The Countess De Charny - Volume II by Alexandre Dumas Page A

“has any one any evil designs upon me?”
    “Have no fears, Monsieur Petion,” replied this officer, with a strong German accent. ” The king has ordered me to watch you; but I assure you that if any one kills you, he shall die by my hand an instant afterwards.”
    It was under very similar circumstances that Triboulet said to Francis I., “If it is all the same to you, let it be an instant before, Sire.”
    Petion made no reply, but walked on to the Feuillant Terrace, which was not then enclosed by a grating, but by a wall about eight feet high, with three gates, — one large and two small ones.
    These gates were not only closed and securely locked, but barricaded as well. They were likewise guarded by grenadiers from two battalions noted for their devotion to royalty; so there was nothing to be hoped for from these men. As he walked along, Petion stooped now and then and picked up a pebble, which he tossed over the wall.
    While he was thus promenading to and fro, he was twice notified that the king desired to speak with him.
     
    90 LA COMTESSE DE CHAENY.
    ” Are u’t you going? ” inquired Kœderer.
    *‘No, it’s too liot up there. I haven’t the slightest desire to return to that cabinet. I remember the discomfort I experienced too well; besides, I’ve made an appointment to meet some one here.”
    “An appointment with whom? ” asked Roederer.
    Just then the door of the Assembly building leading into the Feuillant Terrace opened.
    “I think that ‘s the very person I ‘ve been waiting for,” remarked Petion.
    “An order for the attendance of Monsieur Petion,” said a loud voice. “The Assembly summons him to its bar to give an account of the condition of affairs in Paris.”
    “Precisely,” responded Petion. “And here I am ready to reply to the questions of my enemies.”
    The National Guards, fancying they were doing Petion a bad turn, allowed him to pass.
    It was now about three o’clock in the morning. Day was breaking, and, strange to say, the sky was the colour of blood.
     
    billot’s will. 91
     
    CHAPTER XI.
    billot’s will.
    When the king sent for him, Petion shrewdly suspected that he might have some difficulty in getting away from the palace ; so, stepping up to a man who had an ugly scar across his forehead, he said: —
    “What news have you brought me from the Assembly, Billot?”
    “That there will be an all-night session.”
    ” Very well. And did you not tell me that some National Guards and several cannon had been placed on the Pont Neuf by Mandat’s orders, as well as a large body of troops at the entrance of the Rue Saint-Antoine? “
    “Yes, monsieur.”
    “Well, now listen to me, Monsieur Billot.”
    “I am listening.”
    ” Very well ; here is an order for Manuel and Danton to make these troops return to their homes, and also to remove the artillery from the Pont Neuf. Cost what it may, this order must be carried out. Do you understand? “
    “I will carry it to Monsieur Danton myself.”
    “Very good. You live in the Rue Saint-Honoré, do you not? “
    “Yes, monsieur.”
    “Then, after delivering the order to Danton, go to your lodgings and get a little sleep. After a couple of hours, though, be sure you get up and take a little walk along-side the wall of the Feuillant Terrace. If you sec or hear any pebbles thrown over this wall from some one on the terrace, you may know that I am either kept there against my will, or that my life is in danger.”
     
    92 LA COMTESSE DE CHARNY.
    ” I understand. “
    “In that case, hasten to the Assembly and bid your colleagues send for me without loss of time. You understand, Billot, I intrust my life to your hands.”
    “And I will be accountable for it. Have no fears.”
    So Petion left, depending on Billot’s well-known patriotism. Billot had promised all the more confidently because he knew that Pitou had just arrived. He despatched that youth to Danton immediately with the order, telling him not to come back