"Ah, God help me!" cried the prisoner. "Let me out, let me out! I
must call!"

"Thou hast drunk more than thy thirst required, comrade!" said the
others. "If thou hast fallen into the chest, remain lying there,
thou swine!" And laughing they left him.

"O, the rascals!" sighed he, and worked in vain at opening the lid.
Through all his powerful exertions the box fell over. The young men
now stepped forth, and, as though they were highly astonished at
the whole history which he related to them, they let themselves be
prevailed upon to open the box, but only upon condition that he
should keep street free from the interference of the other
watchmen whilst they danced a Francaise to Wilhelm's violin.

The poor man was delivered from his captivity, and must obligingly
play the sentinel whilst they arranged them for the dance. Wilhelm
was called upon to play, and the dance commenced; a partner,
however, was wanting. Just then a quiet citizen passed by. The
gentleman who had no partner approached the citizen with comic
respect, and besought him to take part in the amusement.

"I never dance!" said the man, laughing, and wished to pursue his
way.

"Yes," replied the cavalier, "yet you must still do me this
pleasure, or else I shall have no dance." Saying this he took hold
of him by the waist and the dance commenced, whether the good man
would or no.