The word "rebel" roused Berwick. It stung. "I do not come to you from any cowardice, or through fear of death, or defeat. I come in the spirit of humanity."
"A very worthy mission! Then why not disband your forces?"
Berwick brushed the suggestion aside. "I have ten men for every one of yours, and my position commands these buildings. My men are in earnest, and there is justice in our cause, even to warrant the shedding of blood. This you must recognize."
"I recognize nothing but that I am here to uphold the law of the land."
"You must know—you must recognize—that great dishonesty exists within the Civil Service, and that we have met to protest and put an end to it!"
"Officially, I know nothing of that. It is my duty to maintain the Union Jack flying in the land."
"We can fire your buildings——"
"You may be able to fire our buildings; you may be able to kill us all; and then you may lower the flag. I tell you I intend to sink with my ship. When you have burned us out, those men of mine—who wish to—may take to the river. That is all. You have my answer."
Berwick's eyes filled; a lump was in his throat. He gulped, and with a husky "Good-evening!" staggered into the open. He bent his head that the sentry might not see his emotion, and so gained the street by the Yukon's bank.
"He does not look much like a traitor," remarked Hi-u Bill.