The men must gather bundles of firewood, and must attack in three columns; the principal against the great gate, the others against the two posterns; the one at the back of the house itself, the other nearest the angle where the wall joins it.

If we had time to construct machines for battering the walls, it would be an easy business; but that is out of the question.

In a couple of days, at the latest, we shall have them coming out like a swarm of hornets from La Rochelle.

It is not likely, when they had all their measures so well prepared, that they omitted to send off word at once to Coligny; and by tomorrow, at noon, we may have Conde and the Admiral upon us.

Therefore we must make an end of this, by nightfall.
"Have you any better plans to suggest, gentlemen ?" There was no reply.