"Thank you," said a soldier, "we are given the right name and christened with fire."
"I have been under fire, too," said Pitou, "and it is not as dreadful as I imagined it."
"Now, who owns this gun?" queried Billet, examining the rifle which was a costly one.
"My master," answered the man who had lent him it, and who wore the Orleans livery. "He thinks you use it too handsomely to have to return it."
"Where is your master?" demanded the farmer.
The servant pointed to a half-open blind behind which the prince was watching what happened.
"Is he with us, then?"
"With heart and soul for the people," replied the domestic.
"In that case, three cheers again for the Duke of Orleans!" said the farmer. "Friends the Duke of Orleans is on our side—three cheers for the duke!"
He pointed upwards and the prince showed himself for an instant while he bowed three times to the shouting; short as was the appearance it lifted enthusiasm to the utmost.