This man--" He got no further, for Valmond raised his hand to Lagroin, and the drums began to beat.

Then he rode down in front of Lajeunesse's men, the others sprang from the drays and fell into place, and soon the little army was marching, four deep, through the village.
This was the official beginning of Valmond's fanciful quest for empire.
The people had a phrase, and they had a man; and they saw no further than the hour.
As they filed past the house of Elise Malboir, the girl stood in the glow of a bonfire, beside the oven where Valmond had first seen her.

All around her was the wide awe of night, enriched by the sweet perfume of a coming harvest.

He doffed his hat to her, then to the Tricolor, which Lagroin had fastened on a tall staff before the house.

Elise did not stir, did not courtesy or bow, but stood silent--entranced.