CHAPTER XII.
TROUBLE AMONG THE TRESPASSERS.
Ralph now made his way into the thick of the crowd, curious to ascertain the source of so much disquiet and tumult as now began to manifest itself among them.

The words of peace which they had just heard seemed to have availed them but little, for every brow was blackened, and every tongue tipped with oaths and execrations.

His appearance attracted no attention, if, indeed, it were not entirely unobserved.

The topic in hand was of an interest quite too fresh and absorbing to permit of a single glance toward any other of more doubtful importance, and it was only after much delay that he was enabled at length to get the least insight into the mystery.

All were speakers, counsellors, orators--old and young, big and little, illustrious and obscure--all but the legitimate and legal counsellor Pippin, who, to the surprise of the youth, was to be seen galloping at the uttermost stretch of his horse's legs toward the quiet of his own abode.