; they passed through it, crossed a second yard, darted into the street and hastened forward, holding each other by the hand. They paused only when they had reached the edge of a thicket which assured them a retreat. There, the monk, breathless, exclaimed: "Enough!" looked behind him to assure himself that they were not pursued, then turned towards Remy. the defeat of Orleans, gave no quarter to any one. But Father Cyrille replied that God, who had protected them during the three months past, would not forsake them. So resuming his staff which he had placed beside the door, he went out, accompanied by Remy. CHAPTER VI. THE announcement of the successes obtained by the unknown girl, who led the French army, and the arrival of the court at Loches, had sin- | himself was garnished with all the mysterious gularly rejoiced the young man; he was still articles employed in sorcery. But what especialmore so when he learned that the Maid of Or- ly struck the eyes of Father Cyrille was an enorleans had just re-conquered successively Jergeau, Menny, Beaugency, and that the King was advancing with her towards Beauce. His guide and himself then changed their direction; they left Orleans on their left and reached the outskirts of the forest of Neuville. Until then Father Cyrille had endured the fatigues of the journey without complaint. But their provisions were now exhausted and they were reduced to live upon roots and wild herbs. The rain fell almost incessantly, and they found no other shelter but crumbling ruins or forsaken quarries. Father Cyrille's strength gave way. In the fourth day, exhausted by cold, fatigue and hunger, he stopped at the entrance of a little coppice and fell heavily beside the trunk of an old tree. Seized with terror, Remy called for help; a shade advanced towards him. "Whoever you may be," exclaimed he, "aid us." "Who are you, and what are you doing here?" asked the old woman. Remy explained in a few words their situation and supplicated a shelter for himself and his companions. The old woman at first appeared to hesitate, but at last taking one of Father Cyrille's arms, while Remy took the other, they conducted him in this manner to the hill which bordered this coppice. An old chateau long since ruined stood on its summit, and its dilapidated towers were dimly outlined in the sky laden with heavy mists. Af ter having followed a rocky path and cleared the remains of walls, the old woman at last pushed open the door of a sort of subterranean cave amid the ruins, which served as her habitation. She left her guests for a moment and returned with a lighted lamp; but at sight of the gown of Father Cyrille, which the darkness had not permitted her to distinguish before, she could not suppress a movement of surprise and terror. "A monk!" exclaimed she. "Would you rather have seen a soldier?" said the monk, who was beginning to revive. "Fear nothing, good woman, we are peaceable people, and shall be doubly obliged to you, if after having granted us a place beneath your roof, you will kindle a fire for us." The old woman muttered some unintelligible words, took the lamp and was about to introduce her guests into a second room more remote; but Remy, who had just cast his eyes around the one where they were at this moment, hastly seized the hand of Father Cyrille, and said: "God protect us! do you see where we are, father?" The monk raised his head and started in his turn. "If I am not mistaken, this is a laboratory of diabolical science," said he with a vivacity in which fear had evidently less a part than curiosity, and he cast around him an eager glance. The species of dungeon in which he found mous toad, a prisoner under a globe of glass. He wore on his back the little mantle of taffety indicating that he had been baptized by a sacrilegious priest, and had on his back a sort of bril liant crest. The inquisitive attention of the monk had not escaped the old woman, and she increased it by enumerating aloud, in the form of a threat, the different endowments of her art. Remy overwhelmed with terror, wished to leave immediately, but Father Cyrille, whose fear was mingled with wonder, detained him. "Remain," exclaimed he; "remain and cross yourself; the power of the demon cannot prevail against the symbol of Redemption. In the name of the Trinity, I conjure you, servant of Ashtaroth and Beelzebub, to cease your threats and renounce your spells." The sorcerers stopped and remained for an instant motionless beside the door. Father Cyrille did not doubt that she would obey in spite of herself the powerful exorcism which he had just pronounced; but the old woman, who seemed to be listening, suddenly approached and said: "Some one is coming to consult the Queen of Neuville." "You have then received warning from the demon?" asked the astonished monk. "They are many," resumed the sorcerer, turning her back upon the door; "they are armed; withdraw with the boy and leave me to speak to them without witnesses." She had taken the lamp and advanced towards an adjoining room; this she made her two guests enter. It was a spacious cave, at the extremity of which was a still flaming brazier and a litter of dry leaves. The Queen of Neuville invited the two travellers to warm themselves and take some rest, then withdrew, closing the door of separation. The terror of Remy was not dispelled. The monk attempted to calm him by repeating that magic formulas could be counteracted by those of exorcism. He afterwards approached the brazier which he rekindled and invited the youth to sit down with him on the bed of leaves. But the voices of the new visitors were just then heard in the first room; Remy cautiously approached the door closed by the old woman, and, placing his eye to the crevices left between the disjointed boards, distinctly perceived all the personages of the scene transpiring on the other side. The Queen of Neuville was standing a few steps off, holding in one hand an iron wand, while the other rested on the globe which covered the toad. Near the entrance were three armed men, whom the youth immediately recognized, by their costume and their colonies, to be archers of the Sire de Flavi. All there spoke timidly from a distance to the sorceress; but at last one of them appeared to be emboldened: taking a step for ward, he found himself in the space illuminated by the lamp; his features, until then concealed | Sire de Remy has committed to you for me," rein the shadow, were suddenly revealed, and sumed the Queen of Neuville, extending her wrinkRemy recognized Exaudi nos. led hand. Although he spoke to the old woman with his habitual effrontery, this effrontery was mingled with visible uneasiness. "So you have come to seek a garment of safety? said the Queen of Neuville, evidently replying to a request previously made by the archer. "Yes," replied the latter, who could not take his eyes from the toad; "a garment which may serve me at once against blows and against sorceries." "And is that all?" asked the Queen of Neuville, looking earnestly at Exaudi nos. "Is it not enough?" replied the latter, with some embarrassment. The sorceress struck the great cauldron with her iron wand. "You have a more important demand to make," said she angrily; "You come to sonsult me on the part of your master." The archer appeared stupefied. "She has divined it," exclaimed he, taking one step backwards and looking at his companions;" nevertheless God is my witness that the Sire de Flavi spoke to me of it for the first time, two hours ago, at the inn of Bois. Since you know all, woman or witch, I have nothing to tell you." "Speak on," returned the Queen of Neuville with authority; "I wish to see if you are sin cere." "What is the use of lying, when you can read over my intentions?" resumed Richard almost fearfully. "The Sire of Flavi has indeed heard that nothing is concealed from you, and has sent me to ask you some questions." "What are they? "And first you must know that our master has for a long time sought the heir of the Lady of Varennes, whose return he fears." Chance conducted him hither some time since, and he allowed him to escape without suspecting whom he was losing. On my return to Tonnerre, I easily recognized, by what was told me respecting the prisoners, the young Lord of Varennes and the monk who served as his guide." "A monk!" exclaimed the Queen of Neuville. "Messire de Flavi is ignorant what route they have followed," resumed Exaudi nos," and it is that which he wishes to learn of you." "It is they!" repeated the old woman, as if to herself;" a monk already old and bald, with a youth of sixteen years, bold air, and wearing the costume of a novice." "On my soul, it is so!" said the archer more and more surprized. "And you seek them?" resumed the old woman. "That is to say Messire de Flavi wishes to know where they are to be found." "What will he give if I inform him? If I deliver up to you the monk and his companion immediately?" "Is it possible!" exclaimed Exaudi nos. "What! can the power of your art bring them here?" "Give me only the two gold pieces which the "Ah! you knew that also," said the archer, more and more astonished; and drawing from his girdle the money demanded: "Well, take it, and let us see whether you will fulfil your promise." The old woman took the gold pieces: then, turning, began to murmur some mysterious words and to describe magic circles with her wand. As she spoke, the sound of her voice seemed to excite in her a sort of vertigo, she ran around the room, striking the sonorous cauldrons with her wand and repeating cabalistical words. Exaudi nos and his terrified companions had recoiled to the entrance; but suddenly the Queen of Neuville, who had arrived near the cave in which Father Cyrille and Remy were shut up, exclaimed: The next day, at an advanced hour, the troop of the Sire de Flavi stopped on one of the points of the plain which separates Artenay from Patay. The cavaliers had dismounted to allow their horses to browse, and were stretched on the grass to repose, when their chief suddenly emerged from a cottage, where he had been joined by a messenger just arrived, and sounded to the saddle; he had just learned the defeat of the English at Patay and the arrival of the king with the victorious army. All his companions, among whom this happy news was immediately circulated, were hastening to bridle their horses and to take up their arms to go to meet Charles VII., when Exaudi nos appeared covered with dust and perspiration. On seeing him, the governor of Tonnerre, who was about to mount his horse, stopped: "Well?" asked he earnestly, taking the archer aside. "I have succeeded!" replied Richard triumphantly. "What! the fugitives?" "Look !" The Sire de Flavi turned and perceived, at a few paces distance, under a walnut, Father Cyrille and Remy, guarded by the companions of Richard. The countenance of Messire de Flavi assumed an expression of resolute sternness. He looked at the prisoners an instant, as if deliberating what he should do; then hastily advancing towards them, said: "They shall not escape us this time; I will make an example of these traitors, who have sold France to men beyond the sea." A murmur of approbation arose among the gendarmes who surrounded the prisoners. "Yes, yes, they shall be made examples," repeated several voices. "A rope! bring a rope!" "Here is one," cried Richard, detaching the halter from the horse of a servant. "There is but one cravat for two," observed a gendarme. "Each shall have his turn, like a sentinel," replied a second. "Which shall we commence with ?" "With the monk! with the monk!" "No," said Flavi, "with the boy." Exaudi nos had led the horse to a tree; he mounted the saddle, reached a branch and fastened the extremity of the halter to it. The two soldiers attempted to seize Remy; but Father Cyrille threw himself before him. "Do not kill him!" exclaimed he, "in the name of God, do not kill him! we are not spies! The Sire de Flavi knows it, for his archer knows us. He has received hospitality in our convent. I dressed the wound on his right leg. I adjure him to declare here the truth!" "Make haste," cried the governor, "hang them, or I will cut their throats with my sword." And, raising her visor, she revealed to the astonished eyes of Remy the features of the shepherdess of Domremy!" The boy uttered a loud cry and extended his hands towards her: she urged her horse in that direction and bent forward. "Is this true, are you a friend of the En glish?" resumed she, hastily. "Let them give me arms," exclaimed Remy, with a movement of indignation, "and they shall see whether my heart is with Charles or with Bedford." "Well answered," said the maiden, turning towards Charles who had approached; "and our noble king will not refuse me the pardon of a poor goatherd of my country." "Ask rather for him justice!" exclaimed the monk, "and the poor goatherd will become a rich and noble lord; for as true as there is a God, the youth here present is the legitimate son of the lady of Varennes." "Monk, thou liest!" exclaimed de Flavi, hastily advancing his horse towards Father Cy rille, and striking him so violently that he fell stunned and bleeding. "Take away this fellow," added he, making a sign to his people to seize him. As he pronounced these words he had drawn the sword which he wore at his girdle, but was interrupted by loud shouts, and by a movement among the armed men who surrounded him; a troop of cavaliers had just appeared at a turn in the road, and arrived amid a cloud of dust. By their vestments of silk and gold, by the plumes which adorned sheir helmets, they were recog-blood of a Frenchman flow." nized as the King's guard. In their midst rode Charles VII, accompanied by the Constable de Richemond, La Tremouille, and the Maid of Orleans, with her standard of fustian fringed with gold. The troop halted at a few paces from the walnut. But Jeanne had sprung to the ground to raise the monk, and exclaimed with emotion:"Ah! he is wounded. Help me to relieve him, gentlemen, my heart faints when I see the "That was not the act of a gentleman," said the king, severely. 'No," returned the maiden; "true knights do not strike the weak; but we will soon see whether these persons speak the truth." "That will be easily done," replied Charles; As they recognized the King all the armed" for we shall pass the chateau of Varennes this men had hastened to their horses to form their very evening. We will bring your protegés into ranks, in order to receive him, and de Flavi was the presence of the lady and wise men, who obliged to imitate them. The three soldiers shall decide." were left alone with the monk and Remy; but they released the latter, whom they had raised towards the rope, and let him drop on the ground. Towards evening the whole company encamped in sight of the chateau of Varennes, and Ambleville, one of the heralds of arms of the Maid of Orleans, came in search of Remy and his guide. The king and Jeanne had preceded them to the chateau. On entering the grand hall they found Jeanne surrounded by several bishops and gentlemen who formed the king's council. The Sire de Flavi was near the door, with a more ferocious There was a moment when every glance even those of the two prisoners, was occupied only with the victorious troop who had just stopped. The group in the midst of which the King was, slowly detached itself and advanced towards the company of the Sire de Flavi, which had just formed into ranks. The Maid of Orleans march-air than usual. ed on the right of Charles, clad in a suit of armor which had been manufactured for her, and girded with the five-starred sword, found on the church of Fierbois; her visor was lowered as if for combat. Arrived at a little distance from the tree, she perceived the monk and the youth bound, and noticed the cord hanging from the branch. "What were you about to do with these people?" asked she, stopping. "They are traitors," replied the Sire de Flavi "Let them perish then, if it is the will of God!" resumed Jeanne, sighing. Then, as she approached nearer, she stopped again with an exclamation of surprise. "Traitors!" repeated she hastily; on my soul, you are mistaken, Messire." At the moment the monk entered with Remy, the Maid stepped towards them. "In the name of the Virgin Mary," said she, approach fearlessly, and explain your rights to these gentlemen. If you have spoken truth, as I believe, they will be merciful to you." Cyrille bowed respectfully to the members of the council. Regnault de Chartres, Archbishop of Rheims and Chancellor of France, made a sign to the other members of the council, who sat down; then he commenced the interrogatory of Remy and Father Cyrille. The latter related in detail all which the reader already knows, and presented, in support of his declarations, the letter dictated by Jerome Pastoret before his death. But Messire de Flavi, who had listened to his |