They calmly announced that they had come to
see what repairs were needed in and about the Castle and to put the
place in shape. A most regrettable incident followed. They were
chased out of town by an angry mob and serious complications with the
German Empire were likely to be the result of the outrage.
Moreover, the citizens of Graustark were openly reluctant to deposit
their state bonds as security for the unpopular loan, and there was a
lively sentiment in favour of renouncing the agreement entered into
by the cabinet.
The Prime Minister, in the absence of the Prince, called mass
meetings in all the towns and villages and emissaries of the crown
addressed the sullen crowds. They sought to clarify the atmosphere.
So eloquent were their pleadings and so sincere their promises that
no evil would befall the state, that the more enlightened of the
people began to deposit their bonds in the crown treasury. Others,
impressed by the confidence of their more prosperous neighbours,
showed signs of weakening. The situation was made clear to them.
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