They sought shelter at the hands
of the Cordeliers; and the shavelings gave them sanctuary in their
convent - those who survived, among whom was their proud leader,
M. de La Tour d'Azyr. You have heard of this valiant Marquis, this
great lord of life and death?"
The pit was in an uproar a moment. It quieted again as Scaramouche
continued:
"Oh, it was a fine spectacle to see this mighty hunter scuttling to
cover like a hare, going to earth in the Cordelier Convent. Rennes
has not seen him since. Rennes would like to see him again. But
if he is valorous, he is also discreet. And where do you think he
has taken refuge, this great nobleman who wanted to see the streets
of Rennes washed in the blood of its citizens, this man who would
have butchered old and young of the contemptible canaille to silence
the voice of reason and of liberty that presumes to ring through
France to-day? Where do you think he hides himself? Why, here in
Nantes."
Again there was uproar.
"What do you say? Impossible? Why, my friends, at this moment he
is here in this theatre - skulking up there in that box.
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