Again that brazen trumpet-call fell ominously on their ears, accompanied by the low rumbling of distant thunder. A sudden roll of drums burst out, and then all was hushed. The sound of a voice, coming up from the square in solemn, measured tones, broke upon the silence. "In the name of the French Republic, the National Convention decrees Robespierre and all those who have taken part in the rebellion to be out of law." A vague, indistinct murmur now arose from the square. The voice continued with startling resonance-- "_Citoyens!_ the Convention command you to make way for us!" Robespierre and his friends were leaning out of the windows breathless with suspense, their eyes fastened on the artillery. "Why don't they fire?" said Coffinhal. Robespierre leant on a bar of the window, his hands clenched over it, his face pale, perspiration trickling down his forehead. "Can't you fire at them, you dolts!" Ah! they were getting their guns ready; they would fire now! There was a sudden movement of relief and hopefulness that lasted only for a moment and then gave place to horror. The sectioners had turned their cannon against the Hôtel de Ville! One cry, the despairing cry of the vanquished, echoed through the room. "We are betrayed! _Sauve qui peut!_" Then followed an indescribable scene of panic. All was irreparably lost. Defeat, merciless and sanguinary, stared them in the face. Cries and shouts came up from the square, but one cry rose above all. "_En avant!_ Forward!" Drums beat the charge. Some ran to the doors, others to the windows to get upon the roof. Augustin Robespierre already on the ledge of one of the windows, prepared to escape by the cornice. His foot slipped and he fell on to the pavement amidst derisive shouts. "They shall not have me alive!" cried Lebas, drawing two pistols from his belt; and he placed one on the table near Robespierre, who had fallen prostrate on a chair. "That is for you, Robespierre! Adieu!" and he rushed put. Robespierre looked at the pistol, and pushed it aside with an expression of utter weariness. "Why should I? Let death come as it pleases!" Just then a door opened and Clarisse, breathless with fear, rushed in, clasping Thérèse tightly by the hand. Fearful and threatening sounds entered with her through the open door. Robespierre turned and saw her. "Unhappy woman! Not gone yet!" Almost mad with terror, she told him that they could not escape, the assailants were at their heels. Robespierre wildly seized the pistol from the table and pointed to the other exit. "Fly that way! I will kill the first to gain time!" Clarisse dragged Thérèse towards the door, but recoiled with a terrified shriek. Loud shouts were heard coming that way. Robespierre rushed forward and pushed them towards another door opposite. "This way, then! Fly! for pity's sake, fly!"