Some heard this and replied by similar language, the whole place being in immense uproar.
Choiseul, in despair, was only wishful to get killed.
"Hussars," he shouted, "in the name of honor, save the King!"
But at the head of twenty men, well armed, a fresh actor came on the stage. It was Drouet, come from the council which he had constrained to stay the King from going.
"Ha," he cried, stepping up to the count, "you want to take away the King, do ye? I tell you it will not be unless dead."
Choiseul started towards him with his sword up.
"Stand, or I will have you shot," interrupted the National Guards commander.
Just then a man leaped out of the crowd, who could not stop him. It was Isidore Charny who was watching for Drouet.
"Back, back," he yelled to the bystanders, crushing them away from before the breast of his horse, "this wretch belongs to me."