"But it is not too late.

I will ride back with my party, and see all our friends well on their way from the villages.

I left four men at each, to keep the Catholics from interfering.
"If you will go back the way you came, we will meet again on the main road, on the other side of the town.

I don't think there is any fear of their making a sortie.

Our strength is sure to be greatly exaggerated; and the fugitives, pouring in from each side of the town with their tales, will spread a report that Conde himself, with a whole host of horsemen, is around them." Philip found all going on well, as he returned through the villages, the scare being so great that none thought of disobeying the orders; and in a couple of hours he rejoined Francois, having seen the whole of the Huguenot population of the villages well on their way.
"Now, Philip, we will go and summon the town.