Page:The Rise and Fall on the Paris Commune in 1871.djvu/488

 In the trouble and confusion caused by the rain of shells and grape-shot, they no longer recognized their chiefs, against whom their rage, powerless to harm their assailants, was now turned. They arrested Du Bisson, whom they accused of having betrayed them; released him, and arrested him again, when he was led away no one knows where. A few moments later their fury, always on the increase, turned upon one of their lieutenants, whom they shot upon the spot as a traitor.

But the hour of punishment for them arrived. The battery of Bellevue had been taken; twenty-three insurgents were shot on the spot; and at six in the evening, while a few sharpshooters called the attention of the Federals towards the Rue de Crimée, the volunteers of Seine-et-Oise and the soldiers of the 64th regiment advanced by the Rue Compans, turning and gaining possession of the barricades. The Federals still wishing to fight, placed themselves with their backs against the houses of the square.

"Fire on the commandant," cried their chief; and the brave officer fell pierced with balls.

"In two ranks," then cried the Federal commandant, losing all self-possession. The unhappy men obeyed, and were decimated by a terrible discharge. The remainder then beat a retreat, setting fire, on the way, to a large building called the "Chateau."

A last and furious engagement continued until Sunday afternoon at three o'clock, in Belleville and in the Rues du Faubourg-du-Temple, De Saint-Maur, D'Oberkampf, Folie-Méricourt, which extend at the foot of this height, formerly solely renowned for its parties of pleasure.

During several hours the battle was horrible, and was conducted in many cases hand to hand. The musketry fire, sword fights, and charges with bayonet were multiplied at all points, with a fury equal on both sides. From