The Blues under Westermann, eight thousand strong, have already occupied the town.

The general's orders are that all are to join him at Moulin, in two days' time.

Messengers have been despatched all over the country, and Monsieur de la Rochejaquelein has been sent for, to join General Lescure at Moulin." "That gives us twenty-four hours, then," Jean said, with a sigh of content.

"I will see that your message is carried on to all the villages near.

There are plenty of boys of twelve or fourteen about the place." But the bells rang that night to deaf ears.