By the cessation of work upon the trenches, by the new dispositions which were seen to be in progress, and above all by the appearance of strong reinforcements, Richon understood that the besiegers proposed to give him no rest; and apprehending an assault upon the morrow, he called his men together, in order to make sure of the state of feeling among them, although he had no reason to doubt their zeal, in view of the manner in which they had supported him in the defence of the outworks.
His astonishment knew no bounds, therefore, when he discovered the change in the attitude of the garrison. His men gazed gloomily and uneasily at the royal army, and threatening murmurs arose in the ranks.
Richon had no patience with pleasantry in war-time, especially pleasantry of that sort.
"Who's muttering there?" he demanded, turning toward the spot where the sounds were most distinct.
"I!" replied one man, bolder than his fellows.
"You?"
"Yes, I."
"Come forward, and answer my questions."
The man left the ranks and approached his chief.
"What do you lack that you dare to complain?" said Richon, folding his arms and fixing his eyes sternly upon the malcontent.