Lebas observed that it was high time to let others come in; they would wonder at the length of the cross-examining. Robespierre assented, his eyes fixed on his son, who seemed now coming to himself. As the Incorruptible bent over him to ascertain if this was so, his lips touched the pale forehead. But he heard steps, and had only time to pull himself up, when Héron entered, followed by his men. Héron looked straight at Olivier, who had now recovered his senses. "What! Did he faint?" he asked. Robespierre had regained possession of himself, and at once assumed a brutal demeanour. Yes, the scoundrel had been playing a farce, and an infamous farce too! The family now entered also, brimming with curiosity and questions. "Has the young man made a confession?" "No; but he has betrayed himself, and I know all that I desired." General satisfaction was expressed. At last, then, he was caught, and his accomplices! At this moment Madame Lebas and Victoire discovered in what a sad state Olivier was. Had he been ill, then? They would have come to him; but Robespierre stopped them, assuming contempt. "It was better," he said, "to leave the young madman alone, for he really did not deserve that any one should take interest in him." "Monster!" Olivier groaned. Robespierre had heard the word. He took hold of Lebas's arm, as if for support, and pressed it convulsively. Then, in a voice which he tried to render harsh, he told him to conduct Olivier to the Prison de la Force. Héron had only waited for this; and his men seized their prisoner, who at the roughness of the police-agents gave a sharp cry. "You brutes!" exclaimed Robespierre, in a faltering voice, taking a step towards his son in spite of himself. But Lebas stopped him. "Be careful!" he whispered. Robespierre sat down, realising his imprudence. Lebas again whispered to him-- "Don't be uneasy, I will watch over him." And telling the men not to handle the prisoner too roughly, he went out with them. Robespierre watched his son disappear, and when he had gone he felt some one take his hand. This made him tremble. It was Cornélie. How tired he seemed! Every one was around him now. That young madman had given him terrible trouble, hadn't he? "Yes," he replied, wiping his temple, "it was very trying! Exceedingly trying!" Duplay remarked that, judging from the length of the cross-examination, he must have learnt something very important. Robespierre made a gesture, as if protesting. Then rising abruptly he took leave of the company, on the pretext of urgent work. "The lad can rest assured," said Duplay, "it is his death-warrant our friend has gone to sign." "What a pity!" observed Victoire; "the young fellow seemed so nice!" But mother Duplay stopped her daughter indignantly, asking her if she was mad. What would the Incorruptible say if he could hear her? CHAPTER IX HOURS OF ANGUISH