It, too, won through the thunder of the hand-claps, and on the second the sound ceased.

The sudden stillness, together with the darkness, was so impressive that we could almost hear our hearts beating.

And then came through the darkness the most beautiful and impressive sound heard yet.

That mighty concourse, without fugleman of any sort, began, in low, fervent voice, to sing the National Anthem.

At first it was of so low tone as to convey the idea of a mighty assembly of violinists playing with the mutes on.