pitated the bloody remains into
the river. Now who does not shudder at the thought that, in a time of
popular commotion, a word, a single word, spoken imprudently, even by
an honest man, and without hatred, will suffice to provoke so horrible a
murder.

"Perhaps it is a poisoner!" said one of the drinkers in the tavern of
the Rue de la Calandre--nothing more--and Goliath had been pitilessly
murdered.

What imperious reasons for penetrating the lowest depths of the masses
with instruction and with light--to enable unfortunate creatures
to defend themselves from so many stupid prejudices, so many fatal
superstitions, so much implacable fanaticism!--How can we ask for
calmness, reflection, self-control, or the sentiment of justice from
abandoned beings, whom ignorance has brutalized, and misery depraved,
and suffering made ferocious, and of whom society takes no thought,
except when it chains them to the galleys, or binds them ready for the
executioner! The terrible cry which had so startled Morok was uttered
by Father d'Aigrigny as the quarryman laid his formidable hand upon him,
saying to Ciboule: "Make an end of that one--I will begin this one!"

(40) This fact is historical. A man was murdered because a phial full
of ammonia was found upon him. On his refusal to drink it, the populace,
persuaded that the bottle contained poison, tore him to pieces.

CHAPTER XXIV. IN THE CATHEDRAL.

Night was almost come, as the mutilated body of Goliath was thrown into
the river. The oscillations of the mob had carried into the street,
which runs along the left side of the cathedral, the group into whose
power Father d'Aigrigny had fallen. Having succeeded in freeing himself
from the grasp of the quarryman, but still closely pressed by the
multitude that surrounded him, crying, "Death to the poisoner!" he
retreated step by step, trying to parry the blows that were dealt him.
By presence of mind, address, and courage, recovering at that critical
moment his old military energy, he had hitherto been able to resist and
to remain firm on his feet--knowing, by the example of Goliath, that
to fall was to die. Though he had little hope of being heard to any
purpose, the abbe continued to call for help with all his might.
Disputing the ground inch by inch, he manoeuvred so as to draw near
one of the lateral walls of the church, and at length succeeded in
ensconcing himself in a corner formed by the projection of a buttress,
and clos