Each carried a rifle slung behind him, a brace of pistols in his holsters, and a sword in his belt.

Patsey had recovered from her depression of the previous evening, and her natural good spirits enabled her to maintain a cheerful face at parting; especially as her husband's assurances, that there would be no serious fighting for some time, had somewhat calmed her fears for their safety.
"The horses are useful to us, for carrying us about, Leigh," Jean Martin said, as they rode along; "but unless there are enough mounted men to act as cavalry, we shall have to do any fighting that has to be done on foot.

The peasants would not follow a mounted officer as they would one who placed himself in front of them, and fought as they fought.
"I hope that, later on, we may manage to get them to adopt some sort of discipline; but I have great doubts about it.

The peasantry of La Vendee are an independent race.

They are respectful to their seigneurs, and are always ready to listen to their advice; but it is respect, and not obedience.