proved a traitor to the cause of
freedom; he won his position in the name of liberty; he has used it
to destroy liberty. The voice of the people has declared him to have
forfeited his high office. The people have placed in my hand the sword
of vengeance. Armed with this mighty sanction, I have appealed to
the army. The army has proved true to its traditions--true to its
character of the protector, not the oppressor, of the people.
Gentlemen, will you who lead the army take your proper place?"

There was no reply to this moving appeal. He advanced closer to them,
and went on:

"There is no middle way. You are patriots or traitors--friends of
liberty or friends of tyranny. I stand here to offer you either a
traitor's death, or, if you will, life, honor, and the satisfaction
of all your just claims. Do you mistrust the people? I, as their
representative, here offer you every just due the people owes
you--debts which had long been paid but for the greed of that great
traitor."

As he said this he took from his men some bags of money, and threw
them on the table with a loud chink. Major DeChair glanced at the
bags, and glanced at his comrades, and said:

"In the cause of liberty God forbid we should be behind. Down with the
tyrant!"

And all the pack yelped in chorus!

"Then, gentlemen, to the head of your men," said the colonel, and
going to the window, he cried to the throng:

"Men, your noble officers are with us."

A cheer answered him. I wiped my forehead, and said to myself, "That's
well over."

I will not weary the reader with our further proceedings. Suffice it
to say we marshaled our host and marched down to the Piazza. The news
had spread by now, and in the dimly breaking morning light we saw the
Square full of people--men, women, and children. As we marched in
there was a cheer, not very hearty--a cheer propitiatory, for they did
not know what we meant to do. The colonel made them a brief speech,
promising peace, security, liberty, plenty, and all the goods of
heaven. In a few stern words he cautioned them against "treachery,"
and announced that any rebellion against the Provisional Government
would meet with swift punishment. Then he posted his army in
companies, to keep watch till all was quiet. And at last he said:

"Now, Martin, come back to the Golden House, and let's put that fellow
in a safe place."

"Yes," said I; "and have a look for the money." For really, in the
excitement, it seemed as