The embryo regiment chose one Claude Tellier sergeant and one Desire Maniquet lieutenant. Pitou approved.
Accompanied by the two, Captain Pitou proceeded once more to Villers Cotterets where he went straight to the mayor to be still farther supported in his demand.
On the way he was puzzled why the letter from Billet, written by Gilbert, asked no news of Sebastian.
On the way he fretted over a paragraph in the letter from Billet, written as it was by Dr. Gilbert, which read:
“Why has Pitou forgot to send news about Sebastian and why does not the boy himself write news?”
Meanwhile, Father Fortier was little aware of the storm he had aroused; and nobody was more astounded when a thunderclap came to his door. When it was opened he saw on the sill the mayor, his vice, and his secretary. Behind them appeared the cocked hats of two gendarmes, and half-a-dozen curious people behind them.
“Father Fortier,” said the mayor, “are you aware of the new decree of the Minister of War?”
“No, mayor,” said he.
“Read it, then.”
The secretary read the warrant to take extra arms from the domiciles. The schoolmaster turned pale.