The peasants began to leave the staircase and flock into the body of the court-yard.
"Morte al prele straniero!" they shouted. "We will have no arrests!"
The delegate made a sign to the officer in command of the grenadiers, and immediately the three bugle-calls which the law ordains shall precede any action on the part of troops against the public resounded through the court-yard.
Moved partly by rage and partly by fear, the peasants made another rush towards the staircase. The delegate called upon the officer in command to order his men to charge. The captain hesitated.
"Signor Delegate," he said, "a little patience; it maybe that my men may be saved from having to perform a disagreeable duty."
Don Agostino went up to him. "You are right, Signor Capitano. For God's sake, let us have patience! Let me see if I can make them hear reason—ah!"
"Cristo!" swore the officer, drawing in his breath sharply.
A sudden silence had fallen on the mob, and those who were half-way up the stone staircase paused and stood still.
Then, Sor Stefano's voice rang out:
"Ecco la principessina! Evviva la nostra padrona!"