A hundred voices responded to the cry; a crowd rushed to where we were; and in a moment, the five or six gentlemen were completely in our power.
Each had seized the arms that came nearest to hand—one a pike, another a musket; thus showing by their alacrity, their wish to be of service to their commander. They were informed of the origin of the dispute, and wished nothing better than to fan up the embers of the old quarrel between the nobles and the people.
The young gentlemen saw that it was useless to attempt resistance.
“Murder us!” cried the Viscount; “even as your friends at Paris have murdered De Launay, Foulon, and Berthier.”
“Our friends, as you call them, in Paris, disgraced themselves by laying hands on men who were scarcely good enough to die by the hands of the common executioner. But what would you have? The people have cried for justice, and it has been denied them. Is it, then, wonderful that they should take the law in their own hands when the opportunity presented? But as for you, gentlemen, as you are not gaolers, like De Launay, or extortioners, like Foulon and Berthier, you have not merited death, but simply a little lesson, which I shall have great pleasure in giving you.”
“Give a lesson to us?” cried the young men, mad with rage.
“Yes; but it shall not be harsh or spiteful. This is a day of brotherly fraternity. Are you our brothers? Will you share in our fête? Forget the hard words that have passed between us; or, if you cannot, put them down to the account of that goddess who is aptly called Discord. The tables await you. Sit down among us, and we will give you the place of honor; and the first one who forgets to pay the respect which is due to you, shall be chased from the midst of us, as one unworthy of participating in our reunion. Do you agree with me?” cried Drouet to all who were around.
“Yes! yes!” replied all, with one voice, with the exception of the young nobles, who still continued silent.
“What if we refuse?” at last said one of them.
“If you refuse,” said Drouet, “go to the ‘Bras d’Or,’ or the ‘Grand Monarque;’ eat and drink as you like—you are free; but disturb not our enjoyment. Am I not right, my friends?” continued Drouet, for the second time addressing the crowd.