"What is it? What's the matter?" they cried, rising and drawing near.
"Thank Monseigneur; for there is a special expedition on foot for one o'clock," said Martin.
"Good! very good! splendid!" was the hearty chorus of the veterans.
Even Malemort added his joyful shout to these unequivocal demonstrations of satisfaction.
But at that very moment four of Ambroise Paré's assistants appeared to carry the wounded man to the hospital.
Malemort was loud in his protestations.
But notwithstanding his cries and struggles, they put him upon a litter and held him there. In vain did he pour most bitter reproaches upon his comrades, even calling them deserters and traitors, since they were despicable enough to go into battle without him. No notice was taken of his epithets; and he was carried off cursing and swearing.
"How," said Martin-Guerre, "we must make our final arrangements, and assign to every man the part he is to play and his position."
"What sort of job have we on hand?" asked Pilletrousse.
"Oh, a sort of assault," replied Martin.