mmands of the Liberator that
labour should stop, and if necessary to enforce those commands. The
injunctions were disregarded, and when the mob in pursuance of their
further instructions began to force the great gates of the premises,
in order that they might enter the building, drive the plugs out of
the steam-boilers, and free the slaves enclosed, a masqued battery of
powerful engines was suddenly opened upon them, and the whole band of
patriots were deluged. It was impossible to resist a power which seemed
inexhaustible, and wet to the skins and amid the laughter of their
adversaries they fled. This ridiculous catastrophe had terribly excited
the ire of the Liberator. He vowed vengeance, and as, like all great
revolutionary characters and military leaders, the only foundation of
his power was constant employment for his troops and constant excitement
for the populace, he determined to place himself at the head of the
chastising force, and make a great example which should establish
his awful reputation and spread the terror of his name throughout the
district.

Field the Chartist had soon discovered who were the rising spirits of
Mowbray, and Devilsdust and Dandy Mick were both sworn on Monday morning
of the council of the Liberator, and took their seats at the board
accordingly. Devilsdust, used to public business and to the fulfilment
of responsible duties, was calm and grave, but equally ready and
determined. Mick's head on the contrary was quite turned by the
importance of his novel position. He was greatly excited, could devise
nothing and would do anything, always followed Devilsdust in council,
but when he executed their joint decrees and showed himself about the
town, he strutted like a peacock, swore at the men and winked at the
girls, and was the idol and admiration of every gaping or huzzaing
younker.

There was a large crowd assembled in the Market Place, in which were the
Liberator's lodgings, many of them armed in their rude fashion, and
all anxious to march. Devilsdust was with the great man and Field; Mick
below was marshalling the men, and swearing like a trooper at all who
disobeyed or who misunderstood.

"Come stupid," said he addressing Tummas, "what are you staring about?
Get your men in order or I'll be among you."

"Stupid!" said Tummas, staring at Mick with immense astonishment. "And
who are you who says 'Stupid?' A white-livered Handloom as I dare say,
or a son of a gun of a factory slav