I could collect wood and pile it, ready for a fire, without any risk whatever.

I can point out the exact direction of the tower from the top of the hill, so that the watchers would know where to keep their attention fixed." "Well, you had better go up with us at once, then, so that I shall be able to instruct the men who will keep watch.

We will build a hut up there for them, and keep three men on guard; so that they will watch four hours apiece, day and night." The distance was too great to make out the tower; but as the soldier knew its exact position, he drove two stakes into the ground, three feet apart.
"Now," he said, "a man, looking along the line of the tops of these stakes, will be looking as near as may be at the tower." The tenants were all visited, and were warned to keep a member of their family always on the watch for fire, or smoke, from the little hut at the top of the hill.

As soon as the signal was seen, night or day, they were to make their way to the chateau, driving their horses and most valuable stock before them, and taking such goods as they could remove.
"You had better let two horses remain with their harness on, night and day; and have a cart in readiness, close to your house.

Then, when the signal is given, the women will only have to bundle their goods and children into the cart; while the men get their arms, and prepare to drive in their cattle.
"The Catholics will show no mercy to any of the faith they may find; while as to the chateau, it can make a stout resistance, and you may be sure that it will not be long before help arrives, from Niort or La Rochelle." Arrangements were also made, with the Huguenot gentry in the neighbourhood, that they should keep a lookout for the signal; and on observing it light other beacons, so that the news could be spread rapidly over that part of the country.