“The session is open!” pronounced the Duc de Sairmeuse, the president.
Then, in a rough voice, he added:
“Bring in the culprits.”
He had not even the grace to say “the accused.”
They came in, one by one, to the number of twenty, and took their places on the benches at the foot of the platform.
Chanlouineau held his head proudly erect, and looked composedly about him.
Baron d’Escorval was calm and grave; but not more so than when, in days gone by, he had been called upon to express his opinion in the councils of the Empire.
Both saw Maurice, who was so overcome that he had to lean upon the abbe for support. But while the baron greeted his son with a simple bend of the head, Chanlouineau made a gesture that clearly signified:
“Have confidence in me—fear nothing.”
The attitude of the other prisoners betrayed surprise rather than fear. Perhaps they were unconscious of the peril they had braved, and the extent of the danger that now threatened them.