The plan was carried into effect on the night of the 28th of May, 1418. Perinet was a man of ready resources, equally discreet and resolute, and he omitted nothing that could tend to secure a triumph. By virtue of his office, the father of Perinet held the keys of St. Germain’s gate, and had the relieving of the guard there. On the appointed night, having first contrived to place on guard many of his associates, Perinet stole to his father’s bed-side, and, undiscovered, drew the keys from beneath his pillow. L’Isle Adam was waiting near the gate with eight hundred men. At two in the morning, it was opened by Perinet, who, as soon as the troops had entered, locked the gate, and threw the keys over the walls, that, retreat being impossible, the soldiers might be compelled to combat with desperate valour. The adventurers proceeded in dead silence along the streets till they reached the Little Châtelet, where they were joined by several hundred armed citizens, who had been assembled to receive them. The confederates now loudly raised the rallying cry of “Peace! peace! Burgundy for ever!” and it was soon as loudly echoed from every side. From all the streets crowds of citizens sallied forth, wearing on their dress the St. Andrew’s cross, which was the distinguishing mark of the Burgundian party. In a very short time, tens of thousands were in arms. Scattered over a large city, and taken by surprise, the Armagnacs could make no resistance. Tannegui du Châtel, the governor of the Bastile, had barely time to hurry to the dauphin’s abode, snatch him half awaked from the couch, wrap him in the bedclothes, and convey him for safety to the Bastile, whence, without delay, he removed him to Melun. While he was thus occupied, a party of Burgundians marched to the king’s palace, and compelled him to take horse, and put himself at their head. Other parties spread themselves over the city, and slaughtered, or dragged to prison, all the Armagnacs on whom they could lay their hands. Nobles, warriors, ministers of state, bishops, abbots, magistrates, and the humble followers who had moved at their beck, were indiscriminately thrust into durance. The jails were speedily crowded till they could hold no more, and it then became necessary to confine the captives in public buildings and private houses. The constable, in the rags of a beggar, at first eluded his pursuers, and found shelter in the dwelling of a poor mason; but a threatening proclamation, against whoever should harbour an Armagnac, terrified his host into betraying him.