This time, on seeing Pierre without his cassock, he did not even make a sign of astonishment, but gaily remarked: "So you felt curious to see this affair, Monsieur Froment ?" "Yes, I came with my brother," Pierre replied.

"But I very much fear that we shan't see much." "You certainly won't if you stay here," rejoined Massot.

And thereupon in his usual good-natured way--glad, moreover, to show what power a well-known journalist could wield--he inquired: "Would you like me to pass you through?
The inspector here happens to be a friend of mine." Then, without waiting for an answer, he stopped the inspector and hastily whispered to him that he had brought a couple of colleagues, who wanted to report the proceedings.

At first the inspector hesitated, and seemed inclined to refuse Massot's request; but after a moment, influenced by the covert fear which the police always has of the press, he made a weary gesture of consent.
"Come, quick, then," said Massot, turning to the brothers, and taking them along with him.
A moment later, to the intense surprise of Pierre and Guillaume, the guards opened their ranks to let them pass.

They then found themselves in the large open space which was kept clear.