Peter followed the messenger. He found a couple of sentries marking a line. On one side of this line sat or reclined Company D. and eight policemen. On the other stood a group of a dozen men, and back of them, the crowd.
Peter passed the sentry line, and went up to the group. Three were the committee. The rest were the ubiquitous reporters. From the newspaper report of one of the latter We quote the rest:
“You wish to see me?” asked Colonel Stirling.
“Yes, Colonel,” said Chief Potter. “We are here to remonstrate with you.”
“We’ve done nothing yet,” said Doggett, “and till we had, the troops oughtn’t to have been called in.”
“And now people say that the scabs are to be given a regimental escort to the depot, and will go to work at eight.”
“We’ve been quiet till now,” growled a man in the crowd surlily, “but we won’t stand the militia protecting the scabs and rats.”
“Are you going to fight for the capitalist?” ask Kurfeldt, when Colonel Stirling stood silent.
“I am fighting no man’s battle, Kurfeldt,” replied Colonel Stirling. “I am obeying orders.”
The committee began to look anxious.