"Then I will be the first one to scale the wall!" cried Yvonnet.
"Very well," said the squire.
"No, that isn't fair!" exclaimed Ambrosio. "Yvonnet always monopolizes the first place in times of danger. Really, it seems as if he thinks of nobody but himself."
"Let him have his way," said Gabriel, interposing. "In the hazardous ascent that we are about to make, the foremost will be the least exposed, I imagine. As a proof of my belief, I propose myself to be the last to ascend."
"Then Yvonnet will be cheated," cried Ambrosio, laughing.
Martin-Guerre assigned to each man his place in the order of march, as well as his number in the boat and in the assault. Ambrosio, Pilletrousse, and Landry were notified that they would have to row. In fact, everything that could be was arranged beforehand, so as to avoid confusion and misunderstanding as far as possible.
Lactance took Martin-Guerre aside for a moment.
"Pardon me," said he; "but do you imagine there is any killing to be done?"
"I am not sure; but it is very possible," Martin replied.
"Thanks," returned Lactance; "in that case I think I will say my prayers and do penance in advance for three or four dead men and as many wounded."