I would, however, that God had spared me from these days; it is grievous for me to see my son going out to fight against his own countrymen, at his own door-sill; it would be more grievous still, where he now to hesitate in doing so." "No true son of Poitou hesitates now," said the enthusiastic priest.
"I yesterday saw every conscript in the parish of St.Laud's, and not a single man hesitated--not one dreams of joining the republicans; and, moreover, there is not an able-bodied man who will not come forward to assist the conscripts in withstanding the soldiers; the women, too, Mademoiselle, are equally eager.

Barere will find it difficult, I think, to raise a troop from Poitou." "Will the conscripts from hence be required to join at Chatillon or at Cholet ?" said the old man.
"Those from St.Laud's, at Chatillon," said Henri; "but the men will not leave their homes, they will know how to receive the soldiers if they come amongst them." So saying, he got up and went out, and the priest followed him; they had much to do, and many things to arrange; to distribute arms and gunpowder, and make the most of their little means.

It was not their present intention to lead the men from their homes, but they wished to prepare them to receive the republican troops, when they came into the country to enforce the collection of the republican levy..