The town has to be put in a state of defense against 15,000 bandits who are approaching, and from the walls a cloud of dust on the road is discovered with terror.

It proves to be the post-wagon on its way to Bordeaux.

After this the number of brigands is reduced to 1,500, but there is no doubt that they are ravaging the country.

At nine o'clock in the evening 20,000 men are under arms, and thus they pass the night, always listening without hearing anything.
Towards three o'clock in the morning there is another alarm, the church bells ringing and the people forming a battle array.

They are convinced that the brigands have burned Ruffec, Vernenil, La Rochefoucauld, and other places.