Villages and towns joined in one compact; and that was, to mutually help each other when necessary.
One day, we saw arrive, by way of Clermont, the people of Verdun; and, by way of Paris, the people of St. Menehould.
They had heard that a band of robbers had issued from the Forest of Argonne, set fire to Islettes, and plundered the village.
A hundred men from Clermont, under the command of M. Mathieu, and two hundred from St. Menehould, under M. Drouet, had therefore set out, to render what assistance they might in the extermination of the brigands, of whom they had as yet not seen a trace.
They made merry, therefore, instead of fighting, and in the place of the rattle of musketry, was heard the more peaceful song.
Eight days afterwards, a man passed on horseback, going from Clermont to St. Menehould, and crying out, “The brigands are marching on Varennes! Help! help!”
The man disappeared from view—none knew him. No matter, all leaped up; the drum beat the rappel; fifty men put themselves under the direction of Bertrand; and, without inquiring the number of the enemy, marched to Varennes. Needless to say, I was one of them.
From the height of the hill of Veuvilly, we saw a great cloud of dust, about half a league ahead of us.
They were the men of Clermont, who, having started about half an hour before us, were about half a league ahead.