"Citizen, I think I have found one.Thou must know that amongst those most disaffected is the painter Nicot.""Stay, stay!" said Robespierre, opening a manuscript book, bound in red morocco (for Robespierre was neat and precise, even in his death-lists), and turning to an alphabetical index,--"Nicot!--Ihave him,--atheist, sans-culotte (I hate slovens), friend of Hebert! Aha! N.B.--Rene Dumas knows of his early career and crimes.Proceed!""This Nicot has been suspected of diffusing tracts and pamphlets against thyself and the Comite.Yesterday evening, when he was out, his porter admitted me into his apartment, Rue Beau Repaire.
With my master-key I opened his desk and escritoire.I found herein a drawing of thyself at the guillotine; and underneath was written, 'Bourreau de ton pays, lis l'arret de ton chatiment!'
(Executioner of thy country, read the decree of thy punishment!)I compared the words with the fragments of the various letters thou gavest me: the handwriting tallies with one.See, I tore off the writing."Robespierre looked, smiled, and, as if his vengeance were already satisfied, threw himself on his chair."It is well! I feared it was a more powerful enemy.This man must be arrested at once.""And he waits below.I brushed by him as I ascended the stairs.""Does he so?--admit!--nay,--hold! hold! Guerin, withdraw into the inner chamber till I summon thee again.Dear Payan, see that this Nicot conceals no weapons."Payan, who was as brave as Robespierre was pusillanimous, repressed the smile of disdain that quivered on his lips a moment, and left the room.