Left alone with Marian a moment, Merwyn said, “You cannot know how your words have changed everything for me.”

“I fear the spirit of the rioters is unchanged, and that you are about to incur fearful risks.”

“I shall meet them cheerfully, for I have been under a thick cloud too long not to exult in a little light at last.”

“Ready?” said Mr. Vosburgh.

Again Merwyn took her hand and looked at her earnestly as he said, “Good-by, Heaven bless you, whatever happens to me;” and he wondered at the tears that came into her eyes.

Making their way through streets which were now becoming thronged, Mr. Vosburgh and Merwyn reached police headquarters without detention.  They found matters there vastly changed for the better:  the whole police force well in hand; and General Harvey Brown, a most capable officer, in command of several hundred soldiers.  Moreover, citizens, in response to a call from the mayor, were being enrolled in large numbers as special policemen.  Merwyn was welcomed by his old companions under the command of Inspector Carpenter, and provided with a badge which would indicate that he now belonged to the police force.

Telegrams were pouring in announcing trouble in different sections.  Troops were drawn up in line on Mulberry Street, ready for instant action, and were harangued by their officers in earnest words which were heeded and obeyed, for the soldiers vied with the police in courage and discipline.

Soon after his arrival Merwyn found himself marching with a force of policemen two hundred and fifty strong, led by Carpenter and followed by a company of the military.  The most threatening gatherings were reported to be in Second and Third Avenues.

The former thoroughfare, when entered, was seen to be filled as far as the eye could reach, the number of the throng being estimated at not less than ten thousand.  At first this host was comparatively quiet, apparently having no definite purpose or recognized leaders.  Curiosity accounted for the presence of many, the hope of plunder for that of more; but there were hundreds of ferocious-looking men who thirsted for blood and lawless power.  A Catholic priest, to his honor be it said, had addressed the crowd and pleaded for peace and order; but his words, although listened to respectfully, were soon forgotten.  What this section of the mob, which was now mustering in a score of localities, would have done first it is impossible to say; for as it began to be agitated with passion, ready to precipitate its brutal force on any object that caught its attention, the cry, “Cops and soldiers coming,” echoed up the avenue from block to block, a long, hoarse wave of sound.

Carpenter, with his force, marched quietly through the crowd from 21st to 32d Street, paying no heed to the hootings, yells, and vile epithets that were hurled from every side.  Dirty, ragged women, with dishevelled hair and bloated faces, far exceeded the men in the use of Billingsgate; and the guardians of the law, as they passed through those long lines of demoniacal visages, scowling with hate, and heard their sulphurous invectives, saw what would be their fate if overpowered.  It was a conflict having all the horrors of Indian warfare, as poor Colonel O’Brien, tortured to death through the long hot afternoon of that same day, learned in agony.