After the riotous proceedings at the Mansion House there was a short respite; but when the Leaguers next loomed prominently into public notice, it was obvious that, instead of being more or less of a disordered rabble, their ranks partook of the character of an organised force. Fearful of public disturbance on a more extensive scale, the Government now arranged for a postponement of the trial of the Hyde Park incendiaries. A public application was made at the Central Criminal Court and granted as a matter of course. As soon as this was known, the Leaguers showed their hand. Five thousand strong, they marched to Whitehall and peremptorily demanded an interview with the Home Secretary. That timid functionary was, or was said to be, absent from the building, and a more courageous official--an under-secretary--was put forward to receive a deputation from the serried ranks that filled the thoroughfare. Never since an unhappy king stepped forth from Whitehall Palace, to meet, in the face of an awed and awful multitude, the death to which he was condemned by regicides, had the great street of England’s Government witnessed so convincing a manifestation of popular power. The demand of the deputation was plain and unmistakable. The prisoners awaiting trial must be released. A like claim was made on behalf of those who were still in custody on various charges arising out of the riot at the Mansion House. The under-secretary, with carefully prepared notes in his hand, did his best to temporize. He was wordy but indefinite. It was not in his power to interfere with the course of justice. If a case for special intervention could be made out in writing it should be duly considered. The clemency of his Majesty the King could only be exercised in a constitutional manner on the advice of the Home Secretary. The Home Secretary, in a matter of such grave import, would have to consult the whole body of Cabinet ministers, but Ministers were out of town. Meanwhile, if he could tender advice, he would strongly urge the deputation to use all possible influence in the interests of peace and quietness---- “Are you going to set ’em free?” roughly interposed a shoemaker named Raggett, one of the spokesmen--the same who had been seen on the roof near the Mansion House. “I?--impossible!” stammered the under-secretary. Raggett turned his back contemptuously upon the Government official, and held a whispered colloquy with the other members of the deputation. He was extraordinary, alike in his physical deformity and in intellect. He nourished, it was said, the bitterest hate against the State, for having confined him, improperly as he alleged, in a lunatic asylum.