kept it in check with the same success and with the same
firmness.

It was not long before the Count heard the increasing din of
the approaching multitude, the first ranks of which rushed
on with the rapidity of a cataract.

At the same time he observed the paper, which was waving
above the surface of clenched fists and glittering arms.

"Halloa!" he said, rising in his stirrups, and touching his
lieutenant with the knob of his sword; "I really believe
those rascals have got the order."

"Dastardly ruffians they are," cried the lieutenant.

It was indeed the order, which the burgher guard received
with a roar of triumph. They immediately sallied forth, with
lowered arms and fierce shouts, to meet Count Tilly's
dragoons.

But the Count was not the man to allow them to approach
within an inconvenient distance.

"Stop!" he cried, "stop, and keep off from my horse, or I
shall give the word of command to advance."

"Here is the order!" a hundred insolent voices answered at
once.