.

.

a catastrophe more frightful to them than the slaughters of battles.

But they applauded with nods and grunts all of Erckmann's ferocious demonstrations.

He was a Herr Rath, and an officer besides.
He must be in the secrets of the destiny of his country, and that was enough to make them drink silently to the success of the war.
Julio thought that the Counsellor and his admirers must be drunk.