[ 2.] devaient être, must have been.
[ 3.] venaient de battre en retraite, had just beaten a retreat or fallen back.
[ 4.] en courant, by running, or if you run.
[ 5.] que j'étais sans malice, that I was not making fun of him.
[ 6.] Qu'ils soient maudits, in English the active form (curse them); is preferably used.
Page 20.
[ 1.] Seigneur Dieu, expressions in French containing the name of God are devoid of any profane intent and should not be translated literally. Here, merciful Heaven! might do.
[ 2.] on finit par se rendre maître du feu, they finally got control of the fire; or the fire was finally brought under control; notice the idiom finir par.
[ 3.] Place, make room!
Page 21.
[ 1.] il leva son tricorne, to acknowledge the respect shown him by the mayor and council.
[ 2.] Pour vous rendre mes devoirs, i.e. your wishes shall be complied with.