Chapter 14—Clearing For Action
Although the danger was no longer imminent, it was serious. Max communicated to Dr. Sarrasin and his friends all that he knew of Herr Schultz’s preparations, and described his engines of destruction. On the next day the Council of Defence, in which he took a principal part, occupied itself with discussing a plan of resistance, and preparing to put it into execution. In all this Max was well seconded by Otto, whom he found altered in character, and much improved.
No one knew the details of the resolutions passed. The general principles alone were regularly communicated to the press. It was not difficult to trace in them the practical hand of Max.
“In preparing for defense,” said the townsfolk, “the great thing is to know the strength of the enemy, and adapt
