He was not going to run away, or he would long since have started.

He was not going to obey the orders of the Convention, or he would not have stood there so openly and firmly, waiting the approach of the corporal and the two soldiers.

It was very evident that there was to be a row in St.
Florent that day, and that the postillion approved of it.
As the military party drew near to the gate of the inn yard, the corporal opened a small roll of paper, which he held in his hand, and standing still about six paces distant from the spot where Peter was maintaining his ground, read or pretended to read, the following words from the piece of paper which he held in his hands: "In the name of the French Republic, and by command of the Convention, you, Peter Berrier, having been duly, legally, and specially drawn, chosen, and selected by lot, to serve in the armies of the Republic for one year, from the date of your first bearing arms, or for so long as your services may be necessary to the security of the Republic, are hereby required and desired to join the detachment of the Republican army at present serving in St.Florent, without let, delay, or hindrance, and thereby show yourself a friend to your country, and a good citizen of the Republic." The corporal pronounced this form of invitation in that tone of voice, which proved that it was very familiar to him, and that he was much in the habit of requesting good citizens to join the armies of the Republic for such time as their services might be necessary; and, having finished it, he rolled up the piece of paper, stuck it into his belt, as he might soon require the use of his hands, and, walking quite close up to the group, said-- "Come, Peter Berrier, you are not such a fool, I hope, as to intend giving us any trouble.

Come along." Peter looked first into the farmer's face; then to his master's; and, lastly, to the postillion's; and, seeing that they were all evidently firm in their resolve, he plucked up spirit, and replied.--"Why, Mr Corporal, I have no inclination just at present to go to fight for the Republic.

You see I have no quarrel yet with my master here, M.Debedin, and he cannot well spare me.