Who signed the orders ?" The major drew forth a paper and unfolded it.

Scarcely had he unfolded it than he attempted to replace it in his pocket, but General Leydet threw himself upon him and seized his arm.

Several Representatives leant forward, and read the order for the expulsion of the Assembly, signed "Fortoul, Minister of the Marine." Marc Dufraisse turned towards the _Gendarmes Mobiles_, and cried out to them,-- "Soldiers, your very presence here is an act of treason.

Leave the Hall!" The soldiers seemed undecided.

Suddenly a second column emerged from the door on the right, and at a signal from the commander, the captain shouted,-- "Forward! Turn them all out!" Then began an indescribable hand-to-hand fight between the gendarmes and the legislators.