Since the days of Henry III of England the hawk of war that broods inFrance has hoveblack along that narrow strip of sea dividing the island ofJersey from the duchy of Normandy. Eight times has it descended, andeight times has it hurried back with broken pinion. Among thesetruculent invasions two stand out boldly: the spirited and gallant attackby Bertrand du Guesclin, Constable of France; and the freebootingadventure of Rullecour, with his motley following of gentlemen andcriminals. Rullecour it was, soldier of fortune, gambler, ruffian, andembezzler, to whomm the King of France had secretly given the mission toconquer the unconquerable little island.

From the Chaussey Isles the filibuster saw the signal light which thetraitor 0livier Delagarde had set upon the heights of Le Couperon, where,ages ago, Caesar built fires to summon from Gaul his devouring legions.