ood; besides, we should do more harm than good to the cause, for
the people would consider he had died a martyr to his championship
of their rights, and would be more furious than ever against the
aristocracy."

"But his account of what he has gone through will have just the
same effect, Henri."

"I should think it probable he would keep the story to himself.
What has happened once may happen again; and besides, his cowardice
in signing the release of three enemies of the people in order to
save his life would tell against him. No, I think he would keep
silence. After we have got them safe away we can return and so
far loosen his bonds that he would be able, after a time, to free
himself. Five minutes' start would be all that we should want."

But the plan was not destined to be carried out. It was the morning of
the 2d of September, 1792, and as they went down into the quarter
where the magazines of old clothes were situated, in order to
purchase the necessary disguises, they soon became sensible that
something unusual was in the air. Separating, they joined the groups
of men at the corners of the streets and tried to learn what was
going on, but none seemed to know for certain. All sorts of sinister
rumours were about. Word had been passed that the Jacobin bands
were to be in readiness that evening. Money had been distributed.
The Marseillais had dropped hints that a blow was to be struck at
the tyrants. Everywhere there was a suppressed excitement among
the working-classes; an air of gloom and terror among the bourgeois.

After some time Harry and Victor came together again and compared
their observations. Neither had learned anything definite, but both
were sure that something unusual was about to take place.

"It may be that a large number of fresh arrests are about to be
made," Harry said. "There are still many deputies who withstand
the violence of the Mountain. It may be that a blow is going to be
struck against them."

"We must hope that that is it," Victor said, "but I am terribly
uneasy."

Harry had the same feeling, but he did his best to reassure his
friend, and proposed that they should at once set about buying
the disguises, and that on the following morning they should carry
into effect their plan with reference to Marat. The dresses were
bought. Two suits, such as a respectable mechanic would wear on
Sundays or holidays, were first purchased. There was then a debate
as to the disguise for t