"There goes 'le Mouchoir Rouge,'" said one, alluding to Henri's costume;
for when in action he always wore a red handkerchief round his waist,
and another round his neck.
"Yes; that is 'le Mouchoir Rouge,'" said another, "he is off for Saumur;
the horsemen are already starting for Saumur."
"Come, then; they shall not go alone," said another. "We will start for
Saumur. We will not lie here while others are in the battle."
These were men from the neighbourhood of Durbelliere, who were now
placed under the orders of M. de Lescure; but who conceived that, as
their lord and master was gone before them, it must be their duty to
follow. The word was passed from one to another, and the whole body of
them was soon in motion. It must be remembered that they were, in no
respect, similar to disciplined troops; they had received no military
instruction, and did not therefore, know, that they were doing wrong in
following their own master; they were in receipt of no pay; amenable to
no authority, and consequently afraid of no penalties; their only idea
was to do the best they could for the cause, to fight with courage and
perseverance, and to trust to God for the result: it was not, therefore,
wondering that, in the present instance, they so completely mistook
their duty.
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