Page:The Rise and Fall on the Paris Commune in 1871.djvu/540

 At eleven o'clock, word was brought them that the last partisans of their horrible cause were vanquished on every side, and that the regular troops were advancing to occupy the Mairie. They had barely time to save themselves, carrying with them their flag. They descended towards the exterior boulevard, which they crossed, stopping only when they reached the Rue Fontaine-au-Roi, at a restaurant, where they ordered a frugal breakfast to be served. The foundlings were placed on guard at the door, while the Guards were sent out as scouts, and a bugle was to give the signal if the enemy approached.

While eating, the members of the Commune deliberated; all were for resistance with the exception of Gambon, who spoke for surrender. At two o'clock they descended into the street. The majority had pronounced for resistance; so the members of the Commune, aided by the foundlings, by a few women, and some Communists of the quarter, began the erection of a barricade.

After a few moments the bugle was sounded. The National Guards were sought for, but they had prudently hidden away. Then Gambon mounted on the barricade.

"I have passed thirty years of my life," said he, "in sacrificing myself for the Republic and Liberty. I have given everything to the people, and to-day the people abandon me. I have made the sacrifice of my life for cowards who flee from danger when it meets them face to face. I swear that, if I escape, I will never again give an instant of my life, or one of my thoughts, to these men. Citizens, the great cause is again lost; the Commune is killed by those who had sworn to make it triumph or to die, and who have not even defended it."

His companions then tore from him his badge as member of the Commune, and threw away his kepi, to prevent his being recognized. The bugle sounded another signal; the red flag was placed on the barricade but half con