M. Thiers thereupon fancied he had found a supporter, advanced to Thomas and laid a hand on his shoulder.
"Here we have a first-rate colonel," he said.
"Oh! indeed!" replied Thomas, gently shaking his shoulder; "so you are by way of mistaking me for a turncoat?"
M. Thiers withdrew his hand.
"Proceed," said Thomas; "we will listen to you."
M. Thiers then explained the object of the interview.
The Duc d'Orléans wished to further his future political influence, by taking counsel with these brave young fellows whose heroic insurrection had brought about the Revolution of July. According to the statement made by M. Thiers, he should expect them between eight and nine that night at the Palais-Royal. The Republicans shook their heads. To place foot inside the Palais-Royal seemed to them equivalent to entering into compact with the new powers, which was contrary both to their conscience and to their inclinations. But Thomas again came to the aid of the negotiator.
"Look here," he said, rising, "let us prove to them we are all right."
And, laying his gun in the chimney-corner, he said—