We kill men," he said with some bitterness, "but at least we do it formally, especially in Paris." Monsieur de Chargeboeuf had already received from the chief justice certain information which added weight to these sad words of Monsieur de Grandville.
"Michu is innocent, I know," continued the young lawyer, "but what can we do against so many?
Remember, too, that my present influence depends on my keeping silent.

I must order the scaffold to be prepared, or my late client is certain to be beheaded." Monsieur de Chargeboeuf knew Laurence well enough to be certain she would never consent to save her cousins at the expense of Michu; he therefore resolved on making one more effort.

He asked an audience of the minister of foreign affairs to learn if salvation could be looked for through the influence of the great diplomat.

He took Bordin with him, for the latter knew the minister and had done him some service.
The two old men found Talleyrand sitting with his feet stretched out, absorbed in contemplation of his fire, his head resting on his hand, his elbow on the table, a newspaper lying at his feet.

The minister had just read the decision of the Court of Appeals.
"Pray sit down, Monsieur le marquis," said Talleyrand, "and you, Bordin," he added, pointing to a place at the table, "write as follows:--" Sire,--Four innocent gentlemen, declared guilty by a jury have just had their condemnation confirmed by your Court of Appeals.
Your Imperial Majesty can now only pardon them.