To
them, such encounters with Chouannerie, where the Breton of the town
fought the Breton of the country district, had taken the place of the
old chivalric tournaments. This patriotic enthusiasm may possibly have
been connected with certain purchases of the "national domain." Still,
the benefits of the Revolution which were better understood and
appreciated in the towns, party spirit, and a certain national delight
in war, had a great deal to do with their ardor.
Hulot, much gratified, was going through the ranks and getting
information from Gudin, on whom he was now bestowing the confidence
and good-will he had formerly shown to Merle and Gerard. A number of
the inhabitants stood about watching the preparations, and comparing
the conduct of their tumultuous contingent with the regulars of
Hulot's brigade. Motionless and silent the Blues were awaiting, under
control of their officers, the orders of the commandant, whose figure
they followed with their eyes as he passed from rank to rank of the
contingent. When Corentin came near the old warrior he could not help
smiling at the change which had taken place in him. He looked like a
portrait that has little or no resemblance to the original.
"What's all this?" asked Corentin.
"Come with us under fire, and you'll find out," replied Hulot.
"Oh! I'm not a Fougeres man," said Corentin.
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