The mayor, who stood on the balcony, lifted his hat as he cried,—
"Long live the Republic!"
A roll of the drum made it known that the crier had not yet finished. He waved his hand.
"Listen," he said, "to the last four lines of the Government proclamation. They are signed by the chief of the exploring column of the Côtes-du-Nord, Commander Gauvain."
"Listen," cried voices in the crowd.
The crier read,—
"Under penalty of death,—"
All were silent.
"—it is forbidden, in pursuance with the above, to lend aid or succor to the nineteen rebels herein named, who are at present shut up and besieged in the Tourgue."
"What's that?" cried a voice.