Vintimille [also looking out]. The Attorney is leading them.
De Launey. Let's see what they want.
Vintimille. Cease firing! [The Pensioners throw down their muskets. The drums are heard beating near the moat. Vintimille and some of the Pensioners go up to the right of the gate toward an opening in the wall from which they can overlook the assailants. Vintimille addresses the people.] What do you want? [At the same moment a volley is fired from the upper part of the towers. Vintimille turns.] What the devil are they doing?
The Pensioners and De Launey [astonished]. The Swiss Guards are firing!—Stop them! Stop them! [Some run to the tower gate and disappear.]
Vintimille [having descended again into the court]. Too late! Pretty piece of work they've done! Listen to those cries! They aimed well. They think we fired from a secret hiding-place. [The People howl with rage. Vintimille turns and sees La Contat, who has come up behind him and looks at him with hatred in her eyes.] What's the trouble, Contat? [She does not answer, but suddenly seizes Vintimille's sword, snatches it from the scabbard, and attempts to stab him. The Pensioners seize her hands and hold her in spite of her heroic struggle to free herself.] So you wanted to kill me! [La Contat nods. She keeps her eyes fixed on him, and to the end of scene cannot utter a word, but trembles convulsively, panting like a beast.] You aren't sane. What's happened? I have done nothing to you. You know they acted contrary to orders.
