Marcel, at his wit's end, made an offer to the King of Navarre to deliver Paris up to him on the night between the 31st of July and the 1st of August.

All was ready for carrying out this design.
During the day of the 31st of July, Marcel would have changed the keepers of the St.Denis gate, but Maillart opposed him, rushed to the Hotel de Ville, seized the banner of France, jumped on horseback and rode through the city shouting, "Mountjoy St.Denis, for the king and the duke!" This was the rallying-cry of the dauphin's partisans.

The day ended with a great riot amongst the people.

Towards eleven o'clock at night Marcel, followed by his people armed from head to foot, made his way to the St.
Anthony gate, holding in his hands, it is said, the keys of the city.
Whilst he was there, waiting for the arrival of the King of Navarre's men, Maillart came up "with torches and lanterns and a numerous assemblage.

He went straight to the provost and said to him, 'Stephen, Stephen, what do you here at this hour ?' 'John, what business have you to meddle?
I am here to take the guard of the city of which I have the government.' 'By God,' rejoined Maillart, 'that will not do; you are not here at this hour for any good, and I'll prove it to you,' said he, addressing his comrades.