I have no doubt that they know our number accurately enough, and if they divide, as I hope they will, we shall be able to give them a lesson." This was evidently the intention of the Catholics.

After a short pause an officer trotted off with half the troop, making a circuit to come down behind the wood and cut off all retreat.

As they moved off, the Huguenots could count that there were twenty-five men in each section.
"The odds are only great enough to be agreeable," D'Arblay laughed.
"It is not as it was outside Paris, where they were ten to one against us.

Counting our servants we muster twenty-two, while that party in front are only four stronger; for that gentleman with the long robe is probably an official of their parliament, or a city councillor, and need not be counted.

We will wait a couple of minutes longer, until the other party is fairly out of sight; and then we will begin the dance." A minute or two later he gave the word, and the little troop moved through the trees until nearly at the edge of the wood.
"Now, gentlemen, forward," D'Arblay said, "and God aid the right!" As in a compact body, headed by the three gentlemen, they burst suddenly from the wood, there was a shout of dismay; and then loud orders from the officer of the troop, halted a hundred and fifty yards away.