Century Chronicles

Calendar Confusion

Falcheux shoved the prisoner.

"Come on, you villain," he growled, "up on the platform!"

It didn't matter whether they were innocent, there were no trials. These condemned men were murderers and scoundrels, twisting the ideals of freedom. 

Mercier stood on the platform, announcing an end to the terror.

"Let it be known," he said, "that this date marks a new dawn. A republic for all men. History shall long record the date, 9 Humidor, as the day France became free!"

He expected a hearty cheer from the crowd, but got confused silence.

"Ahem," Falcheux said. "It's Augus...er, Thermidor."

"Really? What a stupid name for a month."