“How many men are with you, Chante-en-hiver?” “Fifty.” “One hundred and fifty in all, then?” asked Georges. “Yes,” replied the two Breton leaders. “Is that your number, colonel?” asked Cadoudal laughing. “You are a magician, general.” “No; I am a poor peasant like them; only I command a troop in which each brain knows what it does, each heart beats singly for the two great principles of this world, religion and monarchy.” Then, turning to his men, Cadoudal asked: “Who commands the advanced guard?” “Fend-l’air,” replied the two Chouans. “And the rear-guard?” “La Giberne.” The second reply was made with the same unanimity as the first. “Then we can safely continue our way?” “Yes, general; as if you were going to mass in your own village.” “Let us ride on then, colonel,” said Cadoudal to Roland. Then turning to his men he cried: “Be lively, my lads.” Instantly every man jumped the ditch and disappeared. For a few seconds the crackling of twigs on the bushes, and the sound of steps among the underbrush, was heard. Then all was silent. “Well,” asked Cadoudal, “do you think that with such men I have anything to fear from the Blues, brave as they may be?” Roland heaved a sigh; he was of Cadoudal’s opinion. They rode on. About three miles from Trinité they caught sight of a black spot approaching along the road with great rapidity. As it became more distinct this spot stopped suddenly. “What is that?” asked Roland. “As you see, a man,” replied Cadoudal. “Of course; but who is this man?” “You might have guessed from the rapidity of his coming; he is a messenger.” “Why does he stop?” “Because he has seen us, and does not know whether to advance or retreat.” “What will he do?” “Wait before deciding.” “For what?” “A signal.” “Will he answer the signal?” “He will not only answer but obey it. Will you have him advance or retreat; or will you have him step aside.” “I wish him to advance; by that means we shall know the news he brings.” Cadoudal gave the call of the cuckoo with such perfection that Roland looked about him for the bird. “It was I,” said Cadoudal, “you need not look for it.” “Is the messenger going to come?” “Not-going to, he is coming.” The messenger had already started, and was rapidly approaching; in a few seconds he was beside his general. “Ah!” said the latter, “is that you, Monte-à-l’assaut?” The general stooped, and Monte-à-l’assaut said a few words in his ear. “Bénédicité has already warned me,” said Georges. Then turning to Roland, he said, “Something of importance is to happen in the village of the Trinité in a quarter of an hour, which you ought to see. Come, hurry up.” And, setting the example, he put his horse to a gallop. Roland did the same. When they reached the village they could see from a distance, by the light of some pine torches, a tumultuous mob in the market square. The cries and movements of this mob bespoke some grave occurrence. “Fast, fast!” cried Cadoudal.