Bernard, Rufus Lewis emphasized, had to create an atmosphere where the local people felt free to unburden themselves of all the anger which was stored up in them. That rage, no matter how deeply and carefully suppressed, would be his greatest asset. The more they spoke out in front of their friends, then the more, however unconsciously, they would be committing themselves to his cause. If they did this, came forward and poured out their anger, then common dignity demanded they act on their words, and Lafayette would have a recruit.
