The mob laughed at the ominous pun.
"Ay, somebody will get cut!" was the cry, "How are we to set about it?"
"We are going right into there," answered Gonchon, pointing to the building.
"That is the right kind of talk," said the farmer; "How many have you, Gonchon?"
"Thirty skeletons."
"Thirty thousand of yours, and twenty coming from the Soldiers' Hospital, ten thousand here; more than enough to succeed if we are to succeed."
"We shall," replied the beggar king.
"I believe you. Get your men in hand while I go in and summon the governor to surrender. If he should, so much the better as it will spare bloodshed; if not, the blood will fall on his head and it is bad luck these times. Ask those German dragoons who hewed down the inoffensive."
"How long will you be engaged with the governor?"
"As long as I can make it, so as to have the castle invested thoroughly; if possible, the moment I come out, begin the onset."