Now he was to pay the penalty of his guilt.
As the fatal hour approached, a carriage drove down along the quay,
turned into the Place de Greve, and attempted to cross it; but, becoming
immediately entangled in the crowd, could make little or no progress,
despite the utmost exertions of the majestic coachman and attendant
lackeys to induce the people to make way for it, and let it pass.
But for the grand coat of arms and ducal coronet emblazoned on the
panels, which inspired a certain awe as well as respect in the motley
throng of pedestrians, the equipage would undoubtedly have been roughly
dealt with-but as it was, they contented themselves with resolutely and
obstinately barring its passage, after it had reached the middle of the
square. The indignant coachman did not dare to urge his spirited
horses forward at all hazards, ruthlessly trampling down the unlucky
individuals who happened to be directly in his way, as he would
certainly have done in any ordinary crowd, for the canaille, that filled
the Place de Greve to overflowing, was out in too great force to be
trifled with--so there was nothing for it but patience.
"These rascals are waiting for an execution, and will not stir, nor
let us stir, until it is over," said a remarkably handsome young man,
magnificently dressed, to his equally fine looking, though more modestly
attired friend, who was seated beside him in the luxurious carriage.
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