Page:The Rebellion in the Cevennes (Volume 1).djvu/252

Rh could not avoid laughing aloud, and the younger lads joined him. "Yes," cried young François, "we will peel them like red and yellow apples, only serve us up a dish of them soon."

"Shake them bravely out of their uniforms, the season for nut shaking is near."

"I will shake them out," cried François "so that they shall fall rattling at my feet and each one shall shew himself so hollow and worm-eaten, that I would not seek for his kernel!"—The mother rose from the ground and embraced her young son, who had just entered into manhood. "I, and several of us," said another lad, "have already served many a time under you, Roland; but then we returned afterwards to our village."

"This is the best method to carry on the war," replied Roland, "for we thus sometimes save provisions, and our troops remain fresh and ready for battle. I know you well Adam, and also that little shoemaker Anton yonder."

Anton came forward; "Yes, dear