One cry of rapture burst from the lips of all who stood around the commander; the warder grasped his speaking-trumpet, and cried out to the crowd below, "The signal is answered!"
The sound was caught up by the eager multitude, the blessed tidings were borne from street to street, and the people with one accord knelt down and thanked God. Noble and simple, aged and young, all hastened to St. Stephen's. Men clasped hands; and strangers that had never met before, embraced one another like friends and kinsmen. Hope had softened all hearts, joy's electric touch had made a thousand interests one: men were no longer segregate, their lives were blended into one great emotion.
Count von Starhemberg was so overcome, that for some moments his tongue refused him utterance. When he spoke, his voice, so accustomed to command, trembled and grew soft—soft and gentle as that of a young maiden.
"Will some one fetch me pen and paper?" said he. And when a portfolio was brought for him to write upon, he could scarcely command his hand while it traced these few words:
"Lose no time; in Heaven's name, be quick, or we are lost!"
"Who will venture to swim across the Danube, and deliver this paper to the Duke of Lorraine?" added he.
Three young men volunteered at once. Count von Starhemberg chose the one that seemed the strongest, and gave it to him.
"Promise me that you will deliver it or die!"
"I promise," was the reply of the young man, who, without tarrying another moment, sprang down the steps and disappeared.
In a few hours, another rocket from the mountain-top announced the safe arrival of the messenger, and promised speedy relief.