第341页 / 共788页

"Catch him!" they cried again; the triumph was not long: for over

the heads of the throng the Warden appeared unexpectedly in the

gallery, by the old organ, and with a crash began to tear out the

leaden pipes; he would have worked great havoc by his blows from

above. But the guests were already leaving the hall in a throng;

the terrified servants did not dare to hold their ground, but,

seizing some of the platters, ran out after their masters; they

left behind even the plates and a part of the service.

Who last, caring not for the threats and blows, retired from the

scene of battle? Protazy Brzechalski. He, standing unmoved behind

the Judge's chair, in his apparitor's voice recited his

notification until he had reached the very end; then he abandoned

the empty battlefield, where remained corpses, wounded, and

ruins.