His advantage was not denied. "Undoubtedly, Sir," said the officer, "it is in your power to render great services to the Provisional Government and to the cause of Liberty and Justice." "At present," replied the Admiral dryly, "it is the cause of Justice that appears to need my support." To that the officers could find no more to say than that they had fought for a free Parliament and meant to have their way. The Admiral took a turn or two before replying. "My terms are these," he said at last. "The leader of the conspiracy--this man, Savrola--must be surrendered at once and stand his trial for murder and rebellion. Until this has been done, I will not treat. Unless this is done by six o'clock to-morrow morning, I shall bombard the town and shall continue to do so until my terms are complied with." Both officers protested that this would be a barbarity, and hinted that he would be made to answer for his shells. The Admiral declined to discuss the matter or to consider other terms. As it was impossible to move him, the officers returned to the shore in their launch. It was now four o'clock. As soon as this _ultimatum_ was reported to the Committee of Public Safety at the Mayoralty, something very like consternation ensued. The idea of a bombardment was repugnant to the fat burgesses who had joined the party of revolt so soon as it had become obvious that it was the winning side. It was also distasteful to the Socialists who, however much they might approve of the application of dynamite to others, did not themselves relish the idea of a personal acquaintance with high explosives. The officers related their interview and the Admiral's demands. "And if we refuse to comply?" inquired Savrola. "Then he will open fire at six o'clock to-morrow morning." "Well, Gentlemen, we shall have to grin and bear it. They will not dare to shoot away all their ammunition, and so soon as they see that we are determined, they will give in. Women and children will be safe in the cellars, and it may be possible to bring some of the guns of the forts to bear on the harbour." There was no enthusiasm. "It will be an expensive game of bluff," he added. "There is a cheaper way," said a Socialist delegate from the end of the table, significantly. "What do you propose?" asked Savrola looking hard at him; the man had been a close ally of Kreutze. "I say that it would be cheaper if the leader of the revolt were to sacrifice himself for the sake of Society." "That is your opinion; I will take the sense of the Committee on it." There were cries of "No! No!" and "Shame!" from many present. Some were silent; but it was evident that Savrola had the majority. "Very well," he said acidly; "the Committee of Public Safety do not propose to adopt the honourable member's suggestion. He is overruled,"--here he looked hard at the man, who blenched,--"as he will frequently be among people of civilised habits."