Some of these were paid hirelings of the Commune, some were terrified workmen or small tradesmen who had, merely from curiosity, joined the mob.

The Swiss officers and soldiers, who were, with the priests, special objects of hatred to the mob, were first brought out.

They were spared the farce of a trial, they were ordered to march out through the doors, outside which the Marseillais were awaiting them.

Some hesitated to go out, and cried for mercy.
A young man with head erect was the first to pass through the fatal doors.

He fell in a moment, pierced with pikes.