“Fend-l’air,” replied the two Chouans.
“And the rear-guard?”
“La Giberne.”
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 mass 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.