he says , his voice booming thru the noise of the soldiers gathered in the square , of the non-soldiering men of the town gathered there , too , a noise which amplifies his voice , so there ai n't no one here who ca n't hear him , everyone looking back at him , weary but hopeful , even the women , some of 'em at the edges even holding kids , who they usually do their best to keep hidden away , but every face , young and old , wanting what the mayor says to be true .