I am on my way east, with important despatches; and I was bivouacking with my three followers in the wood, when I was attracted by the singing.
"Judging, from the words of the minister, that there was danger of an attack, I put one of my men on the watch; while I myself remained in the wood by your meeting place.

Unfortunately, the sound of the last hymn you sang drowned the noise made by the party that assailed you.

However, happily we were in time to save you and your servant; and our sudden appearance doubtless enabled many to escape, who would otherwise have been massacred." The girl had burst into a fit of sobbing, as soon as the danger was over; but she had now recovered.
"My name is Claire de Valecourt, monsieur," she said.

"My father is with the Admiral.

He will be deeply grateful to you for saving my life." "I have the honour of knowing the Count de Valecourt, mademoiselle; and am glad, indeed, that I have been able to be of service to his daughter.