Another man got up from the end of the long table. "Look here," he said roughly; "if our city is at their mercy, we have hostages. We have thirty of these popinjays who fought us this morning; let us send and tell the Admiral that we shall shoot one for every shell he fires." There was a murmur of assent. Many approved of the proposal, because they thought that it need never be carried into execution, and all wanted to prevent the shells. Savrola's plan, however wise, was painful. It was evident that the new suggestion was a popular one. "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. "There is, Sir; an alternative that I should gladly embrace before this new plan was carried out. But," in a low menacing tone, "the people will be invited to pronounce an opinion first, and I may have an opportunity of showing them their real enemies and mine." The man made no reply to the obvious threat; like all the others he stood in considerable awe of Savrola's power with the mob and of his strong dominating character. The silence was broken by Godoy, who said that the matter had been settled by the Committee. A note was therefore drafted and despatched to the Admiral, informing him that the military prisoners would be shot should he bombard the city. After further discussion the Committee broke up.