d'etat_ was still a crime. M. de Royer, not knowing whether the
high treason would succeed, ventured to stigmatize the deed as such in
private, and cast down his eyes with a noble shame before this violation
of the laws which, three months later, numerous purple robes, including
his own, endorsed with their oaths. But his indignation did not go to
the extent of supporting the indictment. An indictment speaks aloud. M.
de Royer as yet only murmured. He was perplexed.

M. Hardouin understood this state of conscience. Persistence would have
been unreasonable. He withdrew.

He returned to the room where his colleagues were awaiting him.

In the meantime the Commissary of the Arsenal Police had come back.

He had ended by succeeding in "unearthing"--such was his expression--the
High Court. He penetrated as far as the Council Chamber of the Civil
Chamber; at that moment he had still no other escort than the few police
agents of the morning. A boy was passing by. The Commissary asked him
the whereabouts of the High Court. "The High Court?" answered the boy;
"what is that?" Nevertheless the boy told the Librarian, who came up. A
few words were exchanged between M. Denevers and the Commissary.

"What are you asking for?"

"The High Court."

"Who are you?"

"I want the high Court."

"It is in session."

"Where is it sitting?"

"Here."

And the Librarian pointed to the door.

"Very well," said the Commissary.

He did not add another word, and returned into the Merciere Gallery.

We have just said that he was only accompanied at that time by a few
police agents.

The High Court was, in truth, in session. The President was relating to
the judges his visit to the Procureur General. Suddenly a tumultuous
sound of footsteps is heard in the lobby which leads from the Council
Chamber to the room where they were deliberating. The door opens
abruptly. Bayonets appear, and in the midst of the bayonets a man in a
buttoned-up overcoat, with a tricolored sash upon his coat.

The magistrates stare, stupefied.

"Gentlemen," said the man, "dissolve your meeting immediately."

President Hardouin rises.

"What does this mean? Who are you? Are you aware to whom you are
speaking?"

"I am aware. You are the High Court, and I am the Commissary of the
Police."

"Well, then?"

"Be off."

There were there thirty-five municipal guards, commanded by a lieutenant,
and with a drum at their head.

"But----" said the Presiden