They knew now the orders which had been forwarded by signals from the citadel. These orders had been printed and affixed to the walls. The signals had said:
“Montaignac must be regarded as in a state of siege. The military authorities have been granted discretionary power. A military commission will exercise jurisdiction instead of, and in place of, the courts. Let peaceable citizens take courage; let the evil-disposed tremble! As for the rabble, the sword of the law is about to strike!”
Only six lines in all—but each word was a menace.
That which filled the abbe’s heart with dismay was the substitution of a military commission for a court-martial.
This upset all his plans, made all his precautions useless, and destroyed his hopes of saving his friend.
A court-martial was, of course, hasty and often unjust in its decisions; but still, it observed some of the forms of procedure practised in judicial tribunals. It still preserved something of the solemnity of legal justice, which desires to be enlightened before it condemns.
A military commission would infallibly neglect all legal forms; and summarily condemn and punish the accused parties, as in time of war a spy is tried and punished.
“What!” exclaimed Maurice, “they dare to condemn without investigating, without listening to testimony, without allowing the accused time to prepare any defence?”
The abbe was silent. This exceeded his most sinister apprehensions. Now, he believed anything possible.
Maurice spoke of an investigation. It had commenced that day, and it was still going on by the light of the jailer’s lantern.