It was the sight of one who was after all the most popular
leader of the people that had ever figured in these parts,
whose eloquence charmed and commanded, whose disinterestedness
was acknowledged, whose sufferings had created sympathy, whose
courage, manly bearing, and famous feats of strength were a
source to them of pride. There was not a Mowbray man whose
heart did not throb with emotion, and whose memory did not
recall the orations from the Druid's altar and the famous
meetings on the moor. "Gerard for ever" was the universal
shout.
The Bishop who liked no one to be cheered except himself, like
many great men, was much disgusted, a little perplexed. "What
does all this mean?" he whispered to Field. "I came here to
burn down the place."
"Wait awhile," said Field, "we must humour the Mowbray men a
bit. This is their favourite leader, at least was in old
days. I know him well; he is a bold and honest man."
"Is this the man who ducked my people?" asked the Bishop
fiercely.
"Hush!" said Field; "he is going to speak."
"My friends," said Gerard, "for if we are not friends who
should be? (loud cheers and cries of "Very true"), if you
come hear to learn whether the Mowedale works are stopped, I
give you my word there is not a machine or man that stirs here
at this moment (great cheering).
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