But this movement did not impair the industry of the _regulators_.

A voice was heard proposing a bonfire of the merchandise, and no second suggestion was necessary.

All hands but those of the pedler and the attorney were employed in building the pyre in front of the tavern some thirty yards; and here, in choice confusion, lay flaming calicoes, illegitimate silks, worsted hose, wooden clocks and nutmegs, maple-wood seeds of all descriptions, plaid cloaks, scents, and spices, jumbled up in ludicrous variety.

A dozen hands busied themselves in applying the torch to the devoted mass--howling over it, at every successive burst of flame that went up into the dark atmosphere, a savage yell of triumph that tallied well with the proceeding.
"Hurrah!" The scene was one of indescribable confusion.

The rioters danced about the blaze like so many frenzied demons.