These defences had given way in places and some of the invaders had stripped the wall and were sitting astride on the top.

Prince des Boscenos was waving an immense green flag.

Suddenly the crowd wavered and from it came a long cry of terror.

The police and the Republican carabineers issuing out of all the entrances of the palace formed themselves into a column beneath the wall and in a moment it was cleared of its besiegers.

After a long moment of suspense the noise of arms was heard, and the police charged the crowd with fixed bayonets.