"I am not the man," said Montaut. "They pay no attention to me; I am a marquis."
"Neither will they listen to me; I am a Capuchin," said Chabot.
"Nor to me, for I am Marat"
A silence ensued.
Marat, absorbed in his own thoughts, was not accessible to questions; still, Montaut ventured upon one.
"What decree would you like the Assembly to pass, Marat?"
"A decree inflicting the penalty of death on any military chief who allows a rebel prisoner to escape."
Chabot interposed.
"There is such a decree already; it was made a law at the end of April."
"That amounts to nothing whatever," said Marat. "Everywhere throughout the Vendée prisoners are helped to escape, and any man may shelter them with impunity."