When within two miles of the town, he placed two boys on each of these roads.

They were not to show themselves, but were to lie behind the hedges and, if they saw any body of troops coming along, were at once to bring news to him, his own point being on the principal road.
Andre and Pierre were to leave their arms and belts behind them, to make a long detour, and to enter the town from the other side.

They were to saunter about the place, listen to what was being said, and gather as much news as possible.

Each was provided with two francs and, if questioned, they were to say that they had come in, from some village near, to buy an axe.
"I should have gone in myself, Andre; but although I can get on fairly enough in your patois, I cannot speak it well enough to pass as a native.

However, you are not likely to be questioned.