"What now?"
"A courier has just arrived at full gallop; he came in by the French gate."
"Then he comes to announce the arrival of the National Guard from Nancy."
"Or, perhaps, a convoy from Metz."
"You are right—we are short of sixteen-pound shot, and also want grape-shot. They are going to cast a lot."
Some honest citizens in shirt-sleeves, mounted on tables along the footpaths, were busily engaged in blocking up their windows with thick planks of wood and mattrasses. Others were rolling water-barrels in front of their doors. Hullin felt reassured at witnessing so much enthusiasm.
"HE ENTERED THE TOWN AT THE END OF A LONG FILE OF VEHICLES."
"All right!" he exclaimed; "everybody seems to be making holiday here. The Allies will meet with a warm reception."
Opposite the college the shrill voice of the town-crier, Harmentier, was heard proclaiming: "This is to give notice that the casemates will be thrown open, in order that every one may be able to transport thither a mattrass and two coverlets for his own personal use; and that the commissioners are to commence their tour of inspection, to ascertain that every inhabitant has three months' provisions laid up in store, the which he is to certify.—This 20th of December, 1813. Jean-Pierre Meunier, Governor."