The Rev. most heartily approved.
"Supposing there was trouble, Major," persisted the politician, "in confidence—as our friend said, we're all reliable fellows here—just how would you handle it?"
Again his guests looked intently at the Superintendent. But Molyneux searched Hector's face in vain for the sign he sought.
"I'd appeal to reason first; then, if necessary, to force. In employing force, I'd rely exclusively on my own men. I wouldn't use any other weapon except as a last resort."
"Being confident," said the American, "that you could get along with your two hundred?"
"Being confident—whatever happened," replied Hector, "that I could get along with my two hundred."
"The fool!" thought the politician.
Thinking of Greasy Jones and the plot they were concocting, he hugged himself inside.
II
One fine midsummer morning there came to the barrack gate a boisterous, turbulent crowd. The sentry called out the guard. The noise penetrated to Hector's sanctum—a most unwonted noise——