If we can fall upon them at night, we ought to be able to defeat them easily.

At any rate before they rally we should inflict tremendous damage upon them." Jack's proposition was received with acclamation, and it was decided that the attack should take place on the following night.

The officers therefore went among the men, and appealed to them to remain for another forty-eight hours, in order that they might annihilate the garrison of Piaski.
The men assented, the more readily that abundant supplies of bread and spirits had been found in the captured wagons, the Russian commander having deemed it probable that the expedition might extend over a period of some days.
The next morning all were instructed in the use of the Russian muskets, many of the peasants being wholly unacquainted with the management of fire-arms.

It was arranged that each peasant should, in addition to his gun, carry his scythe, his favorite weapon for close conflict.
When night came on all was ready for the march.

The bands were to advance separately, each under orders of its own leader, and were to unite in the market-place as the clock struck one.