He saw clearly that the enterprise was sublime though insane.
That was easy to understand by the awed expression of those to whom he had first broached the project of taking the Bastile.
But he was only the more fortified in his resolve. But he understood that he had to answer to these mothers and fathers, girls and children, for the lives of those whom he was leading, and that he was bound to take all the precautions possible.
He commenced by collecting his followers at the City Hall.
He appointed lieutenants to control the flock—of wolves.
"Let me see," said Billet to himself; "there is more than one power in France. There are two—the head of the chief city, for one, and may be another yet."
He entered the City Hall, asking for the Chief civic magistrate. It was the Traders' Provost Flesselles.
"My lord de Flesselles," he repeated; "a noble and no friend of the people?"
"Oh, no, he is a sensible man."
Billet went up the stairs into the ante-chamber where he met an usher, who came up to him to see what he wanted.