The prisoners were placed in the middle of it.

Besides Monsieur Garconnet and Commander Sicardot, the insurgents had arrested Monsieur Peirotte, the receiver of taxes, and several other functionaries, all of whom they led away.
At this moment Aristide was observed walking about among the groups.
In presence of this formidable rising, the dear fellow had thought it imprudent not to remain on friendly terms with the Republicans; but as, on the other hand, he did not desire to compromise himself too much, he had come to bid them farewell with his arm in a sling, complaining bitterly of the accursed injury which prevented him from carrying a weapon.

As he walked through the crowd he came across his brother Pascal, provided with a case of surgical instruments and a little portable medicine chest.

The doctor informed him, in his quiet, way, that he intended to follow the insurgents.

At this Aristide inwardly pronounced him a great fool.