Provisional Government,"
lighted by a single lamp. Entering the door with a vast multitude, and
ascending the dark and winding staircase, you found yourself in a large
room, dimly lighted and crowded with armed men.

It was the editorial apartment of the office of "La Reforme."

At a large and massive table sat a dozen persons most industriously
employed in writing. Around them, looking on, rose the rough, stern
faces of the men of the barricades, seeming still more rough and stern
by reason of the shadowy light; in the hands of all were weapons.

"A copy of the names of the members of the Provisional Government!" was
the incessant demand of these armed men, a demand which the dozen
writers at the table were unable even by most indefatigable industry to
supply as fast as made. And as fast as the demand was satisfied, the
armed men would hurry away, only to leave room for the crowds constantly
entering.

"A copy for the Hotel de Ville!" cried one.

"A copy for the Place Vendome!" shouted another.

"A copy for the Palais Bourbon!" screamed a third.

"Are there no printed copies left?" asked many.

"They were gone long ago--twenty thousand copies," was the reply. "You
will see one at every corner. The demand was not expected. The printers
have just gone to sleep. They had not rested for fifty-two hours."

"Will 'La Reforme' appear in the morning?" asked another.

"Perhaps so," was the answer. "But all the people are worn out--writers
and compositors. Here is your copy of the names."

"Many thanks. Vive la Republique!"

With this shout, in concert with the same which constantly issued from a
hundred lips, the citizen folded up his precious document, and carefully
depositing it in his cap hurried off to communicate its contents to his
comrades of the neighboring barricade.

In another apartment of that same edifice were a large number of the
Republican party connected with "La Reforme."

"The Provisional Government is now in session," said one. "They will,
doubtless, make immediate provision for departments of State so
important as the post-office and the prefecture of police. Early
to-morrow a proclamation----"

"To-morrow may be too late," interrupted a large and muscular man. "The
post-office is more active than ever to-night. Every moment couriers are
arriving and departing. That powerful instrument remains in the hands of
the foes of our cause! Who may estimate the injury, the irreparable
injury which