"Well, then," said the major, more annoyed than angry, "you will all go to the devil."
With these words he turned his horse and galloped back to his men.
Oldenburg was glad when the conversation was at an end. His quick eye had showed him that the kindly words of the major had not failed to make an impression on the crowd, and that more than one looked undecided and doubtful. In a mass of people enthusiasm effervesces quickly. He turned round and said:
"If there is one among you who had rather live for country and liberty than die for them, he had better say so now. It is time yet!"
The men stood motionless and silent. Many a heart no doubt beat painfully, but every one felt that the die was cast, and that it would be disgraceful treason to turn back now.
The drums beat on the opposite side, and the terrible summons drove every hesitation out of their hearts.
Oldenburg cried, with a voice which drowned the rattling of the drums like loud trumpet-sound: "Every man to his post! Not a shot before I give the sign! Not a stone must move!"
Oldenburg remained standing on the top of the barricade and saw the column approaching at quick-step; in the centre the drummers, and the major, who commanded with his sepulchral voice,
"Battalion! Halt! Aim! Fire!"
The flash came; the balls hailed upon the barricade and the walls of the houses.