Next morning Monsieur Planterre asked me to defer starting for a couple of hours, as he had to attend a meeting at the Town Hall, where he hoped to propose some measure for the benefit of the poorer inhabitants. He suggested that I should pass the intermediate time in taking a turn through the town, and visiting an ancient tower and hospital founded by Saint Louis, and other objects of interest.
Giving Larry directions to have the horses ready, I set out. Having spent nearly two hours in visiting different parts of the town, I ascended to the top of the ancient tower I have mentioned, from which I obtained a fine view, not only of the picturesque old town, but along the Seine for a considerable distance up and down, and also of the Château de Bizy, with the fine avenue leading to it. I was about to descend, when I saw a vast number of people emerging from the various streets into a broad space called the Place, a short distance below me. From their movements they appeared highly excited, for loud cries and shouts reached my ears. The greater number were armed, either with muskets, pikes, scythes, swords, or other weapons. As I was curious to know what they were about, I hastened down, and made my way along the street leading to the Place. I had no fear of going among the people, for I did not suppose that they would interfere with me. Many of those I passed were of respectable appearance, and as I got into the Place I inquired of one of them what they were about to do.
“They have just tried and condemned to death one of our principal citizens, Monsieur Planterre, who has always proved himself one of their best friends,” was the reply.
“Monsieur Planterre!” I exclaimed. “Where is he?”
My friend was pointed out to me, in the midst of a band of ruffians, who were dragging him forward, shouting, “A la lanterne! à la lanterne!”
Seized with an impulse I could not control, to preserve, if I could, the life of my kind host, I dashed forward through the crowd. The people made way for me, until I reached his side.
“Good people of Vernon, what are you about to do?” I exclaimed. “I hear every one speaking in favour of Monsieur Planterre, and yet you threaten him with instant death.”
My friend, whilst I was speaking, stood pale and trembling; the rope was round his neck, and the ruffians had hold of the end, as if eager to strangle him.
“What has he done to outweigh his kind deeds?” I asked.
No answer was vouchsafed, the mob only shouting the louder, “A la lanterne! à la lanterne!”