But to kill the Supreme Council he regards as a trivial matter, like a post card; it may be left to his private secretary," and he spat on the grass.
Then he turned to the others and said somewhat austerely-- "There is a great deal to be said for death; but if anyone has any preference for the other alternative, I strongly advise him to walk after me." With these words, he turned his broad back and strode with silent energy towards the wood.

The others gave one glance over their shoulders, and saw that the dark cloud of men had detached itself from the station and was moving with a mysterious discipline across the plain.

They saw already, even with the naked eye, black blots on the foremost faces, which marked the masks they wore.

They turned and followed their leader, who had already struck the wood, and disappeared among the twinkling trees.
The sun on the grass was dry and hot.

So in plunging into the wood they had a cool shock of shadow, as of divers who plunge into a dim pool.