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The sun had rolled far down from its mid-day position when the people, at the close of the meeting, were returning to their homes in the village and hamlets. Without the usual accompaniment of joyous songs and shouts, but gravely and quietly, walked the young and old alike, their thoughts filled with foreboding. What would the following days bring them?
The envoys from environing communities, inspired and encouraged, went their ways also. Only the town banner, symbol of the solidarity and concord of the populace, waved high and joyously in the breeze, the clear, pale blue of the spring sky shining with glory above it, as if it did not see the fears and tribulations of those bound to the earth.
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