About twenty minutes afterwards he entered the town at the end of a long file of vehicles, to which five and even six horses were harnessed, and who were drawing with great efforts enormous trunks of trees, destined to form block-houses. Among the drivers, the country people, and the horses, neighing, rearing, and stamping, gravely rode a mounted _gendarme_ named Kels, who seemed to take no note of anything, and only said in a bluff voice: "Courage, courage, my friends--we have two more stages to do by the evening. You will have deserved well of your country!" Jean-Claude passed over the bridge. In the town a fresh spectacle presented itself to his eyes. There all were ardently preparing for its defence, every door was open, and men, women, and children were coming and going in every direction, to assist in the transport of gunpowder and projectiles. At times they collected in groups of three, four, and six, to gather the news. "Hey! neighbour!" "What now?" "A courier has just arrived at full gallop; he came in by the French gate." "Then he comes to announce the arrival of the National Guard from Nancy." "Or, perhaps, a convoy from Metz." "You are right--we are short of sixteen-pound shot, and also want grape-shot. They are going to cast a lot." Some honest citizens in shirt-sleeves, mounted on tables along the footpaths, were busily engaged in blocking up their windows with thick planks of wood and mattrasses. Others were rolling water-barrels in front of their doors. Hullin felt reassured at witnessing so much enthusiasm. [Illustration: "HE ENTERED THE TOWN AT THE END OF A LONG FILE OF VEHICLES."] "All right!" he exclaimed; "everybody seems to be making holiday here. The Allies will meet with a warm reception." Opposite the college the shrill voice of the town-crier, Harmentier, was heard proclaiming: "This is to give notice that the casemates will be thrown open, in order that every one may be able to transport thither a mattrass and two coverlets for his own personal use; and that the commissioners are to commence their tour of inspection, to ascertain that every inhabitant has three months' provisions laid up in store, the which he is to certify.--This 20th of December, 1813. Jean-Pierre Meunier, Governor." All this Hullin heard and saw in less than a minute, for the whole town seemed to have turned out. Strange, serious, and comic scenes followed close upon each other without interruption. Some National Guards were dragging a twenty-four pounder in the direction of the arsenal. These brave fellows had a steep ascent to climb, and their strength was nearly exhausted. "Hoy!--all together! A thousand thunders! Put your shoulder to it! Forward!" Thus shouting all together, and pushing with all their strength at the wheels, the great cannon, stretching out its long, bronze neck over its immense carriage, which rose above everything, rolled slowly over the pavement, trembling beneath its weight.