the order, 'Empty your muskets and fix bayonets,' and we will then
charge them. Hunter, you and your three comrades and Paolo will
keep close to me, and if we find the men wavering at any point we
will go to their assistance. If, however, we charge, remember that
you six men I told off to guard the turret are at once to pass
through the gates and take up your post on the steps, for some of
them may slip in behind us and endeavour to rush up."

The horses, that had been turned loose when Hector and the troopers
mounted the steps, had been seized by the peasants, and tied up to
some trees close by when the latter began to feast. They had been
recovered when the insurgents were scattered by Mieville's company
and had then been placed in the courtyard of the castle. As soon
as the alarm was given, Hector, the four troopers, and Paolo had
mounted. The three officers were also on horseback.

"In case the company charges, Mieville," he said, "we nine mounted
men can cover the rear and charge any of the insurgents who try to
rush in and take them in the rear. I hope that we shall keep them
off with our musketry fire; but I don't disguise from myself that
if they fall upon us at close quarters we shall have to fight
hard. Ah, here they come!"

Suddenly in the darkness from the other side of the chateau
a great crowd of men poured out, shouting and yelling furiously,
and brandishing their rough weapons, which shone blood red in the
glow of the fire in the ruins. Someone had evidently been placed
on the watch, and had told them where the troops had taken up their
post, for they came on without hesitation, bearing outwards until
they faced the centre of the line, at a distance of fifty yards;