"Halt!" a voice rung out in front of the crowding mass.
At the sound of that voice the hubbub for an instant grew still. The mob stopped short.
"Load your muskets!"
The soldiers, like a single, many-handed machine, instantly brought down their weapons to their sides with a clash, and the clatter of the loading-sticks in the barrels of the muskets was distinctly audible. Then there was another clatter, and every musket was instantly pointed.
The rioters began to look at one another, and those in front envied the position of those in the rear, who could freely use their lungs without the slightest risk.
And now the General rode along in front of the noisy mob and shouted to them in a hard, stern voice:
"What do you want? What is the matter with you? Why are you obstructing the street?"
The fellows kept elbowing each other forward, and, at last, one of them exclaimed:
"Here is Master Matthias! Let Master Matthias speak!"
"Bravo, Master Matthias!"