A howl of execration from the mob followed the Abbé Roux's speech, and sticks and stones were hurled at the window at which he was standing.
The delegate looked from the abbé to Don Agostino and Silvio Rossano, who was standing by his side, in some perplexity.
"Your names, signori," he said, curtly.
"Agostino Lelli, parroco of Montefiano."
"Silvio Rossano, son of the Senator Rossano."
"Evviva! Evviva il fidanzato della nostra principessina!" shouted the crowd.
The official looked up to the window again.
"There is surely some mistake—" he began.
"I tell you, Signor Delegate, that there is no mistake," shouted the Abbé Roux. "Is this a time to waste words, when in a moment the mob will be inside the castle?"
The delegate shrugged his shoulders. Then he turned to Don Agostino and Silvio. "Signori," he said, courteously, "I must ask you to consider yourselves under arrest pending further inquiries. Have the kindness to place yourselves behind the troops!"