"John Berwick."
The man gulped, and stared at the visitor. He knocked at the door, and announced,
"A man to see you, sir, by name of John Berwick."
Hi-u Bill was again in the office, had just read the ultimatum, the discussion of which had been interrupted by the entrance of the man. He opened his eyes wide at the mention of the rebel's name.
"Show him in!"
Had the usual happy accident come to pass? flashed through Smoothbore's mind as he gazed with eyes of curiosity at the pseudo-President of the Klondike Free State that was to be.
Berwick entered, and stood facing the two chief executive officers of the Government. He at once picked out the Police Commandant, and returned his gaze without flinching.
"What can I do for you?" he was asked.
"I've come in the hopes of saving life. I have come to plead with you to comply with our request and surrender to our forces."
Smoothbore was struck by the transparent candour of the man and his quixotism. "British garrisons are not in the habit of surrendering at the call of rebels," he answered stiffly.