It might have been carnage; it might have been a triumph.

The historian has nothing to do with conjecture.

But in this case was involved a mighty question, palpable, self-created and conclusive.

The wisest forethought may fail to arrive at a sound conclusion as to the result of holding the meeting.

The risk existed, no doubt, that some ill-disposed or hired villains, or even rash enthusiasts may provoke the troops, and thus afford a pretext for carnage.