John lifted his hand for silence. ``Know this: the ministers will not yield to the demands of Bern.'' His voice shook a little.

Somebody heaved a stone. For an instant John was stunned.

When he felt the side of his head, his fingers came away covered with blood. Before he could duck, another stone struck him. And another.

``let him be now!'' Pierre Ameaux, the gaming-card manufacturer said, his little pig eyes glaring. ``We have taught him a lesson.''

The crowd moved back and John started dizzily down the hill. Fists pummeled him as he staggered forward. Then he slipped and went down on his hands and knees in the melting snow. At once a bevy of dogs was snapping and snarling around him. One, more horrible than the rest, lunged, growling deep in his throat, his hair bristling. With great difficulty John clambered to his feet and started to run, sweat pouring down his face.