Page:Weird Tales volume 38 number 03 CAN.djvu/59

, "don't you think it important that you tell us what you saw? This, after all, primarily is a medical matter if it concerns the health of the people."

Several students voiced agreement, but annoyance crossed the aged teacher's face.

"You think your judgment is sounder than mine? Is that what you are saying?"

Hynek quavered with embarrassment. "I beg your pardon. But I was hopeful I might throw some light on this problem. You see I have connections in Dresden and have spent a good deal of time there. As you suggest, there is a source of influence there that could be connected to this terror."

"In that case," replied Planquette, "might the name Zcerneboh of the Wends mean something to you?"

Hynek looked startled. He hesitated. "That's it! You know, then!" he said tensely. Turning to his student mates: "This evil disease can be exterminated I am sure. If the doctor thinks so too, I for one shall volunteer to cooperate in whatever manner he deems best."

HRISTIAN arose again: "I know something of what a terror this epidemic can create," he said, "though what I saw in Aix-la-Chapelle last St. John's Eve was before it had advanced to this state. I too would cooperate."

The others arose as a body.

So it was that only two months after he had left Aix-la-Chapelle, Christian was on his way back to Germany. But now he was one of a band. Dr. Planquette and seven students were on their way, mounted knights from a court of learning, pledged to destroy the Dancing Mania at its source.

Through the influence of Planquette the University secretly had underwritten the expedition and provided the steeds. Planquette had discussed his plans but meagerly, asking only for confidence in the preliminary stages of the mission. He left his students with no doubt, however, as to whether he knew what he was doing. He provided them with pellets which he compounded in secret, with instructions that they were to be taken only if symptoms of the mania were certain.

Through St. Denis and Soissons their journey was uneventful, but at Reims they encountered the first spectacle of Mad Dancers.

The streets were crowded with men and women of all ranks and ages dancing in a wild and frantic manner. Most seemed to have lost complete control of themselves. Some frothing at the mouth had dropped to the street. Others were dashing their heads against walls and buildings—killing themselves. Here and there were stomachs (mostly of women) repulsively extended, and the desperate souls were trying hysterically to bind their midriffs tight with long strips of cloth. The students discovered later that the victims had brought the swathing with them in expectation of the need. Some groups formed circles. A few stood about by themselves looking heavenward, wildeyed, describing with extravagance the visions they beheld.

Before a church the travelers saw a party of priests conducting the rite of exorcism. But a band of the delirious