Marat braved the Convention and led the Commune, but he feared the Évêché. This is a law. Mirabeau, in some mysterious far-away depth, is conscious of the existence of Robespierre. Marat, too, is aware of Hébert,--Hébert of Babeuf. So long as the subterranean strata remain quiet, the politician can move at his ease. But there is a sub-soil under the most revolutionary, and the boldest men will quail when they feel beneath their feet the movement which they themselves have started overhead. [Illustration 051] To be able to distinguish between the disturbance that springs from covetousness and that which is founded on principle, to combat the one and to aid the other, constitutes the genius and merit of great revolutionists. "Oh, citizen Cimourdain is not unwelcome," he said, as he extended his hand to Cimourdain, adding: "Parbleu! Let us explain the situation to citizen Cimourdain. He comes in just in time. I represent the Mountain, Robespierre the Committee of Public Safety, Marat the Commune; and Cimourdain represents the Évêché. He will give us the casting vote." "So be it," replied Cimourdain, in his serious and simple manner. "What is the subject under consideration?" "The Vendée," replied Robespierre. "The Vendée," echoed Cimourdain, then went on: "There lies the great danger. If Revolution expires, the Vendée will have given it its death-blow. One Vendée is more to be feared than ten Germanys. If France is to be saved, we must destroy the Vendée." These words won Robespierre to his side; but still the latter put the question,-- "Were you not formerly a priest?" For the priestly aspect had not escaped his observation. He recognized in another what he had within himself. "Yes, citizen," replied Cimourdain. "What does that matter?" cried Danton. "When priests are good they are better than other men. In time of revolution priests are melted into citizens, just as bells are melted into sous and cannon. Danjou and Danon are both priests. Thomas Lindet is Bishop of Évreux. At the Convention, Robespierre, you sit side by side with Massieu, Bishop of Beauvais. The Vicar-General Vaugeois belonged to the Insurrection Committee of the 10th of August. Chabot is a capuchin. Dom Gerle devised the oath of the Tennis-Court. The Abbé Audran declared the National Assembly superior to the king; the Abbé Goutte asked the Legislature to remove the daïs from the chair of Louis XVI., and the Abbé Grégoire instigated the abolition of royalty." "A motion seconded by the comedian Collot d'Herbois. They two did the business; the priest overturned the throne, the comedian deposed the king!" "Let us return to the Vendée," said Robespierre. "Well, what is it?" asked Cimourdain; "what is the Vendée doing now?" "This," replied Robespierre. "It has found a leader; it will become terrible." "Who is this leader, citizen Robespierre?" "He is a ci-devant Marquis de Lantenac, who styles himself a Breton prince." Cimourdain made a movement.