That is the law.

If they let me live, the next one who failed would quote the precedent, and within a century or so a new law of compromise would have crept in.

Our secrets would be all out, and the world would use our knowledge to destroy itself.No.They show their mercy by making use of me, instead of merely throwing my dead carcass to the alligators." "If you will tell me your real name I will tell them at Johns Hopkins about your death, and perhaps they will inscribe your record on some roll of martyrs," I suggested.
I think that idea tempted him, for his eyes brightened and grew strangely softer for a moment.

He was about to speak, but at that moment the door opened again, and things began to occur that drove all thought of Johns Hopkins from our minds.
About a dozen women entered this time.

They did not trouble to tie the Mahatma, but they bound me as the Philistines did Samson, and then threw a silken bag over my head by way of blindfold.