ey accomplished much in a single instant, for in one
breath they hurled so many words and insults that they exhausted the usual
three-fourths of a dispute--taunts, anger, and challenge--and were already
getting ready to use their fists.

So all rushed towards them from the other room, and, pouring through the
doorway like a swift wave, carried away the young couple who were standing
on the threshold like Janus, the two-headed god.

Before Thaddeus and Telimena could smooth the hair on their heads, the
threatening shouts had died away; a murmur mixed with laughter was
spreading through the throng, a truce had come to the brawl; the Monk had
appeased it--an old man, but strong and with very broad shoulders. Just as
the Assessor had run up to the Jurist, and when the combatants were
already making threatening gestures at each other, he suddenly seized them
both by the collar from behind, and twice knocking their two heads
violently together like Easter eggs, he spread out his arms like a
signpost, and tossed them at the same moment into opposite corners of the
room; for a moment he stood still with outstretched arms, and cried,
"_Pax, pax, pax vobiscum_; peace be with you!"

Both factions were amazed and even began to laugh. Because of the respect
due to a cleric they did not dare to revile the Monk, and after such a
test no one had any desire to start a quarrel with him. And Father Robak
soon calmed the assembly; it was evident that he had not sought any
triumph; he did not further threaten the two brawlers or scold them; he
only adjusted his cowl, and, tucking his hands into his belt, quietly left
the room.

Meanwhile the Chamberlain and the Judge had taken a stand between the two
factions. The Seneschal, as if aroused from deep thought, stepped into
their midst and ran his fiery eye over the assembly; wherever he still
heard a murmur, there he waved soothingly his leather flapper, as a priest
his sprinkler; finally, raising impressively the handle of it on high,
like a marshal's staff, he imposed silence.

"Hold your peace!" he repeated, "and bear in mind, you who are the
foremost hunters in the district, what will come of a scandalous brawl.
Are you aware? These young men, in whom is the hope of our country, who
are to bring fame to our groves and forests, who, alas! even now neglect
the chase, may receive thereby a new impulse to despise it, if they see
that those who should give examples to others, bring back fro