M.Derlons dismounted, and leaving his men outside, demanded to see the king, which was consented to.

His aim was to inform the king that M.de Bouille was about to march thither at the head of the royal Allemand regiment, and also to assure himself, if it was impossible for his squadron to force the obstacles, to break down the barricades in the upper town, and carry off the king.

The barricades appeared to him impregnable to cavalry, he therefore gained admittance to the king, and asked him what were his orders.

"Tell M.de Bouille," returned the king, "that I am a prisoner, and can give no orders.

I much fear he can do no more for me, but I pray him to do all he can." M.Derlons, who was an Alsatian, and spoke German, wished to say a few words in that language to the queen, in order that no person present might understand what passed.