commands. Would you have him leave these men, whom he has called from
their peaceful firesides, without a leader? Impossible!"

She evidently shared the madness of her lover and father, even if she
did not share all their hopes.

"No, there must be no more hesitation, no more parleying," she
continued. "Prudence now would be the height of folly. There is no more
danger in a retreat than in an advance. Do not try to detain my father,
gentlemen; each moment of delay may, perhaps, cost a man's life. And
now, my friends, forward!"

A loud cheer answered her, and the little band descended the hill.

But M. d'Escorval could not allow his own son, whom he saw in the ranks,
to depart thus.

"Maurice!" he cried.

The young man hesitated, but at last approached.

"You will not follow these madmen, Maurice?" said the baron.

"I must follow them, father."

"I forbid it."

"Alas! father, I cannot obey you. I have promised--I have sworn. I am
second in command."