Friend and boon-companion of Marat and his gang, he had for over two years now exerted all the influence he possessed in order to bring Deroulede under a cloud of suspicion.
But Deroulede had the ear of the populace.

No one understood as he did the tone of a Paris mob; and the National Convention, ever terrified of the volcano it had kindled, felt that a popular member of its assembly was more useful alive than dead.
But now at last Merlin was having his way.

An anonymous denunciation against Deroulede had reached the Public Prosecutor that day.

Tinville and Merlin were the fastest of friends, so the latter easily obtained the privilege of being the first to proclaim to his hated enemy, the news of his downfall.
He stood facing Deroulede for a moment, enjoying the present situation to its full.

The light from the vast hall struck full upon the powerful figure of the Citizen-Deputy and upon his firm, dark face and magnetic, restless eyes.