THE HAMMER OF THE WAR GOD Nansouty's brilliant cavalrymen were already awake and their general having divined to some extent the part he was to play in the glorious day, the eleventh of February, the trumpets were already calling his horsemen to arms when Marteau delivered the order and took his place by the General as the Emperor's representative, a high position and great responsibility for so young a soldier.

They made a hasty breakfast and broke camp.

Indeed, there was little to break.

The words are only used figuratively, since they had no tents.

In half an hour after Marteau had left the Emperor's headquarters, the squadrons were formed.
Nansouty, attended by his staff and the young officer, galloped to the head of the column, gave the word of command and the gallant horsemen trotted down the road.
They had been posted near Fromentieres, about two miles from Champaubert, for the night.