However, the carriage passed that, and
dashed on, throwing down and crushing people right and left; so that
Madame Darpent was first in terror for her son, and then would fain
have rushed out to help the limping, crying sufferers.
They heard another horrible outcry, but could see no more, except the
fluctuating heads of the throng below them, and loud yells, howls,
and maledictions came to their ears. By and by, however, Clement
returned, having lost his hat in the crowd; with blood on his collar,
and with one of his lace cuffs torn, though he said he was not hurt.
'They have him!' he said bitterly; 'the tyranny has succeeded!'
'Oh, hush, my son! Take care!' cried his mother.
'M. le Baron and I understand one another, Madame,' he said, smiling.
He went on to tell that the carriage had been overturned on the Quai
des Orfevres, just opposite the hotel of the First President.
Comminges sprang out, sword in hand, drove back the crowd, who would
have helped out Broussel, and shouted for the soldiers, some of whom
kept back those who would have succoured the prisoner with their
drawn swords. Clement himself had been slightly touched, but was
forced back in the scuffle; while the good old man called out to him
not to let any one be hurt on his behalf.
Other soldiers were meantime seizing a passing carriage, and taking
out a poor lady who occupied it. Before it could be brought near,
the raging crowd had brought axes and hacked it to pieces.
Pages:
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185