sping Edwin's hand. "As the windows
still remained dark, we were afraid that the beadle, who positively
declared he saw you return by the evening train, might have been
mistaken. It was known that you went away early this morning, and the
serenade which had been appointed for this evening was of course
deferred. But when you came back, there was no restraining them; all
who were to take part were hastily assembled, and now nothing will save
you; you must leave your hiding place and show yourself to the people,
although so far as speech making is concerned, we can't under present
circumstances stick to the original programme."

He then hastily told his astonished hearer, how all this had come to
pass. Notwithstanding the secrecy with which the affair was managed,
the rumor that Edwin was to be dismissed on account of his lecture
before the workmen's society and the freethinking he had never denied,
had spread itself among the pupils, who were greatly attached to him,
and through this channel had reached the citizens and workmen.
Instantly the thought occurred to them of averting the danger of losing
their dear teacher and friend, by a solemn demonstration. If the city
manifested its unanimous desire not to let Edwin go, those occupying
high places would perhaps be startled. So an address had been secretly
prepared, which was to be carried to Edwin escorted by a torchlight
procession, and followed by a supper at the citizen's club. A partial
knowledge of this had reached the ears of the principal of the school,
who in his fear of offending both parties, could think of no wiser
course than to telegraph to his superiors and beg them to adopt
moderate measures. As soon as he had received an answer conceding his
petition, he sent for the ringleaders among the pupils and told them no
one had any intention of depriving them of their teacher, only that
every thing must be avoided which would make an uproar and irritate the
ecclesiastical authorities. There must be no torchlight procession nor
any satirical addresses, either verbal or written; this was the
condition of a mutual good understanding, which no one desired more
than he, since he himself felt the highest esteem for the honored
colleague in question.

"So we were obliged to content ourselves by merely singing a few songs
to you, my dear friend," the young man concluded. "It is possible that
even this course may destroy our pastor's rest. But why does he meddle
with ou