“But they only reached Nantes to-day,” said Laqueze, who understood nothing of these extraordinary proceedings. “They have not yet been registered, not even examined.”
“I asked you what you have done with them?” snapped Goullin.
“They are upstairs.”
“Then fetch them. They are as good as any others.”
With these, and a dozen or so dragged from sick-beds, the total was made up to about a hundred and thirty.
The Marats, further reinforced now by half a company of National Guards, set out from the prison towards five o'clock in the morning; urging their victims along with blows and curses.
Our cocassier found himself bound wrist to wrist with a young Capuchin brother, who stumbled along in patient resignation, his head bowed, his lips moving as if he were in prayer.
“Can you guess what they are going to do with us?” murmured Leroy.
He caught the faint gleam of the Capuchin's eyes in the gloom.
“I do not know, brother. Commend yourself to God, and so be prepared for whatever may befall.”