Page 2096 - les-miserables

them. Many, finding themselves under the muzzles of this
forest of guns, did not wish to die. This is a moment when
the instinct of self-preservation emits howls, when the beast
re-appears in men. They were hemmed in by the lofty, six-
story house which formed the background of their redoubt.
This house might prove their salvation. The building was
barricaded, and walled, as it were, from top to bottom. Be-
fore the troops of the line had reached the interior of the
redoubt, there was time for a door to open and shut, the
space of a flash of lightning was sufficient for that, and the
door of that house, suddenly opened a crack and closed
again instantly, was life for these despairing men. Behind
this house, there were streets, possible flight, space. They set
to knocking at that door with the butts of their guns, and
with kicks, shouting, calling, entreating, wringing their
hands. No one opened. From the little window on the third
floor, the head of the dead man gazed down upon them.
But Enjolras and Marius, and the seven or eight rallied
about them, sprang forward and protected them. Enjolras
had shouted to the soldiers: ‘Don’t advance!’ and as an of-
ficer had not obeyed, Enjolras had killed the officer. He was
now in the little inner court of the redoubt, with his back
planted against the Corinthe building, a sword in one hand,
a rifle in the other, holding open the door of the wine-shop
which he barred against assailants. He shouted to the des-
perate men:—‘There is but one door open; this one.’— And
shielding them with his body, and facing an entire battalion
alone, he made them pass in behind him. All precipitated
themselves thither. Enjolras, executing with his rifle, which

2096 Les Miserables