"After that, monsieur?" asked one of the men eagerly.
"We will see. You are prisoners at this moment just as much as we are. If we get through, perhaps we'll call it quits. You'll ride for the army of France, and we for our comrades."
That brought a grin of pleasure to the bronzed faces of the men. They would have cheered had not the need for silence been there. Instead, they picked up their reins, and fell in on either side of the carts, waiting for the signal to open the gates. Tom went back to the sentry he had posted over the church doorway.
"All clear," was the report. "There is still knocking."
"Then get to your horse and mount. I am following."
Tom clambered once more into the yard, and looked up at the window which Andrews occupied.
"All clear," came the gentle hail.
"Then fall in—time we were moving."
All were mounted within a minute, save Howeley, who stood at the gates. "Open," called Tom.
"Open it is, sir," said the rifleman, throwing the gates wide at once.