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After this protest, which resounded like the last cannon shot on

conquered ramparts, all resistance subsided in the mansion of the

Soplicas. The hungry gentry pillaged and seized upon whatever

they could find. Sprinkler, taking his stand in the cow-shed,

sprinkled an ox and two calves on the brows, and Razor plunged

his sabre in their throats. Awl with equal diligence employed his

sword, sticking hogs and sucking pigs beneath the shoulder

blades. And now slaughter threatened the poultry-a watchful flock

of those geese that once saved Rome from the treachery of the

Gauls, in vain cackled for aid; in place of Manlius, Bucket

attacked the coop, strangled some of the birds, and tied others

alive to the girdle of his kontusz. In vain the geese called out

hoarsely, winding their necks about; in vain the ganders hissed

and nipped their assailant.