She recognized that every moment gained gave time for cooler thoughts and better counsels, also for the restraining presence of others who were gathering upon the scene.  It was in the nature of her headlong cousin to precipitate trouble without thought of the consequences; but as she spoke she saw Surgeons Ackley and Borden running forward.  Captain Maynard was already at her side, and Whately looked as if he could cut his rival down with the weapon in his hand.  While Mr. Baron hesitated Mrs. Whately also reached her niece and urged, “Brother, I adjure you, go and speak to your people.  They are your people and you should tell them what to expect before you begin to punish.  Go with Surgeon Ackley and settle this question once for all.”

“Yes, Mr. Baron,” said Ackley sternly, “we must settle this question promptly.  Such uproar and excitement are bad for my patients and not to be permitted for an instant.”

It was evident that the surgeon was terribly angry.  He had been brought up in the old regular army, and anything like insubordination or injury to his patients were things he could not tolerate.  Mr. Baron went forward with him and said in a low tone: 

“You are virtually in command here and all know it.  A few words from you will have more effect than anything I can say.”

“Very well, then,” responded the resolute surgeon, and he strode toward the negroes, not noticing that Miss Lou kept almost at his side.

“Look here, you people,” he began harshly, “do you think I will permit such disturbances?  They may be the death of brave men.  Quit your nonsense at once.  You are simply what you’ve always been.  Yankee words don’t make you free any more than they make us throw down our arms.  What happened to the general who said you were free?  We fought him and drove him away.  There is only one thing you can do and must do—­go to work as before, and woe be to those who make trouble.  That’s all.”

“No,” cried Miss Lou, “that surely cannot be all.”

“Miss Baron!  What can you mean?”

“I mean that these poor creatures are looking to me, trusting in me, and I have promised to intercede in their behalf.  Tell them at least this, you or uncle, that if they obey and work quietly and faithfully they shall not be treated harshly, nor subjected to the brutal spite of that overseer, Perkins.”

“Truly, Miss Baron, you can scarcely expect me to interfere with your uncle’s management of his property.  The only thing I can and will do is to insist on absolute quiet and order on the place.  In this case every one must obey the surgeon-in-charge.  Do you understand that?” he concluded, turning to the negroes.  “Neither you nor any one else can do anything to injure my patients.  As you value your lives, keep quiet.  I will not permit even a harsh, disturbing sound.  Do not dare to presume on Miss Baron’s kindness, mistaken in this crisis.  This unruly, reckless spirit must be stamped out now.  Your owner and master will tell you what he expects, and I will have the first man who disobeys shot.  Miss Baron, you must come with me.”