I, on my part, thank you and mademoiselle most heartily for falling
in with my wishes."



CHAPTER XV: THE BATTLE OF MARIENTHAL


The decision had scarcely been made when one of the lieutenants ran
in. "Captain Mieville requests me to state that sounds have been
heard in the forest, and that he believes there is a large body of
men approaching."

"Then, ladies, I must beg you to mount the stairs to the turret at
once. I will place six men on guard there. The main body I must
keep in front of the chateau, as that affords a protection to our
rear. Do not be alarmed. I do not think the place is likely to
be attacked; but should it be, the six men could hold it for any
time. As soon as I have beaten the main body I will at once attack
those who may be assailing the turret, though I hardly think that
they will do so, for they know that there is nothing to be obtained
that would in any way repay them for the loss that they would
suffer. They are marching here for the purpose of attacking us."

He called to the two sentries.

"See the ladies up the stairs to the turret, and take up your post
on the lower stairs. Four more men shall join you at once."

He found that Mieville had already got all the men under arms, and