a short time since; they were all most gallantly equipped
without being indebted a single denier to draper, or tailor."

Bertrand, who was resting upon his fowling piece, and whose tears still
trickled down his cheeks, and over his weapon, could not avoid laughing
aloud, and the younger lads joined him. "Yes," cried young Francois,
"we will peel them like red and yellow apples, only serve us up a dish
of them soon."

"Shake them bravely out of their uniforms, the season for nut shaking
is near."

"I will shake them out," cried Francois "so that they shall fall
rattling at my feet and each one shall shew himself so hollow and
worm-eaten, that I would not seek for his kernel!"--The mother rose
from the ground and embraced her young son, who had just entered into
manhood. "I, and several of us," said another lad, "have already served
many a time under you, Roland; but then we returned afterwards to our
village."

"This is the best method to carry on the war," replied Roland, "for we
thus sometimes save provisions, and our troops remain fresh and ready
for battle. I know you well Adam, and also that little shoemaker Anton
yonder."

Anton came forward; "Yes, dear brother, I am so glad that he shoes,
which I made for you hold out still."--He fell down and wished to
embrace his knees, but Roland raised him up. "Look Roland; I love and
honour you so much, that I should like to be your footstool upon which
your tired legs might repose. I formerly fought bravely, but now, it
shall go on quite differently. It shall be stab on stab, and my awl and
thong shall be drawn through their hearts and entrails, so that the
soul shall pipe like an imprisoned rat."

All appeared seated at the frugal meal more comforted and quiet; at
least the distorted and despairing faces with which they had at first
appeared before the commander, were no longer to be seen.

CHAPTER X.

Edmond had again returned to consciousness, and on opening his eyes, he
saw Mazel by his couch and the swarthy Eustace, who although wounded
himself, had stayed to serve him and was kneeling by his bed. He could
not for a long time recall to his recollection how he had come there,
and the fierce looking men, with the view from the hut over the
mountains and woods, threw him into a strange reverie. However, he was
soon enabled to connect one idea with another, and to reassemble all
his faculties. His imagination was still busied