Let us go down towards the Hotel de Ville; that is always the centre of mischief.
If all is quiet there, it may be that this story is correct, and that it is really only a court diversion.

But that does not explain why the streets should be lighted up near the Admiral's." "It does not, Pierre." After they had passed another group of men with torches, Pierre said: "Did you notice, sir, that each of those men had a piece of white stuff bound round his arm, and that it was the same with those we passed before?
If there is any mischief intended, we should be more likely to learn what it is if we were to put on the same badge." "The idea is a good one, Pierre;" and Philip took out his handkerchief, tore it in two and, handing half of it to Pierre, fastened the other round his arm.
As they went along, they met men with torches or lanterns, moving in the same direction as themselves.

All wore white handkerchiefs or scarves round their arms.
Philip became more and more anxious as they went on, and regretted that he had not returned to his lodgings and renewed his watch there.

However, a few minutes' walking took them to the Hotel de Ville.

The square in front of the building was faintly illuminated by a few torches, here and there, and by large cressets that blazed in front of the Hotel.