The watchmaker

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1859 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XIII. PEEIL. At about twelve o'clock, on the Sunday morning in question, the restaurant of" master Pierre was the scene of unusual tumult. A number of the mounted policemen were stationed at the various doors, and prevented the approach of the curious throng, attracted to the spot by the sight of the armed force, as well as the disappointed epicures who were hastening to the restaurant with the hope of gratifying their appetites, while a thousand various and contradictory rumours were heard in the crowd, now blaming, now pitying the keeper of that popular establishment. As is usual, in all such popular assemblages, on© bellowed against persecution, while another cried for vengeance. From time to time, through the openings in the crowd, was to be seen the Lieutenant-General of Police; he was surrounded by three or four persons, amongst whom was a woman closely wrapped in a white mantle, who seemed to be directing the movements of the officers of justice. Torches were lighted, although it was mid-day; a numerous body of soldiers now approached and mounted guard in front of the house,. while fifty musketeers followed their commanding' officer into the restaurant. In the meantime, the people were occupied in repeating stories of murders committed with swords, poinards, pistols, guns, poisons, knives, and even forks. "While all this was going forward on the outside, within, four muscular men, with the aid of a strong lever, were trying to pry open a low iron door that offered an invincible resistance to all their efforts, which were deprived of move than half their efficiency by the very nature of the place in which these sappers were at work. It was a low, narrow vault, so small and so badly ventilated that the light of the torches could hardly liv...