On their arrival at the gates of the town, three quarters of an hour after the king's arrest, they were recognised and stopped by the national guard, who, before they would allow the little troop to enter, compelled them to dismount.

They demanded to see the king, and this they were permitted to do.

The king, however, forbade them to use any violence, as he expected every instant the arrival of M.de Bouille's superior force.

M.de Guoguelas, however, left the house; and seeing the hussars intermingled with the crowd that filled the streets, wished to make trial of their fidelity.

"Hussars," exclaimed he, imprudently, "are you for the nation or the king ?" "_Vive la nation_!" replied the soldiers; "we are, and always shall be, in her favour." The people applauded this declaration; and a sergeant of the national guard headed them, whilst their commanding officer succeeded in making his escape, and hastened to join the two officers, who, together with M.de Choiseul's horses, had been stationed in the lower town, and they all three quitted Varennes, and hastened to inform their general at Dun.
These officers had been fired upon, when, learning the royal carriages had been stopped, they endeavoured to gain access to the king.