Part 32 (2/2)

lighted by a single lamp. Entering the door with a vast mult.i.tude, and ascending the dark and winding staircase, you found yourself in a large room, dimly lighted and crowded with armed men.

It was the editorial apartment of the office of ”La Reforme.”

At a large and ma.s.sive table sat a dozen persons most industriously employed in writing. Around them, looking on, rose the rough, stern faces of the men of the barricades, seeming still more rough and stern by reason of the shadowy light; in the hands of all were weapons.

”A copy of the names of the members of the Provisional Government!” was the incessant demand of these armed men, a demand which the dozen writers at the table were unable even by most indefatigable industry to supply as fast as made. And as fast as the demand was satisfied, the armed men would hurry away, only to leave room for the crowds constantly entering.

”A copy for the Hotel de Ville!” cried one.

”A copy for the Place Vendome!” shouted another.

”A copy for the Palais Bourbon!” screamed a third.

”Are there no printed copies left?” asked many.

”They were gone long ago--twenty thousand copies,” was the reply. ”You will see one at every corner. The demand was not expected. The printers have just gone to sleep. They had not rested for fifty-two hours.”

”Will 'La Reforme' appear in the morning?” asked another.

”Perhaps so,” was the answer. ”But all the people are worn out--writers and compositors. Here is your copy of the names.”

”Many thanks. Vive la Republique!”

With this shout, in concert with the same which constantly issued from a hundred lips, the citizen folded up his precious doc.u.ment, and carefully depositing it in his cap hurried off to communicate its contents to his comrades of the neighboring barricade.

In another apartment of that same edifice were a large number of the Republican party connected with ”La Reforme.”

”The Provisional Government is now in session,” said one. ”They will, doubtless, make immediate provision for departments of State so important as the post-office and the prefecture of police. Early to-morrow a proclamation----”

”To-morrow may be too late,” interrupted a large and muscular man. ”The post-office is more active than ever to-night. Every moment couriers are arriving and departing. That powerful instrument remains in the hands of the foes of our cause! Who may estimate the injury, the irreparable injury which they may this night accomplish by its means!”

This man was etienne Arago, brother of the great astronomer, and, for sixteen years, celebrated as one of the boldest members of the Republican party, as well as one of the bravest men in Paris.

”And the prefecture of police,” observed another--”the present utter derangement of all its functions may lead to most serious results.

Already those foes of freedom, Guizot and his colleagues, have been suffered to secure their escape from the just indignation of an outraged people. Delessert, the Prefect, has also fled!”

The man who said this was Marc Caussidiere, a well-known Republican.

”Citizens!” cried M. Gouache, ”this state of things must continue no longer. In the name of the people, I demand that etienne Arago immediately a.s.sume the charge of the post-office, as its director, and that Marc Caussidiere fill the position of Prefect.”

This demand was confirmed by acclamation, and committees for the installation of the nominees into office at once accompanied them to their respective departments.

The immense edifice of the post-office was surrounded by people, and its numerous windows were flas.h.i.+ng with lights. Within the utmost activity seemed to prevail, and without couriers were leaving and arriving every moment, and mail coaches were das.h.i.+ng up to discharge their burdens, or, having received them, were das.h.i.+ng off.

”In the name of the people, entrance for Citizen etienne Arago, Republican director of the post-office!” shouted one of the committee.

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