Cadoudal's hundred men had turned skirmishers; they had separated, and fifty men were harassing both of the enemy's flanks.

General Hatry ordered his men to wheel to the right and left.
Then came the order: "Fire!" Two volleys followed with the precision and unanimity of well disciplined troops; but they were almost without result, for the Republicans were firing upon scattered men.

Not so with the Chouans, who fired on a mass; with them every shot told.
Roland saw the disadvantage of the position.

He looked around and, amid the smoke, distinguished Cadoudal, erect and motionless as an equestrian statue.

He understood that the royalist leader was waiting for him.
With a cry he spurred his horse toward him.