"They're going to govern our own district?"
"That's right," he said gruffly.
"There aren't many of them, George. And we have a large military force near-by. If you gave the word, we could wipe them out."
He said wearily, "If you knew how many times that suggestion has been made to me! No, Ada, there's no chance of that. Both the local commander and his subordinates are tested men. I am not giving the word, and they will not take it from anyone else."
"You have to give it personally? Isn't that unusual?"
"Decidedly unusual. But I'm taking no chances of betrayal. As I've repeated time and again, I want the surrender to go off smoothly."
She nodded slowly. "That has become clear enough. You're working all night?"
It was his turn to nod.
"Try to rest for a while, darling. And have something to eat."
"I won't starve, Ada. Good night."