at hand-gallops, Alarms, thousand-voiced Rumours, go vibrating
continually; backwards and forwards,--scattering distraction. Not till
the last week of August does M. de Malseigne, selected as Inspector, get
down to the scene of mutiny; with Authority, with cash, and 'Decree of
the Sixth of August.' He now shall see these Arrears liquidated, justice
done, or at least tumult quashed.

Chapter 2.2.V.

Inspector Malseigne.

Of Inspector Malseigne we discern, by direct light, that he is 'of
Herculean stature;' and infer, with probability, that he is of truculent
moustachioed aspect,--for Royalist Officers now leave the upper lip
unshaven; that he is of indomitable bull-heart; and also, unfortunately,
of thick bull-head.

On Tuesday the 24th of August, 1790, he opens session as Inspecting
Commissioner; meets those 'elected corporals, and soldiers that can
write.' He finds the accounts of Chateau-Vieux to be complex; to require
delay and reference: he takes to haranguing, to reprimanding; ends amid
audible grumbling. Next morning, he resumes session, not at the Townhall
as prudent Municipals counselled, but once more at the barracks.
Unfortunately Chateau-Vieux, grumbling all night, will now hear of
no delay or reference; from reprimanding on his part, it goes to
bullying,--answered with continual cries of "Jugez tout de suite, Judge
it at once;" whereupon M. de Malseigne will off in a huff. But lo,
Chateau Vieux, swarming all about the barrack-court, has sentries at
every gate; M. de Malseigne, demanding egress, cannot get it, though
Commandant Denoue backs him; can get only "Jugez tout de suite." Here is
a nodus!

Bull-hearted M. de Malseigne draws his sword; and will force egress.
Confused splutter. M. de Malseigne's sword breaks; he snatches
Commandant Denoue's: the sentry is wounded. M. de Malseigne, whom one
is loath to kill, does force egress,--followed by Chateau-Vieux all in
disarray; a spectacle to Nanci. M. de Malseigne walks at a sharp pace,
yet never runs; wheeling from time to time, with menaces and
movements of fence; and so reaches Denoue's house, unhurt; which house
Chateau-Vieux, in an agitated manner, invests,--hindered as yet
from entering, by a crowd of officers formed on the staircase. M.
de Malseigne retreats by back ways to the Townhall, flustered though
undaunted; amid an escort of National Guards. From the Townhall he,
on the morrow, emits fresh orders, fresh plans of settlement with
Chatea