"The committee do not find sufficient evidence to warrant the trial of Colonel Robert Tournay upon the charge of treason to the Republic." A cheer rang through the room, which was re-echoed in the corridor and out into the street beyond. The president touched his bell sharply. St. Just continued:-- "The committee relieves Colonel Tournay from his command for the present. He will await here in Paris the orders of the committee in regard to returning to the army. The inquiry is now ended, and the meeting adjourns." Tournay walked out of the court accompanied by Danton and through the street to his friend's lodgings, followed by an admiring crowd cheering the hero of Landau. Two incidents took place in quick succession during the short walk to Danton's house. These incidents had no relation to each other, yet they both gave Tournay the uncomfortable sensation that besets a man when he is contending with unknown or secret forces. In passing by the Jacobin Club he saw a man enter at the door. He could not see the face, but the figure and movements were so much like those of de Lacheville that had he not felt sure that it would be equivalent to the marquis's death-sentence for him to be found in Paris, he would have been certain it was his enemy. The idea was so unlikely, however, that he dismissed it from his mind. As they passed down the Rue des Cordelières and reached the door of Danton's house, a man, issuing from the crowd, brushed closely against Tournay's shoulder. In doing so the colonel felt a letter slipped into his hand. "From a friend," sounded in his ear. "Examine it when alone." Tournay mechanically put the paper in his pocket, and followed Danton into the house, upon the giant uttering the laconic invitation:-- "Come in." "You have not said a word about the prompt dismissal of the charges against me," said Tournay, as they entered the dingy room which served Danton for office as well as salon. The giant threw off his coat and filled his pipe. Taking a seat he began to smoke rapidly. "There is more behind it," he said. "What do you mean?" "Did you not notice that no attempt was made to convict you?" "I did, but I attributed it to lack of evidence on their part." "Lack of evidence!" repeated Danton. "They are capable of manufacturing that when needed." "I confess I thought it possible that the popularity of the army with the people had something to do with it." Danton smiled pityingly. "I tell you that there is something behind it all. I cannot account for Robespierre's sudden change. It was he who directed your acquittal. There is something behind all this. He works in the dark, and secretly. Tournay, I mistrust that man as much as I hate him," and he began to smoke violently. "Why do you not crush him, Jacques?" asked Tournay coolly.