"I hardly think they intended that," murmured Johnson.
"Meant!" snorted the judge. "The words will bear that interpretation, won't they? Who cares what they meant!"
The following morning this version was industriously passed about. When
Coleman heard of it he pulled his long moustache.
"The time has come," he said with decision. "After that, it is either ourselves or a mob."
He went immediately to the hall.
"Call Olney," he told a messenger. The head of the guard was soon before him.
"Olney," said his chief, "will you accept the command of a picked company in an important but somewhat perilous movement?"
Olney's tall form stiffened with pleasure.
"I will—with thanks!"
"Well, then, pick out from all the forces, of whatever companies, sixty men. Accept none but men—of the very highest bravery. Let them know that they are chosen for the post of danger, which is the post of honour, and permit none to serve who does not so esteem it."