che-Midi, of leaving behind me the Conseil de Guerre, of pacing the Rue des Vielles Tuileries, of striding across the boulevard, of following the Chaussee du Maine, of passing the barrier, and entering Richefeu''s. I am capable of that. My shoes are capable of that."
"Do you know anything of those comrades who meet at Richefeu''s?"
"Not much.
We only address each other as thou."
"What will you say to them?"
"I will speak to them of Robespierre, pardi!
Of Danton. Of principles."
"You?"
"I. But I don''t receive justice.
When I set about it, I am terrible. I have read Prudhomme, I know the Social Contract, I know my constitution of the year Two by heart.
`The liberty of one citizen ends where the liberty of another citizen begins.''
Do you take me for a brute?
I have an old bank-bill of the Republic in my drawer. The Rights of Man, the sovereignty of the people, sapristi!
I am even a bit of a Hebertist.
I can talk the most superb twaddle for six hours by the clock, watch in hand."
"Be serious," said Enjolras.
"I am wild," replied Grantaire.
Enjolras meditated for a few moments, and made the gesture of a man who has taken a resolution.
"Grantaire," he said gravely, "I consent to try you.
You shall go to the Barriere du Maine."
Grantaire lived in furnished lodgings very near the Cafe Musain. He went out, and five minutes later he returned.