Bayonets appear, and in the midst of the bayonets a man in a buttoned-up overcoat, with a tricolored sash upon his coat.
The magistrates stare, stupefied.
"Gentlemen," said the man, "dissolve your meeting immediately." President Hardouin rises.
"What does this mean?
Who are you?
Are you aware to whom you are speaking ?" "I am aware.

You are the High Court, and I am the Commissary of the Police." "Well, then ?" "Be off." There were there thirty-five municipal guards, commanded by a lieutenant, and with a drum at their head.
"But----" said the President.
The Commissary interrupted him with these words, which are literally given,-- "Mr.President, I am not going to enter upon an oratorical combat with you.

I have my orders, and I transmit them to you.

Obey." "Whom ?" "The Prefect of Police." The President asked this strange question, which implied the acceptance of an order,-- "Have you a warrant ?" The Commissary answered,-- "Yes." And he handed a paper to the President.
The judges turned pale.
The President unfolded the paper; M.Cauchy put his head over M.
Hardouin's shoulder.

The President read but,-- "You are ordered to dissolve the High Court, and, in case of refusal, to arrest MM.