special orders to give me, general?" he asked.

"Yes, one," answered Cadoudal, "take eight men and follow me. When you
see the young Republican, with whom I breakfasted, fall under his horse,
fling yourself upon him, you and your eight men, before he has time to
free himself, and take him prisoner."

"Yes, general."

"You know that I must have him safe and sound."

"That's understood, general"

"Choose your eight men. Monsieur de Montrevel once captured, and his
parole given, you can do as you like."

"Suppose he won't give his parole?"

"Then you must surround him so that he can't escape, and watch him till
the fight is over."

"Very well," said Branche-d'Or, heaving a sigh; "but it'll be a little
hard to stand by with folded arms while the others are having their
fun."

"Pooh! who knows?" said Cadoudal; "there'll probably be enough for every
body."

Then, casting a glance over the plain and seeing his own men stationed
apart, and the Republicans massed for battle, he cried: "A musket!"

They brought one. Cadoudal raised it above his head and fired in the
air. Almost at the same moment, a shot fired in the same manner from the
midst of the Republicans answered like an echo to that of Cadoudal.

Two drums beating the advance and a bugle were heard. Cadoudal rose in
his stirrups.

"Children," he cried, "have you all said your morning prayers?"

"Yes, yes!" answered almost every voice. "If any of you forgot them, or
did not have time, let them pray now."

Five or six peasants knelt down and prayed.

The drums and bugle drew nearer.

"General, general," cried several voices impatiently, "they are coming."

The general motioned to the kneeling peasants.

"True," replied the impatient ones.

Those who prayed rose one by one, according as their prayers had been
long or short. By the time they were all afoot, the Republicans had
crossed nearly one-third of the distance. They marched, bayonets fixed,
in three ranks, each rank three abreast.

Roland rode at the head of the first rank, General Hatry between the
first and second. Both were easily recognized, being the only men on
horseback. Among the Chouans, Cadoudal was the only rider, Branche-d'Or
having dismounted to take command of the eight men who were to follow
Georges.

"General," said a voice, "the prayer is ended, and every one is
standing."

Cadoudal looked around him to make sure it was true; then he cried in a
loud voice: "Forward! Enjo