his men looked at each other and
laughed.

The cock crowed again, but nearer.

"It is he," said Cadoudal; "answer him."

The howling of a dog came from within three feet of Roland, but so
perfectly imitated that the young man, although aware of what it was,
looked about him for the animal that was uttering such lugubrious
plaints. Almost at the same moment he saw a man coming rapidly through
the mist, his form growing more and more distinct as he approached. The
new-comer saw the two horsemen, and went toward them.

Cadoudal rode forward a few paces, putting his finger to his lips, as
if to request the man to speak low. The latter, therefore, did not pause
until he was close beside his general.

"Well, Fleur-d'epine," asked Georges, "have we got them?"

"Like a mouse in a trap; not one can re-enter Vannes, if you say the
word."

"I desire nothing better. How many are there?"

"One hundred men, commanded by the general himself."

"How many wagons?"

"Seventeen."

"When did they start?"

"They must be about a mile and three-quarters from here."

"What road have they taken?"

"Grandchamp to Vannes."

"So that, if I deploy from Meucon to Plescop--"

"You'll bar the way."

"That's all."

Cadoudal called his four lieutenants, Chante-en-hiver, Monte-a-l'assaut,
Fend-l'air, and La Giberne, to him, gave each of them fifty men, and
each with his men disappeared like shadows in the heavy mist, giving the
well-known hoot, as they vanished. Cadoudal was left with a hundred men,
Branche-d'Or and Fleur-d'epine. He returned to Roland.

"Well, general," said the latter, "is everything satisfactory?"

"Yes, colonel, fairly so," replied the Chouan; "but you can judge for
yourself in half an hour."

"It will be difficult to judge of anything in that mist."

Cadoudal looked about him.

"It will lift in half an hour," said he. "Will you utilize the time by
eating a mouthful and drinking a glass?"

"Faith!" said the young man, "I must admit that the ride has hollowed
me."

"I make a point," said Georges, "of eating the best breakfast I can
before fighting."

"Then you are going to fight?"

"I think so."

"Against whom?"

"Why, the Republicans, and as we have to do with General Hatry, I doubt
if he surrenders without resistance."

"Do the Republicans know they are going to fight you?"

"They haven't the least idea."

"So it is to be a surprise?"

"Not exactly, inasmuch as when the fog lifts they w