Page:The Rise and Fall on the Paris Commune in 1871.djvu/394



noise made in closing the shutters of the shops around us.
 * lowed by the rolling of carriages taking flight, and the

"This tumult was succeeded by a profound and fearful silence, which lasted only a few moments. In about ten minutes a few cries were raised, succeeded by a frightful clamor, which seemed entirely to surround the church.

"We still remained seated, without uttering a sound.

"The noise outside continued increasing, and I felt instinctively that danger menaced us. I was not mistaken. A stone, breaking through one of the windows, fell at our feet; while the noise made by the hammering of the butts of muskets upon the door, echoed through the aisles of the church.

"The rioters wished to enter Saint Eustache. They intended to force the doors.

"A few priests could make no head against thousands of madmen. It was evident that we were lost. Nothing remained but to die worthily.

"By a common accord, and without saying a word to each other, we put on our church vestments, determined to deliver ourselves up, and save, if possible, the violation of the sanctuary.

"The assault made by the rioters was already breaking the doors, when I ordered that they should be opened.

"The last bolt had hardly been withdrawn when they gave way with a frightful noise, and we perceived the streets and steps of the church black with a compact and armed crowd.

"I made the sign of the cross, and advanced with my vicars.

"Then was accomplished a fact which I shall never forget during my life. This howling crowd, uttering cries of death, became suddenly silent, and I saw faces which