The messenger's news had been for the Governor's ears alone, but it had got out.

Indeed, the tidings spread everywhere.
Every wind that swept over the mountains seemed to be laden with the story.

The whole city knew that the foot of the idol was once more upon the soil of France.

They saw no feet of clay to that idol, then.
The news had reached Paris via Marseilles almost before it was known in Grenoble.

The terror-stricken government yet acted promptly.