Recovered from the first shock, Tournay's resolution was immediate. Edmé de Rochefort must be saved from arrest--and from the death that was almost certain to follow. He was a man of action, accustomed to think quickly, and he began at once to devise means to save her. His first thought was of Danton. On this man's friendship he felt sure he could rely. His ability and willingness to assist him he resolved to test immediately. The conversation between the two men at the adjoining table took another turn and he saw he was likely to hear no more on this subject, so he rose from his seat and hurried from the café. Ten minutes later he climbed the dark stairway that led to Danton's lodging. Here he found the Republican giant in his shirtsleeves,--a short pipe between his lips, bending over his writing table. He did not look up as Tournay took a chair at his elbow, but a nod from the massive head showed that he was aware of his presence. "Jacques," asked Tournay abruptly, "was an order for the arrest of a certain Citizeness Edmé de Rochefort signed by the committee last night?" Danton looked at him for a moment while he stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Hum--de Rochefort? A daughter of the Baron Honoré who went to England as emissary from the late monarchy? Yes, I believe the woman is to be arrested," was the reply. "If I furnish you with abundant reason for it will you have the order rescinded at once?" "I cannot," was the answer. "Is there any other charge against the Citizeness de Rochefort except that she is the daughter of her father?" "None that I know of." "Why arrest a young woman merely because her father went to England as an emissary of Louis Capet more than three years ago?" Danton shrugged his shoulders. Tournay continued. "In view of the length of time which has elapsed, in view of the absolute lack of result from the baron's mission, in view of the youth and innocence of this girl, will you not endeavor to have this order rescinded?" "Why do you desire it so strongly?" demanded Danton, laying down his pen for the first time. "Because I have known her from a child. I was born on the de Rochefort estate," was the prompt reply. "Is that all?" asked Danton. "No, it is not the only reason. I abhor this dragging of the weak and innocent into the political whirlpool. We do not need to make war upon women. I have protested against this before now, and I tell you again that we are disgracing the Republic by the crimes committed in its name. You are all-powerful with the masses, Jacques, your voice is always listened to,--why do you not put an end to the atrocities, which instead of decreasing, are growing worse daily? Where is your eloquence? Where is your power? How can you sit passively by and see these horrors? Are they done with your sanction? Can it be that a man with your strength can take a pleasure in crushing the weak and defenseless?"