Page 371 of 1118

This was a long scaling ladder, supported by a few persons who

were endeavouring to penetrate the living mass, and by which they

meant to gain entrance to the house. But, happily, this was not

easy of execution; the length of the machine precluded the

possibility of its being carried easily through such a multitude;

it came, however, just in time for Renzo, who profited by the

confusion, and escaped to a distance, with the intention of

making his way, as soon as he could, to the convent, in search of

Father Bonaventura.

Suddenly a new movement began at one extremity, and diffused

itself through the crowd:-"Ferrer, Ferrer!" resounded from every

side. Some were surprised, some rejoiced, some were exasperated,

some applauded, some affirmed, some denied, some blessed, some

cursed!