The Chief grinned again. “I know what Barklay’d say.”
“What?”
“Give ’em rope.”
“We-ll ... that’s easy enough to say.”
“Easy to do, too.”
“I can’t see it. But if they go up to the Governor, with a petition to investigate––and the state law’s pretty rough––and start impeachment proceedings––”
The Chief spat contemptuously. “Shucks, give ’em rope.”
“Well––how?”
“Why, enforce the damn’ law––just once. Spike Mix’s guns––he’s only doin’ this on a bluff. Guess he wants the reform vote for Council, or somethin’. Keep it under our bonnets, and send out a squad of patrolman Sunday afternoon to raid every theatre in town. Bat ’em over the head before they know it. I wouldn’t even tell my own men ’till I lined ’em up and give ’em their orders. Then listen for the public to holler.”