"Be quick! Saint-Just is ascending the tribune!" called a voice.
"Very well. We may as well commence with him."
And they one and all made for the doors in an indescribable disorder.
"Now for it," cried Billaud, laying his glass down on the sideboard.
But meanwhile Fouché signed to Vadier, Amar, and Voullaud to remain. They looked at him in surprise. Fouché waited for the noise to subside, then assuring himself that no one could overhear him, he confided his fears to them. It was not everything to drown Robespierre's voice. Even arrested, condemned, and on the death-tumbril, his hands bound, Robespierre would still be dangerous; a sudden rush and riot could deliver him, and crush them all! Then lowering his voice, he continued—
"The young madman of whom Billaud spoke just now...."
"Well?"
"Where is he?"
Amar pointed to a door on the left.
"Let him come in!" said Fouché; "I will speak to him in the name of the Committee."