The Town House.
“The troops to their barracks! to their barracks!”
“I cannot do it; I have no authority.”
“Arrest Preston! Hang the villains! To the barracks!” shouted the angry multitude.
“I will consult with the officers,” said Hutchinson.
He went into the council chamber. Louder the outcry of the indignant people. The troops were as they had been, drawn up in two lines, the front rank kneeling, ready to fire upon the gathering multitude. Robert felt that it was a critical moment. If the troops were to fire into the surging throng, the gutters would run with blood.
“The troops to their barracks! Away with them!” the cry.