e excitement is of so unusual a
character that it claims attention. You will have to accompany us,
Louise."

"I shall do so with pleasure. When sound popular sentiment thus
proclaims itself, I cannot but feel a strong desire to be present."

The procession had turned the corner of a street where stood Holt and
two more countrymen looking on. The religious sentiment of these honest
men was deeply wounded by the profanation of the cross; and when,
besides, they heard the singing of the mock litany, their anger
kindled, their eyes gleamed, and they mingled fierce maledictions with
the tumult of the mob. Next appeared the mock pope, dispensing
blessings with his right hand, reaching straw to the donkey with his
left, and distorting his painted face into all sorts of farcical
grimaces.

The peasants at once caught the significance of this burlesque. Their
countenances glowed with indignation. Avenging spirits took possession
of Mechtild's father; his strong, stalwart frame seemed suddenly to
have become herculean. His fist of iron doubled itself; there was
lightning in his eyes; like an infuriated lion, he burst into the
crowd, broke the line of the procession, and, directing a tremendous
blow at the head of the mock pope, precipitated him from the car. The
paper cap flew far away under the feet of the bystanders, and the false
beard got into the donkey's mouth. When the mock pope was down. Holt's
comrades immediately set upon him, and tore the many-colored rag from
his shoulders. Then commenced a great tumult. A host of furious
progressionists surrounded the sturdy countrymen, brandishing their
fists and filling the air with mad imprecations.

"Kill the dogs! Down with the accursed ultramontanes!"

Some of the policemen hurried up to prevent bloodshed. Mr. Seicht also
hurried to the scene of action, and his shrill voice could be heard
high above the noise and confusion.

"Gentlemen, I implore you, let the law have its course, gentlemen!"
cried he. "Gentlemen, friends, do not, I beg you, violate the law!
Trust me, fellow-citizens--I shall see that the impertinence of these
ultramontanes is duly punished."

They understood his meaning. Sticks and fists were immediately lowered.

"Brigadier Forchhaem," cried Mr. Seicht, in a tone of
command--"Forchhaem, hither! Put handcuffs on these ultramontanes,
these disturbers of the peace--put irons on these revolutionists."

Handcuffs were forthwith produced by the policemen.