It was still light enough for them
to see the arms of the republican troops, and they were near enough to
the camp to hear the movements of the men within it, in spite of the
increasing noise of their own troops.
"They are ready to receive us," said de Lescure to himself, "and a warm
reception they are likely to give us."
He now separated himself from Cathelineau, and galloped before the
trenches to an open space where Larochejaquelin had stationed himself
with the cavalry. Henri had completely surprised the sentinels on duty
in the camps; he and about twenty others had dismounted, had shot four
or five sentries at their post, and had again retreated to their horses
before the republicans were able to return his fire. But what was his
surprise on preparing to remount his horse, to hear the rush of his own
men coming along the road, and to see the cloud of dust which enveloped
them. Henri tried to speak to them, and to learn what new plan brought
them there; but the foremost men were too much out of breath to speak
to him: however, they shouted and hurraed at seeing him, and slackened
their pace a little.
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