These we will form into bands, some to hold the passes and to dispute the advance, others to hang upon the skirts and annoy them incessantly, some to close in behind, cut off wagons that break down or lag by the way, and to prevent, if possible, any convoys from the rear from joining them." This programme was carried out.

Several spots were settled on where an irregular force could oppose a stout resistance to trained troops, and points were fixed upon where breastworks should be thrown up, walls utilized, and houses loopholed and placed in a state of defense.
It was late in the afternoon before they rode again into the village.
The gathering of peasants was now very largely increased, and extended over the fields for some distance round the place.

The count at once gave orders that all should form up in regular order according to the villages from which they came.

When this was done he divided them into four groups.
The first, two thousand strong, was intended to hold the passes; two others, each one thousand strong, were to operate upon the flanks of the enemy; and a fourth, of the same strength, to act in its rear.
"Now, Captain Stilwell," he said, "will you take the command of whichever of these bodies you choose ?" "I thank you, count, for the offer," Jack said, "but I will take no command whatever.

In the first place, your Catalans would very strongly object to being led by a foreigner, especially by one so young and unknown as myself.