Consequently, at this same date,[3259] the populace, increased by the afflux of "strangers" and ordinary nomads, hang a corn-inspector, plant his head on the end of a pike, drag his body through the streets, sack five houses and burn the furniture of a municipal officer in front of his own door.

Thereupon, the obedient municipality sets the arrested rioters free, and lowers the price of bread one-sixth.

Above the Loire, the dispatches of Orne and Calvados complete the picture.

"Our district," writes a lieutenant of the gendarmerie,[3260] "is a prey to brigandage...

About thirty rascals have just sacked the chateau of Dampierre.