When the Sleeper Wakes

mind real and urgent. His heart began to beat fast and strong. “It has come,” he said. “I might have known. The hour has come.” He thought swiftly. “What am I to do?” “Go back to the Council House,” said Asano. “Why should I not appeal—? The people are here.” “You will lose time. They will doubt if it is you. But they will mass about the Council House. There you will find their leaders. Your strength is there with them.” “Suppose this is only a rumour?” “It sounds true,” said Asano. “Let us have the facts,” said Graham. Asano shrugged his shoulders. “We had better get towards the Council House,” he cried. “That is where they will swarm. Even now the ruins may be impassable.” Graham regarded him doubtfully and followed him. They went up the stepped platforms to the swiftest one, and there Asano accosted a labourer. The answers to his questions were in the thick, vulgar speech. “What did he say?” asked Graham. “He knows little, but he told me that the Black Police would have arrived here before the people knew—had not someone in the Wind-Vane Offices learnt. He said a girl.” “A girl? Not?” “He said a girl—he did not know who she was. Who came out from the Council House crying aloud, and told the men at work among the ruins.” And then another thing was shouted, something that turned an aimless tumult into determinate movements, it came like a wind along the street. “To your Wards, to your Wards. Every man get arms. Every man to his Ward!”