The New era. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1865-1871, 1866-08-16

attack. Ihey, however, hastily heat tn
arms and formed an irregular force moro
numerous than that of their adyersaries.
Joan at the head of the French. twice
maze them give way; but at last it be-
came necessary for her to retreat
William Gle Flavy, remained with a
boay of troops at the barrier of the
bridge on the side of the city, as a re-
serve; but he abstained from affordinp
Joan assistance.
The French were beaten back on the
orlage the retreating army rushed pre-
clpltately ON it, and pressed by the in
creaslng numbers, it forced men and
horses on the right and on the left into
the river. However, Joan remained
with the last on the field, and her re-
doubted standard, the prestige that was
attached to her person, the bravery of
the lew troops that surrounded her. Still
held the enemy in check.
Inc French had re-entered Compeione.
excepting the group who still fought
with Joan OF Arc, and who were SLOWLY
retiring on the town. Flavy had dis
pefsed the retreating troops as fast as
they came for refuge, and remained
Almost alone near the barrier of the
bridge. He approached the man who
guarded it. ,., ~
= Close the BARRIERS" said he,
SIR answered the keeper, sit must
not be so. The maiden has not re-enter
ed the town."
Do as l commando am MASTER
here. a hundred gold crowns are yours
If you obey-if not
He raised the battle axe, and the man
closed the barrier by an almost involun-
tary movement.
The axe was still suspended over his
head; the keeper locked the barrier.
He had scarcely thus obeyed when the
battle axe suddenly fell and sunk deep
in the shoulder. The man fell bathed
in his blood. Flavy was about to repeat
the blow. ),
What has he done?n demanded
several officers, who fastened to thespot.
am furnishing a miscreant,o answer
eel the ferocious captain, "who closed
the barrier of the bridge against my
orders, and caused the loss of our people
outside. Let me finish this act of
Justice"
"The man is already dead,o exclaim-
ed one of the officers, kicking the body
with his foot. LET us rather see about
opening the barrier"
:" It is too late" cried Flavy. THE
English have taken the advantage of
this fatal delay"
And he pointed between the bars of
the barrier to Joan of Are, who with her
followers, had been surrounded and
made prisoners.
From that day forward, fresh wrinkles
furroWed the care-worn forehead of
William de Flavy. His sleep was agi-
tated, and he seemed to feel remorse-
he, who had long exercised without
terror and without shame frightful
tyranny in Compeigne, as, indeed, wher-
ever he had commanded. He defended,
however, with desperate valor the place
confided to his charge, and the enemy
was finally compelled to raise the seige.
"Charles VII. whom Joan of Arcs
example had reused for a moment from
his ordinary, Incidence, once more sunk
into his voluptuous lethargy, which La
Tremoille, his favorite, shared and APP
proved. The king was feasting with
that gentleman and others of his clique,
when a horn was sounded before the
castle gate. A vassel entered to announce
La Hire, William de Flary and several
other knights and soldiers. The king
gave orders for them to be admitted.
+" Be seated at this banquet, my faith
lul ScINdIlto, SlAOSa AO, oi.N PooA eo
the king of frances table is you are
welcome to it,"
"Sire," said F'lavy, with his usual
bluntness, +" it is not for us to take our
place by your side; but for you to place
yourself at our head, for we have re-
solved on an expedition in which you
must take the lead. We must foresee
our way to Rouen, and recover all Nor
mandy"
laid deliver the maiden," added La
Hire.
"And why do you want the king to
do this?" replied La Tremoille; why
expose him uselessIy? The king Will
march to your assistance If you are de-
feated." :,
"Yes,n rejoined Flavy with anger,
g he will repair to the field when there
will be no soldiers left! This IS the
advice of a trifler, to say no more"
"Your remonstrance is insolent, re-
piled La Tremoille, rising.
"Silence !" interposed the king, DO
not shed blood in my presence as II
heaven had not sent you enough OF the
English to satisfy your destructive pro-
pensities. But there is no hurry, my
brave Flavy," continued he' turning
,hoS