Both the little and the great squares were already swarming with people, shouting and disputing about prices. I had only time to open my shop, and to hang up my large scales in the arch, before a crowd of country people stood about the door, some asking for nails, others iron for forging; and some bringing their own old iron with the hope of selling it. They knew that if the enemy came there would be no way of entering the city, and that was what brought the crowd, some to sell and others to buy. I opened shop and began to weigh. We heard the patrols passing without; the guard was everywhere doubled, the drawbridges in good condition, and the outside barriers fortified anew. We were not yet declared to be in a state of siege, but we were like the bird on the branch; the last news from Mayence, Sarrebruck, and Strasburg announced the arrival of the allies on the other bank of the Rhine. As for me, I thought of nothing but my spirits of wine, and all the time I was selling, weighing, and handling money, it was never out of my mind. It had, as it were, taken root in my brain. This had lasted about an hour, when suddenly Burguet appeared at my door, under the little arch, behind the crowd of country people, and said to me: "Moses, come here a minute, I have something to say to you." I went out. "Let us go into your passage," said he. I was much surprised, for he looked very grave. The peasants behind called out: "We have no time to lose. Make haste, Moses!" But I paid no attention. In the passage Burguet said to me: "I have just come from the mayoralty, where they are busy in making out a report to the prefect in regard to the state of feeling among our population, and I accidentally heard that they are going to send Sergeant Trubert to your house." This was indeed a blow for me. I exclaimed: "I don't want him! I don't want him! I have lodged six men in the last fortnight, and it isn't my turn." He answered: "Be quiet, and don't talk so loud. You will only make the matter worse." I repeated: "Never, never shall this sergeant enter my house! It is abominable! A quiet man like myself, who has never harmed any one, and who asks nothing but peace!" While I was speaking, Sorlé, on her way to market, with her basket on her arm, came down, and asked what was the matter.