He might well have hesitated before again engaging upon the dangerous and uncertain task of controlling an excited and aggrieved population.

But he did not hesitate.
The people among whom he had made his home, and whose confidence had never failed him, were his people.

By them he would stand in their extremity, and if hurt or ruin befell them, it should not be for want of the interposition of his counsel.

He knew his powers, and he determined to bring them into full play.

He knew the danger also, but it only nerved him to confront and master it.