"Should we, then, be ashamed of our part?" said Jacob sadly.
Kruder, who had left the room, entered, pale and agitated.
"What is it?" asked Bartold.
"While you have been so quiet here there has been a massacre. The military have surprised a political meeting, and it is said that many were killed and wounded."
"Let us go!" cried Jacob. "Let us go where the blood flows, and where victims are demanded. We should be found there;" and he seized his hat, but Bartold withheld him.
"Wait," said he; "this is but the prologue of the drama. It is evident that we should not hold ourselves aloof, there I agree with you; but we must not act in an imprudent manner. The thing is probably over for to-day. I propose that we consult together as to what is best to do."
"Where, where?" came from all sides.
"At Mann's. We can do nothing without him."
"When?"
"To-morrow morning."