"The Sultan has ordered a massacre of all the Armenians to be found here," said Artin, quietly. "The Kurds are beginning now."
"I'll go to the Vali," cried Mr. Marsh, starting up in horror.
"It is no good," said Artin, with a touch of fatalism. "What will be, will be. I have done all I could. We have several thousands here already."
"But these cutthroat scoundrels will soon break into the college grounds," said the Consul. "Why didn't you warn people to fly, if you knew what was coming?"
"It was too late. There was only one thing to be done."
"And that was—?"
"To collect as many as the place would hold."
"Of course you will interfere to protect these poor people," suggested Mr. Marsh to the Consul.
"I have no instructions," said the Consul. "My action might bring about a war between Turkey and England."
"But if you do not, you will have the blood of thousands of innocent people on your soul;" and the good missionary paced the room in his agitation. "Then you must act!"