He perceived a number of details most alarming in the accomplished trick.
The following Sunday was appointed for a grand military parade at Haramont. Sufficiently drilled, the Haramontese meant to give warlike exercises. Several rival villages also making military studies, were to contest with them in the career of arms.
The announcement drew a great crowd, and the people in holiday attire gathered on the green, where they feasted frugally on homemade cake and fruit, washed down with spring water.
Some of the spectators were the gentry and squires, come to laugh at the clowns playing at soldiers.
Haramont had become a centre, for four corps of other Guards came hither, headed by fife and drum.
Among the farmers, came Catherine and Mother Billet on horseback.
This was at the same time as the Haramont National Guard marched up, with fife and drum, with Commander Pitou on a borrowed white horse, in order that the likeness should be complete to General Lafayette reviewing the National Guards at Paris.
Without joking, if he did not look stylish and aristocratic, he was noble and valiant and pleasant to behold.
This company of Guards had shining muskets, the national cockades, and marched with most satisfactory time in two files. It had won the tribute before reaching the parade ground.
Out of the corner of his eye, Pitou saw that Catherine changed color. From that moment the review had more interest to him than anything in the world.