The murmuring of many voices, the upturning of many faces, the pressing on of many in the outskirts of the crowd, all in anticipation of the guillotine's next victim. The sound of the blade being cranked into position was interrupted, momentarily, by an up rise from the group. A cloud of dust began to appear in the street.
"It's the wagon bringing more prisoners!" shouted a man.
The mob roared with anticipation for the next arrival from the Bastille. But as the wagon neared, it sped up, going faster and faster heading for the crowd.
"Those are not prisoners," cried the Vengeance, "it is the girl and her father!"
The incoming object was on pace to crash through the guillotine, and then through the crowd. The attention of every revolutionary, the executioner, and even the Vengeance was glued to the wagon, trying to predict its next move. But Carton was aloof from the group. He climbed the steps leading to the guillotine and positioned himself on the edge of the platform. As the wagon neared, shouts emerged from the crowd. They were sent into chaos. Men and women ran from the area, children hid behind buildings, and the knitters fled from their needles and thread.
As the wagon sped close to the guillotine, the Vengeance screamed, "Stop running, they are coming to rescue Evermonde!"
But by this time the mob had already disbanded, and only the Vengeance was left to watch as Carton's plan unfolded. He crouched, waiting for the right moment. His muscles were tense, and a look of concentration was etched in his face. At the moment when the carriage passed by the platform, Carton leapt, arms outstretched, and grabbed hold of the wagon's side. With a sigh of relief, he pulled himself up next to Lorry, Manette, Lucy and Darnay. As if no time had gone by, he began a conversation.
"How's Sydney?"
"Carton's alright, but he seems a little nauseous." smiled Lorry.