"I will give the traitor his answer!" exclaims Robespierre, trying to make himself heard above the tumult which increases at every word he utters, so that his voice is now completely lost. Some of the members rush into the semicircle, forming a living rampart round the tribune. The din is dominated by a new voice from the presidential chair. "Silence, let no man speak!" it thunders forth. It is Thuriot, who has just replaced Collot d'Herbois in the chair. "I demand a hearing!" vociferates the Incorruptible, "and I will be heard!" "You shall not!" "I wish to speak!" cries a deputy, taking at the same time possession of the tribune. It is Vadier. Thuriot rings the president's bell. "Vadier has speech!" "Yes, Vadier! Vadier!" members exclaim from all sides. Robespierre continues to protest, disputing frantically with his neighbours in his fury. "It is infamous treachery! Infamous!" Again they call out-- "Vadier! Silence! Vadier! Vadier!" "_Citoyens!_" commences Vadier-- But the speaker is interrupted by Robespierre who furiously persists in claiming a hearing. "Compel him to be quiet!" cries some one. Thuriot rings his bell, and orders Robespierre to let Vadier speak. "Vadier is to speak! Silence!" Robespierre once more resigns himself to his fate, and returns to his place. The tumult dies away in a low murmur, above which Vadier's mellifluous voice is heard. "_Citoyens!_" he begins, "not until the 22nd Prairial did I open my eyes to the double-dealing of that man who wears so many masks, and when he cannot save one of his creatures consigns him to the scaffold!" Laughter and applause run round the assembly. Thus encouraged, Vadier continues-- "Only listen to him. He will tell you, with his usual modesty, that he is the sole defender of Liberty, but so harassed, so discouraged, so persecuted! ... And it is he who attacks every one himself!" "Hear, hear!" shouts a voice. "Excellent! That's it, exactly!" "He says," continues Vadier, "that he is prevented from speaking. Yet, strange to say, no one ever speaks but he!" This new sally is hailed with renewed roars of laughter, and on every side members are convulsed with merriment. Robespierre writhes in his seat, casting glances of hatred and contempt around him. But Vadier is in the right mood, and goes on-- "This is his regular refrain: 'I am the best friend of the Republic, and as So-and-so has looked askance at me, So-and-so conspires against the Republic, since I and the Republic are one!'" Again laughter and cheers. "Very good, Vadier! That's it, Vadier!" By this time the orator's ironical and facetious allusions have served their purpose well, covering Robespierre with ridicule, and lowering him in the eyes of many who were still wavering, hardly daring to join the opposition.