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Show 119 Long before mass was to begin the next morning, everyone in Hamelin gathered in front of the church, arguing and debating. Everyone except Gast, who was nowhere to be seen. "The children are no better," people shouted back and forth. "They still do not sleep and they are worn to shadows. Yet their suffering was less when they danced. So let them dance again." "It is Sabbath." "What does it matter?" The tumult was so loud that it brought forth Father Johann, dressed in his alb and stole. "There will be no heathenish dancing or singing in Hamelin on the Lord's day," he declared from the steps of the church. "But they felt better when they danced," the townsfolk protested. "Not on the Sabbath." "If our children are sick from demons, they why don't you exorcize them?" someone demanded from the crowd, and others cried, "Yes, yes, let him exorcize them." "I am not ordained as an exorcist," Father Johann answered, looking as if he might weep. "I cannot perform the office of exorcist if...if... I have not been ordained to it." "Then let them dance!" "Yes, let the children dance," the people shouted. "Call Gast!" "Bring them into God's house," Father Johann pleaded, holding out his trembling hands in supplication. "I can say some prayers...." "No! Call Gast. Where is Gast?" |