The work once begun, there must be no drawing back.

There is not a man in La Vendee who is not prepared to give his life, if need be, to the cause; and you, in your way, can do as much or more." He then administered an oath to each lad and, as had been arranged, Leigh also took an oath to care for them in every respect, and to share their risks and dangers.

Then the cure pronounced his blessing upon them, and the service ended.
Very greatly impressed with what had taken place, the little band marched out from the church, surrounded by their friends.

Jean Martin then presented hatchets or light picks to each, and a waist belt in which the tools should be carried.

As a rule, the peasants carried leathern belts over the shoulders, in which a sword, hatchet, or other weapon was slung; but Jean thought the waist belt would be much more convenient for getting rapidly through hedges or thickets, and it had also the advantage that a long knife, constituting in itself a formidable weapon, could also be carried in it.
Patsey presented them each with a hat, of which a supply had been obtained from Saint Florent.