The fact that he had fought at Chollet, and was their seigneur's brother-in-law, had established a position for him in the eyes of peasants of his own age; and as he went from house to house, talking with them, he succeeded in getting some twenty boys to agree to follow him.

He had been nominated an officer by the three generals, who had picked out, without reference to rank or age, those who they thought would, either from position, energy, or determination, fill the posts well.

Thus one company was commanded by a noble, the next by a peasant; and each would, on the day of battle, fight equally well.
Leigh's arguments were such as were suited to the lads he addressed.
"You see, if you go with the bands of men, you will be lost in the crowd.

The men will rush forward in front, you will all be in the rear.

You want to serve your country.