Retired as he was in a corner and as it were sheltered behind the billiard table, the soliders, their eyes fixed upon Enjolras, had not even noticed Grantaire, and the sergeant was preparing to repeat the order: “Take aim!” when suddenly they heard a powerful voice cry out beside them: “Vive la République! I belong to it.” Grantaire had arisen. The immense glare of the whole combat which he had missed and in which he had not been, appeared in the flashing eye of the transfigured drunkard. He repeated: “Vive la République!” crossed the room with a firm step, and took his place before the muskets beside Enjolras. “Two at one shot,” said he. And, turning towards Enjolras gently, he said to him: “Willyoupermitit?” Enjolras grasped his hand with a smile. The smile was not finished when the report was heard.
