Bastille Day occurred on July 14, 1790. T.S.P. takes place two years later, when the Reign of Terror in France is in full swing. Day after day, tumbrels cart captured and imprisoned aristocrats to the guillotine as the bloodthirsty mob jeers and cheers. But amid all this slaughter, the revolutionaries are enraged to discover that some of their noble victims are being rescued from death. They are being whisked away by a bold band of Englishmen, who employ disguises and daring plans to confound and confuse Robespierre's men.
By this time, Marguerite, Andrew and the other men have crossed the channel and arrived at the Lion D'Or. They leave Marguerite there while they go in search of Percy and the others to warn them. Unfortunately, while they're gone, Chauvelin arrives. The innkeeper- in league with the Pimpernel- hides her in the attic, where she uses a candle to give the signal of danger to Percy. Unfortunately, Chauvelin has his men arrest the innkeeper, who admits all, including what the signals for safety and danger are. Chauvelin enters the attic and takes the candle from Marguerite, giving the signal for all clear. As he hands Marguerite over to his men to keep in custody, he is told that a detachment of soldiers is on the way. Chauvelin gives orders that, when they arrive, they are to form a firing squad for the Pimpernel. He also orders his men to surround the inn, staying in hiding, while he sits within to await the arrival of the Scarlet Pimpernel.