"My men," began Eric, "let the stones alone. Do you know the great word,—'He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone!' Has not every one of you done something that-—-"
"We've never sold men! Oh! the ogre!" they cried from below.
Eric could say no more. At this juncture Manna appeared, holding a branched candlestick with two lighted candles. A cry of astonishment went through the crowd; then all was still for a second, all eyes being rivetted on the girl as she stood there, pale, with sparkling eyes and dishevelled hair.
Roland, placing himself beside Eric, called out in a voice which resounded far and wide,—
"Stone us! Tear us in pieces! Come on; we are unarmed!"
"We don't want to hurt the children!"
"But the man-seller must begone!"
"Yes, he must clear out!"
"Be off!"
Again the tumult seemed increasing, the rioters pushing one another forward. All at once they recoiled, even those upon the steps shrinking back. Beneath the great door-way a white-robed form appeared, and her hair was gray.