"Within twenty-four hours."
"Well," resumed Marat, "I agree with Robespierre; citizen Cimourdain must be sent as a delegate from the Committee of Public Safety to the commander of the exploring division of the coast army. What is this commander's name, by the way?"
Robespierre, beginning to turn over his papers, replied,—
"He is a ci-devant nobleman."
"It is an excellent plan to set a priest to guard a nobleman," said Danton. "Either one of them, singly and alone, I am inclined to distrust; but when taken together, I have no fear of them: they keep a mutual watch over each other, and go on very well."
The expression of indignation peculiar to Cimourdain's face grew more pronounced; but doubtless aware that the observation was based upon truth, he did not turn towards Danton as he lifted his severe voice.
"If the Republican commander intrusted to my care makes a false step, he will suffer the penalty of death."
Robespierre, with his eyes still resting on his portfolio, said:—
"Here is the name; the commander in charge of whom you will be placed, to conduct yourself in his regard at your own discretion, is a former Viscount called Gauvain."
Cimourdain turned pale.