They were then almost within musket shot of the
republicans, and the balls from the trenches began to drop very near
them. Henri was still in an agony of suspense, not knowing what to do
or to propose, when de Lescure emerged from out of the cloud of dust,
and galloped up to him.
"What on earth has brought you here, Charles?" said Henri. "Why have the
men come on in this way? Every man within the camp will have a musket
in his hand in five minutes time."
"It is too late now to help it," said de Lescure; "if we both live over
this night, I will explain it to you. Cathelineau is behind there; we
must lead the men to the attack; he will be in the trenches
immediately."
"Lead on," said Henri, jumping off his horse, "or rather I will go
first; but stop, the men must have five minutes to get their breath;
they are all choked with running. Come, my men," said he, turning to the
crowds who were clustering round them, "we will disturb the dreams of
these republicans; the blues are not fond of fighting by night, but if
they are asleep I think we will soon wake them," and accompanied by his
friend, he rushed down into the trenches, and the men followed him by
hundreds, covered with dust, choked with thirst, breathless with their
long run, and utterly ignorant what they were going to do, or how they
were to for an entrance into the camp.
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