"Halmalo, I tell you all this, not that you can understand the words, but because your perceptions are keen, and you will comprehend the matters themselves. I have trusted you since I saw you managing that boat. Without knowing anything of geometry you execute wonderful sea manoeuvres. He who can pilot a boat can guide an insurrection. Judging from the way in which you managed our affair at sea, I feel sure that you will execute my instructions equally well. But to resume: So you will repeat to the chiefs all that I have told you, or words to the same effect, as near as you can remember; I am confident that you will convey to them my meaning. I prefer the warfare of the forest to that of the open field. I have no intention of exposing one hundred thousand peasants to the grape-shot of the soldiers in blue and the artillery of M. Carnot. In a month's time I expect to have five hundred sharp-shooters hidden in the woods. The republican army is my game. Poaching is one method of warfare. The strategy of the thickets for me! Ah, that is probably another word which you will not understand; but never mind,--you know what I mean when I say, No quarter! and ambushes on every side! Give me more Chouannerie rather than the regular Vendean warfare. You will add that the English are on our side. Let us catch the republic between two fires. Europe helps us: let us put down revolution. Kings are waging a war of kingdoms: we will wage a war of parishes. You will say all this. Do you understand me?" "Yes: put all to fire and sword." "That is it," "No quarter." "None whatever. You understand?" "I will go everywhere." "And be always on your guard; for in these parts it is an easy matter to lose one's life." "Death I have no fear of. He who takes his first step may be wearing his last shoes." "You are a brave fellow." "And if I am asked monseigneur's name?" "It is not to be made known yet. You are to say that you do not know it, and you will say the truth." "Where shall I see monseigneur again?" "At the place where I am going." "How shall I know where that is?" "All the world will know it. Before eight days have gone by you will hear of me. I shall make examples; I shall avenge the king and religion; and you will know well enough that it is I of whom they are speaking." "I understand." "Do not forget anything." "You may rest assured of that." "Now go, and may God guide you! Go!" "I will do all you bid me. I will go; I will speak; I will obey; I will command." "Good." "And if I succeed--" "I will make you a knight of Saint-Louis." "Like my brother. And if I fail, you will have me shot?" "Like your brother." "So be it, monseigneur." The old man bent his head, and seemed to fall into a gloomy reverie. When he raised his eyes he was alone. Halmalo was only a black speck vanishing on the horizon.