"Not yet, sir; I have something yet to say to you," responded the king, raising his voice. "Pray step into this closet."
This implied to those in the inner room that Petion was intrusted to them, and was not to be allowed to go.
Those in the room understood perfectly, and surrounded Petion, who felt that he was a prisoner. He was the thirtieth in a room where there was not elbow-room for four.
"Why, gentlemen, we are smothering here," he said; "I propose a change of air."
It was a sentiment all agreed with, and they followed him out of the first door he opened, and down into the walled-in garden, where he was as much confined as in the closet. To kill time, he picked up a pebble or two and tossed them over the walls.
While he was playing thus, and chatting with Roederer, attorney of the province, the message came twice that the king wanted to see him.
"No," replied Petion; "it is too hot quarters up there. I remember the closet, and I have no eagerness to be in it again. Besides, I have an appointment with somebody on the Feuillants' Quay."
He went on playing at clearing the wall with stones.
"With whom have you an appointment?" asked Roederer.