The second reply was made with the same unanimity as the first.
"Then we can safely continue our way?"
"Yes, general; as if you were going to ma.s.s in your own village."
"Let us ride on then, colonel," said Cadoudal to Roland. Then turning to his men he cried: "Be lively, my lads."
Instantly every man jumped the ditch and disappeared. For a few seconds the crackling of twigs on the bushes, and the sound of steps among the underbrush, was heard. Then all was silent.
"Well," asked Cadoudal, "do you think that with such men I have anything to fear from the Blues, brave as they may be?"
Roland heaved a sigh; he was of Cadoudal"s opinion.
They rode on. About three miles from Trinite they caught sight of a black spot approaching along the road with great rapidity. As it became more distinct this spot stopped suddenly.
"What is that?" asked Roland.
"As you see, a man," replied Cadoudal.
"Of course; but who is this man?"
"You might have guessed from the rapidity of his coming; he is a messenger."
"Why does he stop?"
"Because he has seen us, and does not know whether to advance or retreat."
"What will he do?"
"Wait before deciding."
"For what?"
"A signal."
"Will he answer the signal?"
"He will not only answer but obey it. Will you have him advance or retreat; or will you have him step aside."
"I wish him to advance; by that means we shall know the news he brings."
Cadoudal gave the call of the cuckoo with such perfection that Roland looked about him for the bird.
"It was I," said Cadoudal, "you need not look for it."
"Is the messenger going to come?"
"Not-going to, he is coming."
The messenger had already started, and was rapidly approaching; in a few seconds he was beside his general.
"Ah!" said the latter, "is that you, Monte-a-l"a.s.saut?"
The general stooped, and Monte-a-l"a.s.saut said a few words in his ear.
"Benedicite has already warned me," said Georges. Then turning to Roland, he said, "Something of importance is to happen in the village of the Trinite in a quarter of an hour, which you ought to see. Come, hurry up."
And, setting the example, he put his horse to a gallop. Roland did the same.
When they reached the village they could see from a distance, by the light of some pine torches, a tumultuous mob in the market square. The cries and movements of this mob bespoke some grave occurrence.
"Fast, fast!" cried Cadoudal.
Roland asked no better; he dug his spurs in his horse"s belly.
At the clatter of horses" hoofs the peasants scattered. There were five or six hundred of them at least, all armed.
Cadoudal and Roland found themselves in a circle of light in the midst of cries and agitation.
The crowd was pressing more particularly toward the opening of a street which led to the village of Tridon. A diligence was coming down that street escorted by a dozen Chouans; two on either side of the postilion, ten others guarding the doors. The carriage stopped in the middle of the market-square. All were so intent upon the diligence that they paid but scant attention to Cadoudal.
"Hola," shouted Georges. "What is all this?"
At this well known voice, everyone turned round, and heads were uncovered.
"The Big Round Head!" they murmured.
"Yes," said Cadoudal.
A man went up to Georges.
"Didn"t Benedicite and Monte-a-l"a.s.saut notify you?" he inquired.
"Yes. Is that the diligence from Ploermel to Vannes that you are bringing back?"
"Yes, general. It was stopped between Trefleon and Saint-Nolf."
"Is he in it?"
"We think so."
"Act according to your consciences; if it is a crime toward G.o.d, take it on yourselves; I take only the responsibility toward men. I will be present at what takes place; but I will not share in it--either to hinder or help."
"Well," demanded a hundred voices, "what does he say, Sabre-tout?"
"He says we must act according to our consciences, and that he washes his hands of it."
"Long live the Big Round Head!" cried all the people, rushing toward the diligence.