The man with the placard was a public crier.
He wore a shoulder-belt from which hung a small wallet, in token that he was going from village to village proclaiming certain news throughout the district.
Just as Michelle Fléchard arrived, he had unfolded the placard and was beginning to read in a loud voice,—
"THE FRENCH REPUBLIC ONE AND INDIVISIBLE."
The drum beat. There was a stir in the crowd. A few took off their caps, others jammed their hats more firmly on their heads; in those times one could almost recognize a man's political views, throughout that district, by the fashion of his head-gear; hats were worn by Royalists, caps by Republicans. The confused murmur of voices ceased, and all listened as the crier proceeded to read:—
"By virtue of the orders given to as, and of the authority vested in us by the Committee of Public Safety,—"
Again the drum beat, and again the crier continued:—
"—and in execution of the decree of the National Convention, that outlaws all rebels taken with arms in their hands, and declares that capital punishment shall be inflicted on any man who harbors them or aids and abets in their escape,—"
One peasant whispered to his neighbor,—