There was a chorus of ays. There was but one dissenting voice in the committee, and the owner of that was soon won over.
“Now, let’s have it unanimous,” said Fryant; “put the motion again, Brede.”
The motion was put again, and was carried with a yell.
The other students, many of whom were gathered in whispering groups, or were passing rapidly from one group to another, startled by this unusual sound, turned toward Brede and his companions to learn the cause of it. Fryant broke away from the group and started toward the middle of the floor, gesticulating wildly.
“The time has come!” he cried. “Order of the Black Star, we go to-day!—now—ready—get your caps—follow us—come on!”
For a moment there was dead silence. Every one was too astonished to speak or to move; the order to go had come with such startling suddenness. Then Brede made a dash for his cap. Others ran for theirs. There was a general movement toward the drill-hall door. Talking and shouting began again. Some one cried, “Show your stars!” and in a moment the ink-splashed paper stars were displayed outside of coats and jackets. Plumpy produced one on which he had labored zealously the night before, and which covered his entire breast.
Outside there was a moment’s halt. Brede had turned toward his rash followers, many of whom were pale and trembling with excitement, and cried tragically:
“All cowards turn back! All men and soldiers follow me!”
Then, closely surrounded by the leading spirits of rebellion, he moved rapidly across the drill-ground toward the high board fence that enclosed Riverpark on the south. The rest followed them like frightened sheep.
Some went, realizing fully the enormity of their offence. Others were carried away in the whirl of passion and excitement; and still others, reckless of results, caring nothing for either past or future, went without a thought beyond the desire to go.