This line was motionless; evidently some unforeseen obstacle had stopped it.
In fact, about a quarter of a mile before the leading wagon they perceived the two hundred Chouans, under Monte-a-l'assaut, Chante-en-hiver, Fend-l'air, and Giberne, barring the way.
The Republicans, inferior in number--we said that there were but a hundred--had halted and were awaiting the complete dispersion of the fog to determine the number and character of the men they were about to meet.

Men and wagons were now in a triangle, of which Cadoudal and his hundred men formed one of the angles.
At sight of this small number of men thus surrounded by triple forces, and of the well-known uniform, of which the color had given its name to the Republican forces, Roland sprang hastily to his feet.

As for Cadoudal, he remained where he was, nonchalantly finishing his meal.

Of the hundred men surrounding the general, not one seemed to perceive the spectacle that was now before their eyes; it seemed almost as if they were waiting for Cadoudal's order to look at it.
Roland had only to cast his eyes on the Republicans to see that they were lost.

Cadoudal watched the various emotions that succeeded each other on the young man's face.
"Well," asked the Chouan, after a moment's silence, "do you think my dispositions well taken ?" "You might better say your precautions, general," replied Roland, with a sarcastic smile.
"Isn't it the First Consul's way to make the most of his advantages when he gets them ?" asked Cadoudal.
Roland bit his lips; then, instead of replying to the royalist leader's question, he said: "General, I have a favor to ask which I hope you will not refuse." "What is it ?" "Permission to let me go and be killed with my comrades." Cadoudal rose.