"She will take the bull by the horns," said Toney.
"She is in great danger," said Moses.
"It is the Blessed Virgin,—you may behold a miracle," said the Professor.
"Is she alive?" asked Moses.
"She does not move," said Wiggins.
"She stands stoutly on her feet," said Toney.
"Look yonder!" exclaimed Tom Seddon, as a gate flew open, and in came, with a bound and a bellow, a huge black bull, with his eyes fiercely glaring, as if he were smarting under some recent insult and expected other indignities to be offered. But beholding the image, he moved towards it, bowing his head and scraping his foot.
"He seems disposed to be very polite in the presence of a lady," said Toney.
"He is making a very profound obeisance," said Tom.
"Only in mockery," said the Professor as the bull rushed forward, and, thrusting his horns through the robes of the Holy Mary, lifted her from the earth. But hardly had he touched her sacred person when a succession of loud reports ensued, such as are heard when idle urchins have fastened their fire-works behind the flanks of some venerable parent of puppies.