This demand met with a positive refusal.
At last, he would be satisfied were he allowed to depart with life alone.
Two of the conquerors of the Bastille—Hullin and Elie—promised this in the name of all.
He begged them to conduct him to the Hotel de Ville, where he had some shadow of authority.
In the meantime, whilst the people were dashing themselves against the granite and the oak, and demolishing the two stone slaves that supported the clock, and breaking open the dungeons, with the intention of liberating the prisoners confined therein, Hullin and Elie took away De Launay, hiding him as much as possible by placing themselves in front of him.
But when he arrived at the gates, the Governor was recognised. He had no hat; Hullin, fearless of consequences, gave him his own.
Turning into the Rue St. Antoine, one who had taken part in the combat, recognised the prisoner.
Farther on, came some who had not yet been engaged in the siege, and who, as a matter of course, were more bloodthirsty now that the danger was over. They wished to massacre the prisoners. De Launay remained alive through the protection of Hullin and Elie.
Elie, less powerful than Hullin, was carried away by the crowd, amongst whom he was lost sight of.