"Nothing can be done in opposition to the supreme authority of the delegated commissioners, especially those of the Committee of Public Safety. Although Génissieux said in the session of May 6th, 'Each commissioner is more than a king,' it had no effect. Life and death are in their hands. Massade at Angers, Trullard at Saint-Amand, Nyon with General Marcé, Parrein in the army of the 'Sables,' Millier in the army of Niort, are all-powerful. The Jacobin Club has gone so far as to appoint Parrein brigadier-general. Circumstances excuse everything. A delegate of the Committee of Public Safety may hold in check a commander-in-chief." Marat ceased crumpling the paper, put it in his pocket, and walked slowly towards Montaut and Chabot, who had continued their conversation and had not seen him enter. Chabot was just saying,-- "Maribon, or Montaut, listen to this: I have just left the Committee of Public Safety." "And what are they doing there?" "They are setting a priest to watch a noble." "Ah!" "A noble like yourself--" "I am not a noble," said Montaut. "To be watched by a priest--" "Like you." "I am not a priest," said Chabot. And both men began to laugh. "Please give us a more definite account." "Well, here is the tale: a priest, Cimourdain by name, has been delegated with full powers to a Viscount Gauvain, who is in command of the exploring division of the army of the coast. Now, the difficulty is, to prevent the nobleman from cheating and the priest from betraying." "There will be no trouble about that. You have only to make death the third party." "That is what I came for," said Marat They looked up. "Good-day, Marat," said Chabot; "we seldom see you at our sessions." "My doctor has ordered baths," replied Marat. "Ah, you had better beware of baths," continued Chabot. "Seneca died in a bath." Marat smiled. "There is no Nero here, Chabot." "I should say there was, since you are here," said a gruff voice. It was Danton, who was passing on his way towards his seat. Marat did not turn round. He thrust his head in between the faces of Montaut and Chabot. "Listen, I have come on serious business; one of us three must propose the draft of a decree to the Convention to-day." "I am not the man," said Montaut. "They pay no attention to me; I am a marquis." "Neither will they listen to me; I am a Capuchin," said Chabot. "Nor to me, for I am Marat" A silence ensued. Marat, absorbed in his own thoughts, was not accessible to questions; still, Montaut ventured upon one. "What decree would you like the Assembly to pass, Marat?" "A decree inflicting the penalty of death on any military chief who allows a rebel prisoner to escape." Chabot interposed. "There is such a decree already; it was made a law at the end of April."