Villegagnon | Page 9

The only prospect now before us is exile, or imprisonment and death."
Nigel answered without hesitation that he felt much satisfaction in again having the opportunity of worshipping, as he had been accustomed to do at home, according to his conscience, and hearing the Bible read and faithfully explained.
His host wishing him and his companion a friendly farewell, and expressing a hope that he should see him again, they took their departure at an early hour the next morning.
They had proceeded some distance when they entered a forest, through the centre of which the high road passed. They had been pushing on rather faster than usual, Maitre Leroux being anxious to get through it as soon as possible, when they saw before them a body of soldiers. As they got nearer they found that they were escorting a number of prisoners seated in rough country carts, into which they were fastened with heavy chains.
"Who are these unhappy people?" inquired Nigel.
"The same we saw condemned in Paris," answered Maitre Leroux with a sigh. "If we do not wish to share their fate we must exhibit no sympathy for them, as the wretches who have them in charge would rejoice to add to their number. As it will be impossible to pass them at present, we will drop slowly behind."
"Would that I had a band of Protestant Scots with me, we would soon set them at liberty!" exclaimed Nigel.
"Hush, hush! my friend," whispered the steward; "it becomes us not to fight with carnal weapons; such is Dr Calvin's advice."
Just at that moment a voice exclaimed, "Brethren, remember Him who is in heaven above!"
Some of the rear-guard immediately turned round, and with drawn swords dashed furiously towards Nigel and Maitre Leroux, believing, evidently, that one of them had uttered the exclamation they had heard. They both drew up, for flight would have been useless, when, just as the troopers had got some fifty yards from them, a man advanced from among the trees and repeated the words in a loud tone. He was instantly seized by the soldiers, and being dragged back along them, was thrown into one of the carts among the other prisoners. His appearance probably saved the lives of Nigel and his companion, for the doughty Scot had drawn his sword, and would have fought desperately before he would have yielded himself a prisoner.
"Pull in your rein, I entreat you," said the steward; "we must not turn round, and the sooner we let these people get to a distance from us, the better."
Nigel, seeing that it would be hopeless to attempt assisting the unfortunate man, did as his companion advised, and they accordingly waited till the troopers were out of sight, taking good care not again to overtake them. Their progress was thus considerably delayed, and not till they came to a road passing outside the town of Meaux did they again venture to push forward.
They managed before sunset to reach the Chateau de Tourville, a high conical-roofed pile, with numerous towers and a handsome gateway. Maitre Leroux, conducting Nigel to a waiting-room near the entrance, went at once to the count, taking his letter of introduction. Nigel had not been left long alone when the steward returned with the request that he would accompany him to the hall, where, he told him, he would find the count and admiral with several other persons. Nigel, not being troubled by bashfulness, quickly followed his guide.
The count, who was of middle age and handsome, courteously rose from his seat at the top of the table to welcome him. At the right hand of the count Nigel observed a person of middle height, ruddy complexion, and well-proportioned figure, with a calm and pleasant, if not decidedly handsome countenance. On the other side sat a tall man, whose sunburnt features, though regular, wore an expression which at the first glance gave Nigel the feeling that he was not a person in whom he would place implicit confidence, though directly afterwards, as he again looked at him, his manner seemed so frank and easy, that the impression vanished. Several other persons of different ages, and apparently of somewhat inferior rank, sat on either side of the table.
"Which of those two can be the admiral?" thought Nigel; "the last looks most like a naval commander."
"The Lady Mary Seton, your cousin, and my daughter, have written in your favour, young sir, and I am glad to see you at the chateau; you have, I understand, also a letter of introduction to Admiral Coligny, to whom allow me to make you known." Saying this, the count presented Nigel to the gentleman on his right side, who requested the person next him to move further down, bidding Nigel to take the vacant seat.
Nigel observed that the meal was over, but