members of the bar of the Court of Cassation, was the ex-Constituent

Martin (of Strasbourg). M. Pataille had just placed himself at M.

Hardouin's disposal.

Martin's first thought, while reading the placards of the coup d'état,

had been for the High Court. M. Hardouin ushered M. Pataille into a room

adjoining his study, and received Martin (of Strasbourg) as a man to

whom he did not wish to speak before witnesses. Being formally requested

by Martin (of Strasbourg) to convene the High Court, he begged that he

would leave him alone, declared that the High Court would "do its duty,"

but that first he must "confer with his colleagues," concluding with

this expression, "It shall be done to-day or to-morrow." "To-day or

to-morrow!" exclaimed Martin (of Strasbourg); "Mr. President, the safety

of the Republic, the safety of the country, perhaps, depends on what the

High Court will or will not do. Your responsibility is great; bear that

in mind. The High Court of Justice does not do its duty to-day or

to-morrow; it does it at once, at the moment, without losing a minute,

without an instant's hesitation."

Martin (of Strasbourg) was right, Justice always belongs to To-day.

Martin (of Strasbourg) added, "If you want a man for active work, I am at

your service." M. Hardouin declined the offer; declared that he would not

lose a moment, and begged Martin (of Strasbourg) to leave him to "confer"

with his colleague, M. Pataille.

In fact, he called together the High Court for eleven o'clock, and it was

settled that the meeting should take place in the Hall of the Library.

The History of a Crime