A Heroine of France

es of the march to and from the city, and the anxiety of awaiting an attack, which had not come. He bowed towards the Maid in speaking, calling her by a playful title in vogue amongst

ch; yet a little leaven often leavens the whole lump. They need

Guy in low tones to us twain, Bertram and I, who sa

eturn with Dunois, and we looke

have been no trouble, no tremors or doubts; but the turning back was a discouragement, and alas! the French have had too much of this of late. There were whisperers at work seeking to undermine faith in the Maid and her mission. As she says, no great hurt was done; it was but the work of a few--and some of these priests, who should be

been told of their hesitation, were instantly horribly ashamed. They clamoured to be led back to her, to show

mrades would be driven back at the sword's point, and have to fight every inch of the way. Yet what has been the truth? The Maid led us to the spot which commanded the road--well in the heart of the English lines. Their fortresses were humming like hives of bees disturbed. The English knew

s were holden by a power they wot not of. If she herself had not gone forth to guard the way--standing like the flaming cherubim with the

she retired into a small inner room reserved for her use, and the little Charlotte went with her. A curtain, partly drawn, shut off this room from the outer one in which we knights and some of her pages and gentlemen sat talking; and I was just able to see from where I

had laid aside our coats of mail, and were enjoying a spell of rest and leisure; and there was silence in both the room

t the first word I started broad awake and was on my

, but her eyes were wide ope

ll obey. Only tell me what I must do. Is it against the towers I must go, to

e pulled the Maid by

om do you speak? There is n

he bent for one moment over the wondering child, and kissed

command, she called to me and said, "To arms at once! I must to the front! French blood is flowing. They are see

Not a sound of tumult broke the silence of the streets. Yet the Maid was having us arm her

me to fly to their succour! Ah! why could they not have told me before

wn the staircase to the courtyard below, where already the horses were standing pawing the ground with impatience

id looked upwards, kissed her gauntletted hand to the little one, seized the staff of her banner, and then, calling upon her followers in clear tones of command, dashed out through the gateway into the street beyond, and without an instant's hesitation turned towards that gate of the city nearest to the English bastille named St. Loup. And though we all spurred after her, so that the sparks

he spirit of the scene; signs of excitement and fear and wonder began to show themselves; the walls were alive with men at arms, gazing fixedly out eastward, shouting, gesticulating, wild with a tumult of emotion. Soldiers buckling on their arms, citizens with pale, yet resolute, faces, and swords or axes in their han

nd bounding along beside my horse with a swiftness and strength which excit

ed that the power of the English was already broken; that they would not leave their walls or sho

d anger; and some, methinks, may have thought to shame her by showing that they could act without her aid, and do the work she has come to do, whilst she takes her rest and holds her councils. So, gathering a band of soldiers together, these officers have sallied forth to try and sto

e knowledge and command of the Maid," I said sternly, and

ut loss and defeat? And now that the good God has sent a Deliverer, it is like flying in His face to seek and do without her. I said as much again and again. I knew no good wou

ible sort of fight was going on, horrible to us, because the French were in full retreat before our foe, going down like sheep before the butcher's knife, rushing panic stricken hither and thither as men demented, whilst the Engli

g his way like a very Paladin through the ranks of the English, and dealing death and destruction wherever he went. But the valour of a few had no power to turn the fortunes of the field; and the rout had already be

on. "Be not dismayed. The Lord has heard your cries. He has sent me to

ttle. We followed and closed up round her; but that shining white figure could not be hidden. The English saw it bearing down upon them, an

ey paused in their pursuit to gaze upon that dazzling fig

cisive in action, were galloping out of the Gate at the head of the picked soldiers under their command. Rank behind rank we could see them flashing through the shadow into the sunshine,

le on his side, but sent forth from other of the bastill

ng masses of soldiers, rushing one up

in their sins. I pressed up towards her and saw her pitiful eyes fixed upon a convoy of wounded men, whom we had sent to rescue from their peril, lying as they

a moment! Tell them that souls are every moment being hurried to their last account. Bid them make haste and come, and let them give equal care to friend and

wept the plain; she saw with lightning speed where the need was the greatest, where the peril to the French cause was direst, and swee

e flying French turned back to face the foe, and the pursuing English wavered, paused, and finally broke rank and fled backwards to the shelter of their walls and forts. Our men fought gallantly--let me not deny them their due--soldiers and citizens alike, who had come forth with and after the Maid, all were inspired by confidence and courage. But it was her presence in the ranks which ga

the city in our rear we could already hear the pealing of

ois, who was man enough to give all the credit of the victory to the Maid. "Right valiantly

h a glance of surprise. "Why, my frie

she calmly pointed towards the frown

icers set themselves to do. They shall not be disappointed. It shall be ours ere night fal

pout fire and smoke like a living monster. Already the troops had marched far and fought hotly. Surely if assault were to be made it should wait for another da

ust be do

by smoke. He had a scarf bound about his left arm; but his bearing was bold and resolute, and though his chee

ed, only delayed by your eager rashness. Say, if I lead you myself, this very hour, against yon frowning tower, will you follow me like brave soldiers of the Cross, and not turn back till my Lord has gi

ce seemed to float through the air, and penetrate to the extreme limits of the crowd, or else her words were taken up and repeated by a score of eager

o death or victory! We fear nothing so

oldiers poured themselves like a living stream against the walls of St. Loup. The English behind the fortifications rained upon them missiles of every description. The air was darkened by a cloud of arrows. The cannon from the walls belched forth smoke and flame, and great stone and iron balls came hurtling down into our midst, dealing death and destruct

but my Lord gives you the victory. A little more co

but herself. Again and again with her own hands she snatched some follower from a danger unseen by him, but which a moment later would have been hi

e no fear. I shall not suffer. I have guar

he English, overcome with amaze, gave up the defence, and

sky, the fortress of St. Loup was ours. The Mai