“We can dispense with your sessions,” says he. “We have laws enough; our great need now is men and muskets at the front.” The patricians of the Legislature are scandalized as being shut out of their chamber. “Did I not tell you,” cries the prophetic House Speaker, “did I not tell you this fellow was a desperado, and would wage war like a savage?” The members retire from the guarded doors, cursing the General under their breath. Their doorkeeper, a low, common person, is so struck by what the General has said anent men and muskets, that he gets a gun and joins that “desperado.” And wherefore no? Patriotism has been the mark of vulgar souls in every age. Colonel Coffee's hunting-shirt scouts come in and report the watch fires of those sixteen hundred of the English advance winking and blinking among the sugar stubble. “Ah!” says the General, “I've a mind to disturb their dreams.” The General dispatches word to Commodore Patterson to have the _Carolina_ in readiness to act with his forces. Then he sends for the indispensable Coffee. “Coffee, we shall attack them to-night.” The wise Coffee gives the grunt acquiescent. “Thank you, Coffee!” says the General. The council over, Colonel Coffee goes to turn out the troops. This is to be done softly, as a surprise is aimed at. Now on the dread threshold of battle, Papa Plauche of the “Fathers of Families” is overcome. As the intrepid “Fathers” fall into line, tears fill Papa Plauche's eyes, and he appeals to neighbor St. Geme. “I am a Frenchman!” cries Papa Plauche, tossing his arms; “I am a Frenchman, and do not fear to die! But, alas! mon St. Geme, I fear I have not the courage to lead the 'Fathers of Families' to slaughter.” “Hush, Papa Plauche!” returns the good St. Geme, made wretched by the grief of his friend. “Hush! Command yourself! Do not let the wild General hear you; he will not, with his coarse nature, understand such sentiments.” Captain Roche, of the “Fathers of Families,” steps in front of his company. Striking his breast melodramatically, he sings out: “Sergeant Roche, advance!” Sergeant Roche advances. “Embrace me, brother!” cries Captain Roche in broken utterances, “embrace me! It is perhaps for the last time.” The brothers Roche embrace, and the “Fathers of Families” are melted by the tableau. “Sergeant Roche, return to your place!” commands the devoted Captain Roche, and the sergeant, weeping, lapses into the ranks.