He was startled from the reflection by the woe-begone, distrait little thing who seemed hypnotized by terror. The tall man bent down and peered at the girl. Like the other condemned, her hands had just been pinioned behind her. She stood forlorn and helpless. Horror froze him.... The Child who had saved his life from the spadassins--the dear little face the memory of which he had always treasured! He asked her a mute question, she mutely nodded. So black-hearted murder was to snuff her out too--yes, and that young man nearby, Maurice de Vaudrey whom he knew. Not if Danton could protect and save! Stern was his voice as he said to the jailer: "There is some mistake. Keep her--and her friend--until I return!" He was on his heel and striding to the courtroom. A follower sensed his purpose. He laid hand on Danton's shoulder, saying: "No, Danton--you endanger your own life!" "What if I do? She must be saved." As we see him pass into the Tribunal, let us stop for a moment and watch the procedure in the death chamber. Outside, the tumbrils of death clatter up to receive their load. A functionary calls the names of the condemned whilst a court officer identifies them. Each in turn is bundled off to the carts. The men hesitate over Henriette and Maurice. "The ex-Minister of Justice," said one, "asked that this case be delayed." "Her name is here," said the master functionary, a creature of the Dictator. "She goes--" "We might as well take the other too," said the court officer, pointing to de Vaudrey.... * * * * * Superbly the Lion of the Revolution faced the judges and the mob, and demanded a hearing. Robespierre uplifted eyebrows and half-smiled, vulpinely. His rapid exchange of looks with the Court seemed to say: "Well, we have got to listen to this crazy man, but be on guard!" The president, Jacques-Forget-Not, took the cue and acceded to Danton's request. "A great injustice has been done," cried Danton, "to the innocent and helpless. I ask the lives of Henriette Girard and Citizen de Vaudrey!" The judges did not need to answer. A savage cry of "No! No!" swelled from the infuriated "Mountain." The sansculottes half rose from their benches, shaking minatory fists, yelling, gesticulating. Faces were contorted in fury. The mob--the same that had once acclaimed Danton in chair of state--was not to be balked of blood. The orator continued: "These sufferers are friends of you who demand their death. The girl once saved _me_--the organizer of your victory--from spadassins. The boy was ever known as the people's benefactor--I have seen him buy loaves to keep you from starving! Now through trumped-up charges they are to be hurried away to death--" "You question the justice of the people's Tribunal?" interrupted Judge Forget-Not shrilly, with obvious play at the mob.