half past
two
They knew that at any moment the storm might break , and some awaited the attack with hope that the time of their release from the tyranny under which they had , for months , groaned , had come ; while others trembled at the thought of the vengeance that , if the town were taken , would fall upon those who had been concerned in what had passed . Martin and Desailles presently joined Leigh . As the time went on they began to fear that , for some reason or other , the Vendeans had determined to delay their attack until the next day . At half past two Charette 's cannonade redoubled in vigour , and the rattle of musketry showed that his troops were advancing . The batteries of the defenders opened with equal violence , and their musketry answered that of the assailants on the opposite bank . `` I think that that must be the signal for Cathelineau to begin , '' Martin said . And , ten minutes later , the attack commenced with fury upon the gates of Vannes , Rennes , and that by the river .