"No, no," said Simon; "it is just some false evidence,—some partisan of the aristocrats. Besides, the woman Tison is most impatient to forward the means of justice."
Meanwhile Lorin took the opportunity to whisper to Maurice.
"Yes," cried the Tribunes; "the deposition of the woman Tison; let her testify!"
"Is the woman Tison in the hall?" demanded the president.
"Without doubt she is here," cried Simon. "Citizen Tison, answer for yourself."
"I am here, President; but if I depose, will they give me back my daughter?" said the female jailer.
"Your daughter has nothing at all to do with the affair with which we are at present engaged," said the president. "Make your deposition first, and then appeal to the Commune to restore your child."
"Do you hear?" said Simon; "the citizen president commands you to make your deposition. Do so at once!"
"A moment," said the president, turning toward Maurice, astonished at the calmness of a man generally so impetuous. "One moment. Citizen Municipal, have you nothing to say first?"