this scene began to take hold of their minds. Flashing sword-blades
and muskets aimed at their breasts would not have frightened them so
much as the aspect of the calm, proud, and forbidding figure of the
minister, and the utter indifference, the feeling of perfect
security with which he took his breakfast in full view of a
seditious mob filled the rioters with serious apprehensions for the
safety of their own persons.

"I am sure a good many soldiers and policemen are hidden about the
palace," thought Mr. Wenzel, "and that is the reason why he
permitted us to enter, and why he is now so calm and unconcerned;
for as soon as we get into the dining-room, those fine-looking
footmen will lock the door behind, and the soldiers will rush out of
that other door and arrest us."

These pleasant reflections were interrupted by another terrible
glance from the minister, which caused poor Mr. Wenzel to tremble
violently.

"Now, gentlemen, if you please, come in; I have finished my
breakfast." said Thugut with perfect coolness. "I am quite ready and
anxious to hear what you wish to say to me. So, come in, come in!"

The men who stood behind Mr. Wenzel moved forward, but the tall,
herculean figure of the member of the tailors' guild resisted them
and compelled them to stand still.

"No, I beg your excellency's pardon," said Mr. Wenzel, fully
determined not to cross the fatal threshold of the dining-room, "it
would not become poor men like us to enter your excellency's dining-