"To attack the king's troops would be high treason, and every man concerned would forfeit his life and estate," said Hutchinson. "The people demand their immediate withdrawal," Mr. Adams replied, bowing, and taking his departure. Cornhill, all the way from the Town House to the Old South, was crowded with resolute and determined citizens, equipped with muskets and powder-horns. They saw Samuel Adams, loved and revered, descend the steps of the Town House, followed by the other members of the committee. "Make way for the committee!" the cry. "Hurrah for Sam Adams!" the shout. They saw the man they loved lift his hat. They knew King George wanted him sent to England to be tried for treason; that Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson was ready to aid in such a plan; but there he was, more determined than ever to maintain the rights of the people. Tom worked his way into the meetinghouse and heard Mr. Adams say the lieutenant-governor's answer was unsatisfactory. "All the troops must go," shouted the citizens. Once more Mr. Adams and six of his fellow-citizens made their way to the Town House. The lieutenant-governor and the council were assembled together with Colonel Dalrymple, Admiral Montague, and other officers in their scarlet uniforms. Robert edged his way into the building. "It is the unanimous opinion," said Mr. Adams, "that the reply of your excellency is unsatisfactory. Nothing will satisfy the people other than the immediate removal of all the troops." "The troops are not subject to my authority; I have no power to remove them," said Hutchinson. Robert saw Mr. Adams raise his right arm towards Hutchinson. His words were clear and distinct:-- "Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson, if you have power to remove one regiment, you have power to remove both. It is at your peril if you do not. The meeting is composed of three thousand people. They are impatient. One thousand men have arrived from the surrounding towns. The country is in motion. The people expect an immediate answer." A whiteness came into the face of the lieutenant-governor. His hands began to tremble. One hundred years before, the people in their majesty and might had put Edmund Andros in prison. Might they not do the same with him? "What shall be done?" he asked of the council, with trembling lips. "It is not such people as injured your house who are asking you to remove the troops," said Councilman Tyler; "they are the best people of the town, men of property, supporters of religion. It is impossible, your excellency, for the troops to remain. If they do not go, ten thousand armed men will soon be here." "Men will soon be here from Essex and Middlesex," said Councilman Bussell of Charlestown. "Yes, and from Worcester and Connecticut," said Mr. Dexter of Dedham.