“The only safe place within reach,” he said, “is Police Headquarters. And the shortest and best route is up the hill to the left. But unfortunately, that is where the big crowd is gathered. There are not so many if we take the route to the right, but that is a longer way round.”
“Put the men in your cars, Chief,” said McGinnis, “and smash your way through. They can't stop you.”
“Yes, and kill a dozen or so,” said the Chief.
“Why not? Aren't they breaking the law?”
“Oh, well, Mr. McGinnis,” said the Chief, “it is easy to kill men. The trouble is they are no use to anybody after they are dead. No, we must have no killing to-night. To-morrow we'd be sorry for it.”
“Let us drive up and see them,” suggested the Mayor. “Let me talk to the boys. The boys know me.”
The Chief did not appear to be greatly in love with the suggestion of the Mayor.
“Well,” he said, “it would do no harm to drive up and have a look at them. We'll see how they are fixed, anyway. I think, Mr. McGinnis, you had better remain on guard here. The Mayor and Captain Maitland will come with me.”
Commandeering Rupert and his car, the Chief took his party at a moderate pace up the street, at the top of which the crowd stood waiting in compact masses. Into these masses Rupert recklessly drove his car.
“Steady there, Stillwell,” warned the Chief. “You'll hurt someone.”