They needed just the leader's eye and voice to recall them to their duty." "Truly that is just how the matter stood," spoke Sir Guy in low tones to us twain, Bertram and I, who sat on either side of him at the other end of the board.
He had been one to depart and return with Dunois, and we looked eagerly to him for explanation.
"There are ever timid spirits in all ranks, and traitors or faint-hearted friends are never far away in such times as these.
The army which would have followed the Maid to the death with joy, felt depression and disappointment at being parted from her.

Had they been able to ford the river and march straight into the city, there would have been no trouble, no tremors or doubts; but the turning back was a discouragement, and alas! the French have had too much of this of late.

There were whisperers at work seeking to undermine faith in the Maid and her mission.

As she says, no great hurt was done; it was but the work of a few--and some of these priests, who should better have understood the counsels of God--but a little leaven will work mightily in the lump, as she herself did justly remark; and ere we reached Blois, we had heard rumours that the army was talking of disbanding itself and dispersing hither and thither.

The truth was not so bad as that; but there was wavering and doubt in the ranks.
"Our appearance with the message from the Maid worked like a charm.
The soldiers, when they knew that she had been told of their hesitation, were instantly horribly ashamed.