At the same moment there was a knock at the wicket, but the gendarmes, preoccupied, did not reply.
"Well, we shall watch, we shall watch!" said Gilbert.
"And if necessary, will die at our post like staunch Republicans," added Duchesne.
"She must soon be done," said the turnkey to himself, wiping the drops of perspiration from his face.
"And you on your side," said Gilbert, "keep on the lookout, I presume? They would spare you no more than us, were such an event as you have been talking of to take place."
"I should think so," said the turnkey. "I pass the night in going the round; thus I am always on the alert. The rest of you at least relieve each other, and can sleep every other night."
At this moment a second summons at the wicket was heard. Mardoche started; any event, however trifling, might mar the execution of his project.
"What is it, then?" demanded he, in spite of himself.
"Nothing, nothing!" said Gilbert; "it is only the registrar of the Minister of War. He is going now, and comes to inform me of it."