Your boys can say, in one village, that we are marching towards Tours; in another, that we are massed in the neighbourhood of Saint Florent; in a third that they hear that the order is, that all able-bodied men are to go west to oppose the force coming from Nantes, which has already taken Clisson, and carried Monsieur de Lescure and his family, prisoners, to Bressuire." "We shall have to tell the villagers, sir, that we wish this news to be given to the Blues, if they should come there or, if questioned, they would tell them something else.

I am sure that even the women would suffer themselves to be killed, rather than give any news that they thought would be useful to the enemy." "You are right.

Yes, you must tell them that this is what we want the Blues to believe, and that it is my wish that these are the answers to be given to any of them who may enter the village." "The only thing, sir, is that they may find the villages empty, as they come along.

The women and children will, no doubt, take to the woods.

The men will, perhaps, offer some resistance; but when they find how strong the Blues are, will probably hurry to join you." "There will probably be a few old people remaining in each village.
However, we must trust much to chance.