"It is out of the question," said Savrola.
"Why?" asked several voices.
"Because, Sirs, these officers surrendered to terms, and because the Republic does not butcher innocent men."
"Let us divide upon it," said the man.
"I protest against a division. This is not a matter of debate or of opinion; it is a matter of right and wrong."
"Nevertheless I am for voting."
"And I," "And I," "And I," shouted many voices.
The voting went forward. Renos supported Savrola on legal grounds; the case of the officers was now sub judice, so he said. Godoy abstained. The majority in favour of the proposal was twenty-one to seventeen.
The count of hands was received with cheering. Savrola shrugged his shoulders. "It is impossible that this can go on. Are we become barbarians in a morning?"
"There is an alternative," said Kreutze's friend.