Dorothy's mother covered with confusion because she had so far forgotten herself as to make explanations thus publicly.
"We must see that part of the celebration!" and Mistress Lamb appeared quite as eager as the wildest lad in the throng. She pressed forward without regard to the injury that might be done Sarah's garments, and the latter, clutching her friend by the hand, pulled Dorothy after her.
How it was accomplished neither the ladies nor the children could have told; but certain it is that within ten minutes after the cause of the sudden commotion had been explained, the two girls and their mothers were where it was possible to see all that was being done.
The leaden statue of the king stood on the Green as the children had seen it many, many times before; but now there were long ropes attached to the head, and men, soldiers and boys were making ready for a trial of strength.
"They are really going to pull it down!" Mistress Dean said in a whisper, as if to her mind the act of renouncing allegiance to England was as nothing compared with the disrespect which, was thus being shown the effigy of a king.
"It almost frightens me," Dorothy whispered to Sarah, and the latter, clasping her friend's hand yet more firmly, replied:
"It is terrible! Only think of what my lord
