He required some courage to remain firm amidst the woeful maunderings of his colleagues.

The members of the Provisional Commission seemed to reek with panic, just as they might with damp in the rainy season.

They all professed to have counted upon the despatch of a regiment, and began to exclaim that brave citizens ought not to be abandoned in such a manner to the fury of the rabble.

Pierre, to preserve peace, almost promised they should have a regiment on the morrow.

Then he announced, in a solemn manner, that he was going to have the gates closed.