t, before the men who cheat us. Count Mannsfeld will come to-day; I
know it, and I have also learned that he will bring everything except
what is our due, what we need, what we intend to demand, what we require
for our bare feet, our ragged bodies; money, money he has not to offer!
This is so, I swear it; if not, stand forth, you parleyers, and give
me the lie! Have you inclination or courage to give the lie to
Navarrete?--You are silent!--But we will speak! We will not suffer
ourselves to be mocked and put off! What we demand is fair pay for good
work. Whoever has patience, can wait. Mine is exhausted.

"We are His Majesty's obedient servants and wish to remain so. As soon
as he keeps his bargain, he can rely upon us; but when he breaks it, we
are bound to no one but ourselves, and Santiago! we are not the weaker
party. We need money, and if His Majesty lacks ducats, a city where we
can find what we want. Money or a city, a city or money! The demand
is just, and if you elect me, I will stand by it, and not shrink if
it rouses murmuring behind me or against me. Whoever has a brave heart
under his armor, let him follow me; whoever wishes to creep after
Zorrillo, can do so. Elect me, friends, and I will get you more than we
need, with honor and fame to boot. Saint Jacob and the Madonna will aid
us. Long live the king!"

"Long live the king! Long live Navarrete! Navarrete! Hurrah for
Navarrete!" echoed loudly, impetuously from a thousand bearded lips.

Zorrillo had no opportunity to speak again. The election was made.

Ulrich was chosen Eletto.

As if on wings, he went from man to man, shaking hands with his
comrades. Power, power, the highest prize on earth, was attained, was
his! The whole throng, soldiers, tyros, women, girls and children,
crowded around him, shouting his name; whoever wore a hat or cap, tossed
it in the air, whoever had a kerchief, waved it. Drums beat, trumpets
sounded, and the gunner ordered all the field-pieces to be discharged,
for the choice pleased him.

Ulrich stood, as if intoxicated, amid the shouts, shrieks of joy,
military music, and thunder of the cannon. He raised his helmet, waved
salutations to the crowd, and strove to speak, but the uproar drowned
his words.

After the election Florette slipped quietly away; first to the empty
tent then to the sick woman who needed her care.

The Eletto had no time to think of his mother; for scarcely had he given
a solemn oath of loyalty to hi