They did not yet quite grasp his meaning, but Voullaud went all the same and opened the door.
"Hush!" said Fouché, "here is the young man!"
Olivier entered, followed by a gendarme, who, on seeing Fouché and the other members, stopped on the threshold. Olivier looked at them indifferently, expecting to be again cross-examined about the Englishman. Fouché had taken his hat and put it on, as if going out.
"Young man, you were the first to charge the despot, whom we are about to fight, with his crimes! This is sufficient to recommend you to the indulgence of the Committee."
As Olivier advanced in astonishment, he continued—
"You may go if you like!"
Fouché turned to the gendarme—
"The citoyen is free!"
The gendarme retired.
Vadier now understood Fouché's idea. Taking up his hat also, he remarked—