The torch had been placed in a sort of cage of paving-stones closed on three sides to shelter it from the wind, and disposed in such a fashion that all the light fell on the flag.
The street and the barricade remained sunk in gloom, and nothing was to be seen except the red flag formidably illuminated as by an enormous dark-lantern.
This light enhanced the scarlet of the flag, with an indescribable and terrible purple.
BOOK TWELFTH.--CORINTHE
CHAPTER VII
THE MAN RECRUITED IN THE RUE DES BILLETTES
Night was fully come, nothing made its appearance.
All that they heard was confused noises, and at intervals, fusillades; but these were rare, badly sustained and distant.
This respite, which was thus prolonged, was a sign that the Government was taking its time, and collecting its forces.
These fifty men were waiting for sixty thousand.
Enjolras felt attacked by that impatience which seizes on strong souls on the threshold of redoubtable events.∮本∮作∮品∮由∮思∮兔∮網∮提∮供∮線∮上∮閱∮讀∮
He went in search of Gavroche, who had set to making cartridges in the tap-room, by the dubious light of two candles placed on the counter by way of precaution, on account of the powder which was scattered on the tables. These two candles cast no gleam outside.
The insurgents had, moreover, taken pains not to have any light in the upper stories.