"Hold on, boys! Don't run away!" he counseled. "Wait for the big show! No arrests intended! Only cowards and guilty men will run!"
The light that was shed from the State House was pitilessly revealing; men could not hide their movements. Morrison reiterated his promise and dwelt hard on the "coward and guilty" part of his declaration.
The chief of police waved his hand and the crowd parted obediently and the officers marched up the lane, four abreast.
"Hold open that passage as you stand, fellow-citizens!" the mayor commanded. "There's more to this show! You haven't seen all of it! Hold open, I tell you!"
Men whom he recognized as Lanigan's Legion members were jumping in on the side-lines as the policemen passed. With arms extended the veterans held back those whom Morrison's commands were not restraining.
"That's good team-work, Joe," Stewart informed Lanigan when the latter hurried past to take his place as a helper.
The advent of the police had provoked a flurry; their movements after their arrival caused a genuine surprise. They gave no indication of being interested in the crowd that was packed into Capitol Square. The ears of the mob were out for orders of dispersal! Eyes watched to see the officers post themselves and operate according to the usual routine in such matters.
But the policemen marched straight into the State House, preserving their solid formation.
The bugle sounded again within.
With a promptness that indicated a good understanding of the procedure to be followed, the St. Ronan's Rifles came marching out.