Invectives of no measured sort fell on the mayor in torrents. Not
only did society in general take offence, but a variety of persons
in authority, particularly ecclesiastical dignitaries, began to talk
of interfering. Schwabe was haunted by the idea of the 'clearing
out,' which was now close at hand. That dismal hole in the corner
of the churchyard once closed and the turf laid down, the dust of
Schiller would be lost for ever. He determined to proceed. His
position of Burgermeister put the means in his power, and this time
he was resolved to keep his secret. To find the skull was now his
utmost hope, but for that he would make a final struggle. The keys
were still in the hands of Bielke the sexton, who, of course, was
under his control. He sent for him, bound him over to silence, and
ordered him to be at the churchyard at midnight on the 19th of
March. In like manner, he summoned three day-labourers whom he
pledged to secrecy, and engaged to meet him at the same place and at
the same hour, but singly and without lanterns. Attention should
not be attracted if he could help it.
"When the night came, he himself, with a trusty servant, proceeded
to the entrance of the Kassengewolbe. The four men were already
there. In darkness they all entered, raised the trap-door, adjusted
the ladder, and descended to the abode of the dead.
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