There are in Germany thousands--perhaps tens of thousands--of unhappy creatures whose minds are more or less unhinged, though their inexperienced surroundings do not know it.

Some exceptional event will suddenly put the entire population in a state of ferment, the imagination of the already morbidly inclined will be particularly strongly affected thereby; they picture the occurrence to themselves till it takes hold of them, and drives out every other thought from their minds, becomes a nightmare, a possession, and finally an irresistible impulse to do the same.

After every event of the kind, you hear that a whole number of people have gone mad, and that their insanity is somehow connected with it.

No such thing.

They were mad before, and the insanity which had lain dormant in them only waited for a chance shock to give it definite form and character." They had reached Schrotter's door by this time, and were on the point of entering, when a policeman stepped up to them, and touching Wilhelm's arm, said: "Gentlemen, you will have to come with me." "Why, what do you mean ?" they exclaimed, very much taken aback.
"Better make no fuss, but come quietly with me," answered the policeman, "This gentleman accuses you of making insulting remarks against his majesty." Only now did they become aware of a man standing behind the policeman and glaring at them in fury.
"Are you mad ?" Schrotter burst out angrily.