"Reload your guns," said Enjolras.
In what manner would the revetment of the barricade behave against a cannon-ball? Would a breach be formed? That was the question. While the insurgents were reloading their guns the artillerymen loaded the cannon. The anxiety within the redoubt was profound; the shot was fired, and the detonation burst forth.
"Present!" a joyous voice cried.
And at the same time as the cannon-ball struck the barricade, Gavroche bounded inside it. He came from the direction of the Rue du Cygne, and actively clambered over the accessory barricade which fronted the labyrinth of the Little Truanderie. Gavroche produced greater effect at the barricade than the cannon-ball did; for the latter was lost in the heap of rubbish. It had broken a wheel of the omnibus, and finished the old truck, on seeing which the insurgents burst into a laugh.
"Persevere!" cried Bossuet to the gunners.
[CHAPTER VIII.]
THE ARTILLERY SETS TO WORK IN EARNEST.
Gavroche was surrounded, but he had no time to report anything, as Marius, shuddering, drew him on one side.
"What have you come to do here?"