But a shout arose: "The cable! the cable! Don't fight; bring a cable!"
Some of the spectators hurried off, bustled into one house after another, and at last, finding what they wanted, came running back with a large rope.
Then the lookers-on took up their stand in front of the houses, leaving a free space for those who were to struggle. The latter seized the rope in both hands, there being fifteen on each side, and began to pull with all their might and main. The rope stretched and shook, then held firm.
"Courage! Hold tight! Don't let go!" was the cry on every side.
However, after struggling long against fatigue, one of the parties suddenly let go the rope. The victors fell all together in a heap, with their legs in the air, amidst the shouts and laughter of the mob, who ran to their rescue. They were helped to their feet, and a reconciliation was signed and sealed by copious draughts of saki.
The inn was thronged, and the maids were beside themselves with such an overflow of custom.
Just then an old man, leading a girl by the hand, contrived to stop a waitress as she passed, and catch her by the sleeve.
"I want to speak to the master of this establishment," he said.
"You choose your time well," said the girl, with a roar of laughter.
By a sudden movement she freed herself, and was gone before the old man could add another word.