Consequently the headsman of Paris had his orders to erect a gibbet on the pillory stand.
The view of this work and the certainty that the prisoner could not escape them, pacified the multitude.
This was the matter which the Assembly was busied with. It saw that everything tended to a massacre—a means of spreading terror and perpetuating the Commune. The end was that they voted that the Commune had acted to merit the gratitude of the country, and Robespierre, after praising it, asserted that the House had lost the public confidence, and that the only way for the people to save themselves was to retake their powers.
So the masses were to be without check, but with a heart full of vengeance, and charged to continue the August massacre of those who had fought for the palace on the tenth, by following them into the prisons.
It was the first of September, and a storm seemed to oppress everybody with its suspended lightning.
[CHAPTER XXII.]
SET UPON DYING.
Thus stood matters, when Dr. Gilbert's "officiator"—the word servant was abolished as non-republican—announced at nine in the evening that his carriage was at the door.
He donned his hat, buttoned up his outer coat, and was going out, when he saw the door-way blocked by a man in a cloak and a slouch hat. Gilbert recoiled a step, for all was hostile that came in the dark at such a period.
"It is I, Gilbert," said a kindly voice.