“You are to command one division. Take your men to the far quarter of the town. Captain Helm, command the second, and take your men to the other end of town. I’ll lead the third division.”
The men assembled quickly according to orders. Jim and Willie were assigned to Captain Bowman’s division.
“Kenton,” Colonel Clark continued, “you’re to go with me. Now, men, if we take the fort and capture de Rochblave without resistance, you’ll hear three shots. The shots will be my signal of victory. Then all of you are to yell and shout as loudly as you can. And Jim,” Colonel Clark peered into the darkness, “where’s Jim Hudson?”
“Here, sir.”
“When the men start yelling, you beat your drum as hard as possible. Run through the town from one end to the other beating it. That will help make the French think we have a large army. Keep beating it. Do you hear?”
“Yes, sir.”
“If any of you men speak French, step forward.”
Several soldiers stepped forward from the ranks.
Willie whispered to Jim, “I can speak French, too.”
“Step forward then,” Jim urged, so Willie stepped out with the others.