That night or never Marie must be rescued, and his plan of forging Robespierre's signature must be put into effect that day.

He opened the next few papers mechanically, but steadied himself upon Robespierre asking him a question.

For a time he worked on; but his brain was swimming, and he was on the point of saying that he felt strangely unwell, and must ask to be excused his work for that day, when he heard a ring at the bell, and a moment later Lebat entered the room.
"I have just come from the tribunal, citizen," he said, "and have seen the list for to-morrow.

I have come to you, as I know you are just, and abhor the shedding of innocent blood.

There is among the number a young girl, who is wholly innocent.