“Voyons! enlevez-moi ca,” he commanded in stentorian tones, pointing to the proclamation.
The fellows of the municipal guard fell to and tore the parchment away from the door whilst the crowd looked on with stupid amazement.
What did it all mean?
Then Auguste Moleux turned and faced the men.
“Mes enfants,” he said, “my little cabbages! wake up! the government of the Republic has decreed that to-day is to be a day of gaiety and public rejoicings!”
“Gaiety?... Public rejoicings forsooth, when the bread-winner of every family...”
“Hush! Hush! Be silent, all of you,” quoth Auguste impatiently, “you do not understand!... All that is at an end... There is no fear that the woman shall escape.... You are all to dance and rejoice.... The Scarlet Pimpernel has been captured in Boulogne, last night...”
“Qui ca the Scarlet Pimpernel?”
“Mais! 'tis that mysterious English adventurer who rescued people from the guillotine!”
“A hero? quoi?”