Great excitement followed this remark, and prevented me from going on. I was called to order, but the President decided that my remarks had not been personal. I endeavored to keep calm, and to weigh every word before uttering it. In spite of this resolution, I forgot myself, and aroused a perfect storm of anger, when I expressed my deepest convictions in the following words: "You who are seated on the other side do not believe in neutrality. Ask yourselves whether this be an honest game that you are playing. Neutrality is a hypocritical word which, translated into honest German, means willingness to aid France, a Rhenish confederation, and treason to the Fatherland!" I was called to order and was obliged to admit that I had gone a little too far. The President interrupted the debate, and inquired whether the Chamber would permit him to read a telegram which had just been received, and was of some importance in relation to the subject under consideration. "No! No!" "We are debating this among ourselves!" "Our deliberations must be free and untrammelled!" "No outside parties have a right to interfere!" cried the one side. "Yes! Yes!" "Let us have it!" "Read it to us!" cried the others, and all was confusion. The President at last restored order, and then informed us that the telegram was from the House of Parliament of the neighboring state. He desired to know whether he might read it to the assembly. He would permit no debate on the subject; those who were in favor of the reading, would simply rise. The majority arose, and Loedinger was almost trembling with emotion when he grasped my hand and said, "Brother, the day is ours!" The President read the telegram. It was to the effect that a small though decided majority of the Parliament of the next state had determined that their forces should take the field. Then followed, both on the floor and in the galleries, a few moments of terrible confusion and excitement. Order was at last restored, and the President announced that the business would now be proceeded with. I had the floor. "Make no speech--ask for a vote at once," said Loedinger, as I arose. I acted on his advice. The vote was taken; the majority was ours. Loud shouts of joy filled the air, but I felt happier than all the rest. I had been saved from a fearful danger. Annette's carriage stood in a by-street, awaiting us. We rode to our dwelling, and, when I reached there, I felt like one who, after long and weary wandering over hill and dale, can at last sit down and rest. And while I sat there, with myriad thoughts passing through my brain, I could not help thinking, "The dream of my youth has repeated itself--they only tried the mantle on me." Shortly after that, Ludwig returned home to join his wife and to look after his workmen. CHAPTER VI.