The Price He Paid — page 228: what you’re looking at

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

A VACATION IN THE CAPITAL. 219 sary; and were the disturbances to break out afresh, I should do exactly as I have done.” Again there stole over the colonel’s features that look of constraint which had gradually disappeared during the course of the conversation. “'That would hardly be possible,” he remarked. “It is true that the popular excitement is greater than we at first supposed, and I told you some time ago that the government is anxious to avoid all military interference.” “It is not what the government desires, but what is necessary,” declared the baron, with the curt, abrupt speech which with him was a sure sign of great irritation. “We will hope, then, that the necessity will not recur,” said Wilten; “for I am unfortunately—I should have—in a word, I should be compelled to. re- fuse co-operation, your excellency.” Raven started, and turned a flashing glance on the speaker. “What does this mean, colonel? You know that I have unlimited authority. Ican assure you that it has been in no way restricted.” “T do not for a moment suppose it has; but my powers have been curtailed. In future lam to take my instructions from army headquarters alone.” “You have received counter-orders?” asked the baron, quickly. “Yes,” was the reply, given with some hesi- tation. “When?” “Yesterday.” “May I see the dispatch?” “T am sorry—it is of a private nature.” - Raven turned away, and went up to the window. When he looked around, after the lapse of several minutes, his face was almost livid in its pallor. “This means my hands are to be tied completely. If there is any renewal of the riots, and the police are not strong enough to suppress them, I am powerless, and the town is to be given over to the mercy of the mob.” Wilten shrugged his shoulders, Gomichboo “S (EO)