The sky was suddenly overclouded, and rain poured down in torrents.
"That will help to empty the square!" observed Robespierre.
The patriots now leant out of the windows trying to call back those who were running to escape the shower.
"Hallo, there! Wait a while! Where are you running to, cowards? Everything is ready for the onset!"
Lebas, who had also approached one of the windows, stood back discouraged.
"They are deserting us by hundreds!" he exclaimed.
The patriots again eagerly pressed Robespierre. There was all the more reason for them to march on the Tuileries at once.
"Decide, for goodness' sake!" said Coffinhal; "enough time has been lost already!"
Robespierre rose from his seat, and answered wearily—
"Very well! let us go! And God grant that the defenders of the Convention be as valiant as ours!" he added in bitter sarcasm.