It was the morning of the 2d of September, 1792, and as they went down into the quarter where the magazines of old clothes were situated, in order to purchase the necessary disguises, they soon became sensible that something unusual was in the air.

Separating, they joined the groups of men at the corners of the streets and tried to learn what was going on, but none seemed to know for certain.

All sorts of sinister rumours were about.

Word had been passed that the Jacobin bands were to be in readiness that evening.

Money had been distributed.
The Marseillais had dropped hints that a blow was to be struck at the tyrants.