"You behaved as I expected you would do," Turenne said, when he
entered his room on hearing the bell sound. "You fought close to
me as long as there was fighting to be done, and I observed that
you used your sword well. The moment I drew rein you did the same,
and took up your post behind me, showing that although this was
your first battle you retained your coolness. I will therefore tell
you in confidence that Count d'Harcourt has enjoined me to throw
provisions, if possible, into the citadel at Turin. It will take
me some time to make arrangements, and my only fear is that the
garrison, on hearing that we have retired across the Po -- of
which you may be sure the Spaniards will take care to inform them
-- may believe that we shall do no more this winter; and as we
know that their provisions must be well nigh exhausted, they will
abandon the citadel and march thither.

"It is now well nigh eighteen months since they were first cut off.
It is certain that their investment is a very close one, and that
the most vigilant watch is used to prevent news of any kind from
reaching them from the outside. We have made several efforts to
communicate with them, but without success. Some of the messengers
we sent never returned, and were, doubtless, detected and killed.
Others came back and reported their failure, saying that every
avenue to the citadel was so closely watched that it was impossible
to get through."

"Have you any objection, general, to my mentioning this matter to
my boy? I am absolutely convinced that he is thoroughly faithful
and trustworthy."

"You may do so if you like, Campbell, though it is hardly likely