Part 49 (1/2)

Little Jeanne was cross with me because I would not let her play with the works of my watch.

All the newspapers publish my verses ”Dans le Cirque.” They may be useful.

Louis Blanc called this morning. He urged me to join with Quinet and himself in bringing pressure to bear upon the Government. I replied: ”I see more danger in overturning the Government than in supporting it.”

January 18.--M. Krupp is making cannon for use specially against balloons.

There is a c.o.c.k in my little garden. Yesterday Louis Blanc lunched with us. The c.o.c.k crowed. Louis Blanc paused and said:

”Listen!”

”What is it?”

”A c.o.c.k is crowing.”

”Well, what of it?”

”Don't you hear what it says?”

”It is calling: 'Victor Hugo!'”

We listened and laughed. Louis Blanc was right It did sound as if the c.o.c.k were crowing my name.

I gave some of my bread-crumbs to the fowls. They would not eat them.

This morning a sortie against Montretout was made. Montretout was taken.

This evening the Prussians captured it from us again.

January 20.--The attack on Montretout has interrupted the bombardment.

A child of fourteen years was suffocated in a crowd outside a baker's shop.

January 21.--Louis Blanc came to see me. We held a council. The situation is becoming extreme and supreme. The Mairie of Paris asks my advice.

Louis Blanc dined with us. After dinner we held a sort of council at which Colonel Laussedat was present.

January 22.--The Prussians are bombarding Saint Denis.

Tumultuous demonstrations at the Hotel de Ville. Trochu is withdrawing.

Rostan comes to tell me that the Breton mobiles are firing on the people. I doubt it. I will go myself, if necessary.

I have just returned. There was a simultaneous attack by both sides.