As for the inquisitive folk on the pavement they only saw the backs of the guards.

Still this did not prevent a crush.

The human tide flowed on from all sides with increasing clamour.
Guided by the remarks of some women who, leaning forward on the balcony, had been watching the square for a long time already, the brothers were at last able to perceive something.

It was now half-past three, and the guillotine was nearly ready.

The little stir which one vaguely espied yonder under the trees, was that of the headsman's assistants fixing the knife in position.