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 what was
being done, and watched it all; yet not a gun was fired, not an
archer launched his shaft, not a man moved out to oppose the
entrance of the relief force nor even the convoy of provisions for
the garrison. They watched it all as men in a dream, not a dog
moved his tongue against us."
"She told us it would be so," spoke I, leaning towards Sir Guy,
"there will be fighting anon; but it was not to be then. Surely
their arms 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 sword which turned every way--I misdoubt me but
that a heavy action must have been fought, ere the army was
suffered to enter the gates."
There was much talk all down the table of these matters; but the
Maid took little part in this. Her eyes were heavy, and she looked
weary and pale.
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