"I know only the law."
"You'll let the scabs go on?"
"I know no such class. If I find any man doing what the law allows
him to do, I shall not interfere. But I shall preserve order."
"Will you order your men to fire on us?"
"If you break the laws."
"Do it at your peril," cried Potter angrily. "For every shot your
regiment fires, you'll lose a thousand votes on election day."
Colonel Stirling turned on him, his face blazing with scorn.
"Votes," he cried. "Do you think I would weigh votes at such a
time? There is no sacrifice I would not make, rather than give the
order that ends a human life; and you think that paper ballots can
influence my action? Votes compared to men's lives!"
"Oh," cried Doggett, "don't come the heavy nobility racket on us.
We are here for business. Votes is votes, and you needn't pretend
you don't think so."
Colonel Stirling was silent for a moment. Then he said calmly: "I
am here to do my duty, not to win votes.
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