I asked an officer, who was standing before Vanves, why they did not.

He shrugged his shoulders, and said, "It is part of the plan, I suppose." Trochu is respected by the troops, but they have little confidence in his skill as a commander.

In the evening I went to the Club Rue d'Arras, which is presided over by the "venerable" Blanqui in person, and where the Ultras of the Ultras congregate.

The club is a large square room, with a gallery at one end and a long tribune at the other.

On entering through a baize door one is called upon to contribute a few sous to the fund for making cannon.