The sticks rattled; and when they were torn from her, she used tooth and claw, to the joy of a crowd appreciative of personal prowess. At last she was carried away, screaming, and exhausted as to all but her tongue.
The commissioner with the wart readjusted his garments and his dignity. The crowd cried: "Vive Grégoire!" and the hungry Jacobin went his way, furious, in search of dietetic consolation.
"The show is over, Toto," said François, as he sat down.
Presently came the cobbler, curious, and much relieved.
"Ask no questions," said François. "Here is a little money."
"But, citizen, it is a gold louis."
"The show was worth the price of admission. Thou art welcome. Hold thy tongue, if thou art wise. At dusk I shall slip out. Thou art safe. The Crab will denounce no more of her neighbors."
"Two she hath sent to the knife," said the cobbler.
"Dieu! how the tricoteuses will grin!"
XXIII