Just then a tall man pushed his way between the idlers and walked up to the captain.
"Allow me to say a word to you."
"What do you want?"
"My name is Oldenburg. I have the honor to address Count Grieben?"
The officer touched his helmet to salute. "Glad to see you again, baron, after so many years. Come in time; shall be compelled to fire upon the rabble."
"It was to prevent that that I begged leave to introduce myself. You have a simple and infallible means to induce these people to move on, and thus to prevent an irreparable calamity."
"What is that?"
"Let your men retire into the guard-house."
"What are you thinking of! to make such a concession to the rabble? Besides, it is against orders."
"Then at least call upon the people to go home."