The President asked this strange question, which implied the acceptance of an order,—
"Have you a warrant?"
The Commissary answered,—
"Yes."
And he handed a paper to the President.
The judges turned pale.
The President unfolded the paper; M. Cauchy put his head over M. Hardouin's shoulder. The President read but,—
"You are ordered to dissolve the High Court, and, in case of refusal, to arrest MM. Béranger, Rocher, De Boissieux, Pataille, and Hello."
And, turning towards the judges, the President added,—
"Signed, Maupas."