Nevertheless, the impatience increased every minute. A few village mayors in cocked hats called upon their people to deliberate. Happily the wagon of Catherine Lefevre at last appeared, and a thousand enthusiastic shouts arose on all sides.
"Here they are! They have come!"
Old Materne stood up upon the trunk of a tree and then descended, gravely saying:
"It is they."
Much excitement now prevailed; the scattered groups collected. Scarcely could the old woman be seen distinctly, seated upon a truss of straw with Louise by her side, when the echoes rang with the cry:
"Long live France! Long live Mother Catherine!"
Hullin, behind, his musket strapped upon his back, was crossing the field of Eichmath, grasping hands and saluting his friends:
"Is it you, Daniel? Good-morning, Colon!"
"Ha! Things look stormy, Hullin."
"Yes, yes; we shall soon have lively times. You here, old Jerome! What think you of the state of affairs?"