At the préfecture a major exclaimed: “Why have you brought me these rascals (coquins)? Why didn't you shoot them on the spot?”
“Gently,” answered one of the guard; “it is necessary to proceed calmly, or you yourself might get it before the rest.”
The same officer then asked, revolver in hand, for the director.
“I am here,” replied F. Ducoudray, advancing.
“I know that you have arms concealed in your house.”
“No, sir.”
“I have it on certain authority.”
“If there are any, it is without my knowledge.”
“You have an iron will. We are going to see about that, we two; and if we do not find them, you do not get back here.”
Then followed a number of charges against the priests, such as poisoning the sick and wounded in the hospitals and ambulances, perversion of youth, and complicity with the government of Versailles. F. Ducoudray, following the example of his divine Master, made no reply, and, after being loaded with insults, was finally taken secretly and locked up in a cell of the Conciergerie prison. The others were confined in a common hall of the depot prison, intended for vagrant women.