And Devilsdust after attending a council of the Union, retired
to rest and dreamed of strong speeches and spicy resolutions,
bands and banners, the cheers of assembled thousands, and the
eventual triumph of the sacred rights.
The post of the next morning brought great and stirring news
to Mowbray. Gerard had undergone his examination at Bow
Street. It was a long and laborious one; he was committed for
trial for a seditious conspiracy, but he was held to bail.
The bail demanded was heavy; but it was prepared and instantly
proffered. His sureties were Morley and a Mr Hatton. By this
post Morley wrote to his friends, apprising them that both
Gerard and himself intended to leave London instantly, and
that they might be expected to arrive at Mowbray by the
evening train.
The monster meeting of the Moor it was instantly resolved
should be converted into a triumphant procession, or rather be
preceded by one. Messengers on horseback were sent to all the
neighbouring towns to announce the great event. Every artisan
felt as a Moslemin summoned by the sacred standard. All went
forth with their wives and their children to hail the return
of the patriot and the martyr. The Trades of Mowbray mustered
early in the morning, and in various processions took
possession of all the churches.
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