"Well," resumed Marat, "I agree with Robespierre; citizen Cimourdain must be sent as a delegate from the Committee of Public Safety to the commander of the exploring division of the coast army. What is this commander's name, by the way?" Robespierre, beginning to turn over his papers, replied,-- "He is a ci-devant nobleman." "It is an excellent plan to set a priest to guard a nobleman," said Danton. "Either one of them, singly and alone, I am inclined to distrust; but when taken together, I have no fear of them: they keep a mutual watch over each other, and go on very well." The expression of indignation peculiar to Cimourdain's face grew more pronounced; but doubtless aware that the observation was based upon truth, he did not turn towards Danton as he lifted his severe voice. "If the Republican commander intrusted to my care makes a false step, he will suffer the penalty of death." Robespierre, with his eyes still resting on his portfolio, said:-- "Here is the name; the commander in charge of whom you will be placed, to conduct yourself in his regard at your own discretion, is a former Viscount called Gauvain." Cimourdain turned pale. "Gauvain!" he exclaimed. Marat observed Cimourdain's pallor. "The Viscount Gauvain!" repeated Cimourdain. "Yes," said Robespierre. "Well?" exclaimed Marat, gazing steadfastly at Cimourdain. There was a brief silence, broken by Marat. "Citizen Cimourdain, do you accept the appointment of commissioner delegate to the commander Gauvain, with the condition which you yourself have laid down? Is it agreed?" "It is," replied Cimourdain, with increasing pallor. Robespierre took the pen that lay beside him, and in his slow and regular handwriting traced four lines on the sheet of paper headed "Committee of Public Safety." After signing it, he passed the pen and paper to Danton, who signed; and the signature of Marat, who had not once removed his eyes from the pale face of Cimourdain, was added to the others. Robespierre, taking back the sheet, dated it and gave it to Cimourdain, who read on it the following:-- YEAR II. OF THE REPUBLIC. Full powers are granted to citizen Cimourdain, commissioner delegated from the Committee of Public Safety to the citizen Gauvain, in command of the exploring division of the army of the coast. ROBESPIERRE. DANTON. MARAT. And below the signatures: "June 29, 1793." The revolutionary calendar, called the civil calendar, had no legal existence at that time, and was only adopted by the Convention on the 5th of October, 1793, in response to the proposition of Romme. While Cimourdain was reading, Marat continued to watch him. Then, in a tone half-inaudible, as though speaking to himself, he said,-- "All this must be confirmed by a decree from the Convention, or by a special resolution of the Committee of Public Safety. Something still remains to be done." "Citizen Cimourdain, where do you live?" asked Robespierre. "Cour du Commerce."