In the midst of the outcry that rose from those present, Father Rasle stood fixed and silent. Perhaps he was startled at the sudden and unexpected announcement; perhaps his color had changed; but there was no other sign of excitement. He calmly questioned the man, and learned that a mob of fifty or more masked men were rapidly approaching the house.
“And they will kill you, father,” the messenger concluded. “They don’t put on masks and come at night to break windows. They can do that in broad daylight. For God’s sake, save yourself!”
“They shall take me where I am,” the priest said firmly. “It is the will of God. I will not resist, and I have nowhere to fly to.”
“Here is hot water. Put on more!” cried one of the women. We’ll scald them!” And instantly they took the boiling tea-kettle from the fire, and put cold water to heat.
“Run over to the lane, and rouse the people!” cried another. “They’ll kill everybody in the town in your defence, father, if you say the word.”
“My children, I command you to use no violence, and make no resistance,” the priest said with authority. “If the people rise, it will be to their own destruction. Pray! It is all that you can do.”
They fell on their knees, weeping loudly as they heard the muffled tramp of many feet outside. But one said, “The cellar! the cellar!”
and Mr. Kent, catching the priest’s arm, almost forced him toward the cellar-door. It was a pitiful hiding-place; but Father Rasle had no time for any thought except that, if there were a chance of escape, it was his duty to take advantage of it.
Scarcely had he disappeared, before the outer door was thrust open, and the room was filled with men wearing crape masks. They came in silently and swiftly, and as swiftly their companions outside surrounded the house, and stationed themselves at each window to bar all egress.
It was not in the hearts of these poor people to utter no word of reproach to the perpetrators of such an outrage, even though the priest had commanded their silence. Mrs. Kent pointed to one man after another, calling him by name. “I know you under your mask!” she cried. “And the Almighty would find you if I didn’t.”