A general reaction had set in against him.

The deeds of the Knights of Idleness were ringing on every tongue.

The tale of Joseph Bridau's arrest, now cleared up, disgraced Max in the eyes of all; and his life and conduct received in one day their just award.

Gilet met Captain Potel, who was looking for him, and seemed almost beside himself.
"What's the matter with you, Potel ?" "My dear fellow, the Imperial Guard is being black-guarded all over the town! These civilians are crying you down! and it goes to the bottom of my heart." "What are they complaining of ?" asked Max.
"Of what you do at night." "As if we couldn't amuse ourselves a little!" "But that isn't all," said Potel.
Potel belonged to the same class as the officer who replied to the burgomasters: "Eh! your town will be paid for, if we do burn it!" So he was very little troubled about the deeds of the Order of Idleness.
"What more ?" inquired Gilet.
"The Guard is against the Guard.

It is that that breaks my heart.