Explore "The Trail-Hunter" by Gustave Aimard on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
"Gentlemen," said Valentine, "this is what I propose. The treachery of Red Cedar, in surrendering to the Government the secret of your conspiracy, places you in a critical position, from which you cannot escape save by violent measures. You are between life and death. You have no alternative save victory or defeat. The powder is fired, the ground is mined under your feet, and an explosion is imminent. Well, then, pick up the glove treachery throws to you -- accept frankly the position offered you. Do not wait till you are attacked, but commence the contest. Remember the vulgar adage, which is perfectly true in politics, and specially in revolution -- that 'the first blow is half the battle.'
Your enemies will be terrified by your boldness -- dashed by this uprising which they are far from expecting, especially now, when they imagine they hold in their hands all the threads of the conspiracy -- an error which makes them put faith in the revelations of a common spy, and will ruin them if you act with skill -- above all, with promptitude. All depends on the first blow. It must be terrible, and terrify them: if not, you are lost."