The wind had prevented their hearing the toscin. They suspected nothing; the people of the hamlet, who are a set of louts, had received them well. This morning we invested the farm, the Blues were asleep, and by a turn of the hand the thing was done. I have a horse. Will you condescend to accept it, general?"
"Yes."
A peasant led forward a white horse in military harness. The marquis, without making use of the assistance Gavard offered him, mounted the horse.
"Hurrah!" cried the peasants, for English cries are very much employed on the Breton coast, which has constant intercourse with the Channel Islands.
Gavard gave the military salute, and asked,—
"Where will your headquarters be, monseigneur?"
"At first in the forest of Fougrèes."
"That is one of your seven forests, marquis."
"We must have a priest."
"We have one."
"Who?"
"The vicar of La Chapelle-Erbrée."
"I know him. He has made the voyage to Jersey."
A priest stepped out of the ranks and said,—
"Three times."
The marquis turned his head.
"Good-morning, vicar. You are going to have some business."
"So much the better, marquis."
"You will have many to confess. Those who wish it. We force nobody."
"Monsieur le Marquis," said the priest, Gaston, at Guèménée forced the republicans to confession."
"He is a wig-maker," said the marquis; "but death should be free."
Gavard, who had gone to give some orders, returned,—
"General, I await your command."
"At first the rendezvous will be in the forest of Fougères. Let the men disperse and go there."
"The order is given."
"Didn't you tell me that the people of Herbe-en-Pail had received the Blues well?"
"Yes, general."
"Did you burn the farm?"
