The Forest Lovers

He rated the men roundly, flogged two of them with his own hand for

some small insubordination, and made fast friends in all ranks. Having

established a pleasant relationship by these simple means, he spoke to

them as follows.

"Gentlemen," he said, "have the goodness to remark that I have taught

you how to parade. In time I doubt not you will follow me with as good

a will as you have hitherto followed your own devices. These, I take

leave to tell you, were very foolish. If you follow me I shall lead

you in the thick of the fighting, should there be any. If you leave

me, or if I have the honour to be killed, you will all have your

throats cut. I do not mean to be killed, gentlemen, and rely upon you

in the alternative which remains."

He took a guard and went the round of the defences. Wherever he went

he brought heart with him. As for the burgesses and the burgesses'

wives, they thought him a god. The result was, that in six weeks he

had half the place under arms, a fighting force of one thousand pikes

and five hundred archers, an outer wall of defence ten feet by six,

and provision to stand a two months' siege. This brought the time to

July.

On July 14 one of his scouts brought home the news that Galors had

concentrated on Hauterive, while keeping close watch along Wan. He

himself was no one knew where, scouring the country for traces of the

girl Isoult la Desirous, who had escaped from High March. Meantime a

detached force under the Golden Knight had surprised Goltres, and put

the inhabitants to the sword. They held that stronghold, and were said

still to be there.

Prosper sent for his horse, and rode down to the council house to see

the High Bailiff.

"Bailiff," he said, "Galors will not be here yet awhile. If he comes

you will know what to do. But I do not think he will come just yet."

"Ah, Messire, will you desert us?" cried the good soul.

"If you put it so, yes."

"You are tired of warfare, Messire?"

"Warfare, pardieu! I am tired of no warfare. I am going to make some

for default of it."

"And leave us all here?"

"And leave you all here."

"Would you have us assume the offensive, sir?"

"By no means, Bailiff. I would have you mind your walls. But forgive

me, I must be off."

"Where are you going, Messire?"

"I am going to find Galors, or at least those who will save me the

trouble. Adieu, Bailiff."

Prosper galloped away as if the devil were in him. The High Bailiff

assumed command.