Page:MKGandhi patriot.djvu/88

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.

were amused and kept in order on the Square during the demonstration, a dwarf having been appointed as their leader. The journal continues: "Great uncertainty was felt on board the vessels as to what form the Demonstration would assume. Captain Milne of the Courland, who exhibited the bolder attitude of the two, was allowed to have his vessel taken in first, although she lay further up the coast than the Naderi. He decided that some effort should be made to protect his passengers, as he had received no assurance from Government that any steps had been taken to do so. He therefore had the Union Jack run up at the forecastle head, the red ensign was placed above the ship's houseflag at the mainmast, and the red ensign was also exhibited at the stern. His instructions to his officers were to prevent any demonstrators from coming aboard if possible, but, if they did come aboard, to haul down the Union Jack and present it to the invaders, his idea being that no Englishman would seek to molest those on board after this surrender. Fortunately, as matters resulted, it was not necessary to have recourse to this action. As the Courland entered the bay, all eyes were on the look-out to see what form the Demonstration was taking. A row of people,