"It was bound to happen, sooner or later," Don said. "I hope nobody gets hurt."
Evidently neither Thebold nor Hector personally had any such intention. Both had clambered down from the platforms and disappeared. Most of the crowd had fled too, heading east toward the center of town, but a few, like Alis and Don, had merely taken cover and were waiting to see what would happen next.
Sporadic firing continued. Then there was a concentration of shooting from the Senator's side, and a dozen or more of Thebold's men made a quick rush across the street and into the stores and buildings on the north side. In a few minutes they returned, under another protective burst, with prisoners.
"Slick," Don said. "Hector's being outmaneuvered."
"I wonder why the Gizls aren't helping him."
The Thebold loudspeaker came to life. "Attention!" it boomed in the Senator's voice. "Anyone who puts down his arms will be given safe conduct to the free side of Reilly Street. Don't throw away your life for a dictator. Come over to the side of Americanism and common sense." There was a pause, and the voice added: "No reprisals."
The firing stopped.
The Thebold loudspeaker began to play On the Sunny Side of the Street.
But nobody crossed over. Nor was there any further firing from Hector's side.
Lay Down Your Arms, the loudspeaker blared in another tune from tin-pan alley.