THE PEOPLE. Tear down our barricade?
GONCHON. Who said anything about tearing it down? Are we masons? We have something better to do. Make way now!
THE MASON [in a menacing tone]. We'll go, but you understand?
GONCHON [with aplomb], I said no one would touch it. No back-talk, now! [The workers disperse. DESMOULINS lags behind.] Didn't you hear, you?
DESMOULINS. Don't you allow any privileges to your friends, Gonchon?
GONCHON. Oh, it's you, you damned spouter! Arrest that fellow!
ROBESPIERRE [entering]. Sacrilege! Who dares lift a hand against the founder of Liberty?
DESMOULINS. Ah, Robespierre! Thanks.
GONCHON [releasing DESMOULINS—aside], A Deputy! The devil! [Aloud.] Very well. You see, it is my duty to keep order, and I will keep it in spite of everything.
ROBESPIERRE. Come with me, Camille. Our friends are meeting in this house tonight. [He points to the house down-stagey left.]