The Price He Paid — page 159: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

150 THE ICE BEGINS TO THAW. The burgomaster came up to me himself to demand the release of the prisoners, ‘in the name of justice.’ I was obliged to make known to that gentleman that my patience is at length exhausted, and that I shall now proceed with more vigor than I have hitherto cared to display.” In spite of their ironical inflection, his words betrayed deep irritation and annoyance. Wilten, too, had grown serious. “The ferment has been going on for months,” he observed. “If the outbreak, which is always threatening, has been avoided so far, we owe it to the tact and discretion of the police authorities—of the superintendent, in particular.” “He and his officials will be powerless soon in face of this growing agitation. The superintendent is too fond of half-measures for me to put my trust in him. You are the commandant of the garrison, and there is no saying how soon strong arguments may be needed.” “Your excellency would do well to avoid any violent measures,” said the colonel, impressively. “Once taken, they cannot be retracted, and you know my dispatches——” “Instruct you to place the troops of the garrison at my disposal.” “No; they only instruct me to lend you assistance in case of extreme necessity,” replied the colonel, a little irritated at the other’s imperious tone; “and at army headquarters it is earnestly desired that such a necessity may be avoided. It is really rather difficult to draw a line, to say where your responsi- bility ends and mine begins. I should hesitate to interfere in this early stage of affairs.” “That is natural,” said Raven, curtly. “You are © a soldier, and accustomed to submit to discipline. My position has always permitted me to retain my freedom of action and independence, Nevertheless you may rest assured that I shall do all in my power to save you from any such dilemma.” “Let us hope that it will not come to the worst,” struck in the colonel, who had no desire to excite the other’s anger. . Eomichooks.co