Being formally requested by Martin (of Strasbourg) to convene the High Court, he begged that he would leave him alone, declared that the High Court would "do its duty," but that first he must "confer with his colleagues," concluding with this expression, "It shall be done to-day or to-morrow." "To-day or to-morrow!" exclaimed Martin (of Strasbourg); "Mr.President, the safety of the Republic, the safety of the country, perhaps, depends on what the High Court will or will not do.

Your responsibility is great; bear that in mind.

The High Court of Justice does not do its duty to-day or to-morrow; it does it at once, at the moment, without losing a minute, without an instant's hesitation." Martin (of Strasbourg) was right, Justice always belongs to To-day.
Martin (of Strasbourg) added, "If you want a man for active work, I am at your service." M.Hardouin declined the offer; declared that he would not lose a moment, and begged Martin (of Strasbourg) to leave him to "confer" with his colleague, M.Pataille.
In fact, he called together the High Court for eleven o'clock, and it was settled that the meeting should take place in the Hall of the Library.
The Judges were punctual.

At a quarter-past eleven they were all assembled.

M.Pataille arrived the last.
They sat at the end of the great green table.