Chapter 8 Summary

Mayor Orden and Dr. Winter who are both under arrest discuss the situation. Winter proclaims that the enemy has underestimated the people. Although they've arrested the town leaders, they don't understand that other leaders will pop up. The enemy can lop off the heads of the leaders, but the townspeople are free people who all have heads, too.

Orden knows the two of them will be killed. His thoughts of running away, pleading for his life has left him ashamed. He has thought of these things but would never do them. Old friends Orden and Winter reminisce about their school days and times together. Orden tries to remember Socrates' last words. He fumbles with the lines and can only remember ". . .you who are my murderers that immediately after my departure punishment far heavier than you have inflicted on me shall surely await you...