The soldiers mostly stretched themselves on the sward and slept.

A few of the gentlemen did the same, but most of them sat chatting in groups, discussing the enterprise upon which they were engaged.
Francois and Philip went among their men with Captain Montpace, inspected the horses, examined their shoes, saw that fresh nails were put in where required, chatting with the men as they did so.
"I felt sure we should not be long before we were engaged on some stirring business," the Captain said.

"The Count de la Noue is not one to let the grass grow under his feet.

I saw much of him in the last campaign; and the count, your father, had a very high opinion of his military abilities.

At first he was looked upon somewhat doubtfully in our camp, seeing that he did not keep a long face, but was ready with a jest and a laugh with high and low, and that he did not affect the soberness of costume favoured by our party; but that soon passed off, when it was seen how zealous he was in the cause, how ready to share in any dangerous business; while he set an example to all, by the cheerfulness with which he bore fatigue and hardship.