It was cold, but nevertheless I opened the window and leaned out to hear the announcements. Parmentier opened his paper, young Engelheider kept up his drum-beating, and the people assembled.
Then Parmentier read that the governor of the place ordered all citizens to present themselves at the mayoralty between eight in the morning and six in the evening, without fail, to receive their muskets and cartridge-boxes, and that those who did not come, would be court-martialed.
There was the end at last! Every one who was able to march was on his way, and the old men were to defend the fortifications; sober-minded men—citizens—men accustomed to living quietly at home, and attending to their own affairs! now they must mount the ramparts and every day run the risk of losing their lives!
Sorlé looked at me without a word, and indignation made me also speechless. Not till after a quarter of an hour, when I was dressed, did I say:
"Make the soup ready. I am going to the mayoralty to get my musket and cartridge-box."
Then she exclaimed: "Moses, who would have believed that you would have to go and fight at your age? Oh! what misery!"
And I answered: "It is the Lord's will."
Then I started with a sad heart. Little Sâfel followed me.
As I arrived at the corner of the market, Burguet was coming down the mayoralty steps, which swarmed with men; he had his musket on his shoulder, and said with a smile:
"Ah, well, Moses! We are going to turn Maccabees in our old age?"