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Suddenly a murmur arose outside the door, and many voices shouted

in unison, "Long live Cock-on-the-Steeple!" A throng pushed into

the hall, with Maciej at their head. The Judge led the guest by

the hand to the table and gave him a high seat among the leaders,

saying:-

"Pan Maciej, unkind neighbour, you come very late, when dinner is

almost over."

"I eat early," replied Dobrzynski; "I did not come here for food,

but only because I was overpowered by curiosity to see close at

hand our national army. Of this much might be said; it is neither

fish, flesh, nor fowl. These gentlemen caught sight of me and

brought me here by force; and you, sir, are compelling me to seat

myself at your table-I thank you, neighbour."

With these words he turned his plate bottom upwards, as a sign

that he would not eat, and relapsed into glum silence.