they are left the means to live.  Mercy to all of them—­mercy, and all the possibilities of a free and generous life.  But to Hell with every one of those who are responsible for the poison which has crept throughout all ranks in Germany, which, starting from the Kaiser and his friends, has corrupted first the proud aristocracy, then the industrious, hard-working and worthy middle classes, and has even permeated to some extent the ranks of the people themselves, destined by their infamous ruler to carry on their shoulders the burden of an unnatural, ungodly, and unholy ambition.  There is much that I ought to say, but I fancy that I have said enough.  Germany must be broken, and you can do it.  Let the memory of those undispatched telegrams help you.  Spend your time amongst the men you represent.  Make them see the truth.  Make them understand that every burden they lift, every time they wield the pickaxe, every blow they strike in their daily work, helps.  I was going to speak about what we owe to the dead.  I won’t.  We must beat Germany to her knees.  We can and we will.  Then will come the time for generosity.”

Phineas Cross struck the table with the flat of his hand.

“Boys,” he said, “I feel the sweat in every pore of my body.  We’ve nigh done a horrible thing.  We are with you, Mr. Orden.  But about that little skunk there?  How did you find him out?”

“Through Miss Abbeway,” Julian answered.  “You have her to thank.  I can assure you that every charge I have made can be substantiated.”

There was a little murmur of confidence.  Everyone seemed to find speech difficult.

“One word more,” Julian went on.  “Don’t disband this Council.  Keep it together, just as it is.  Keep this building.  Keep our association and sanctify it to one purpose—­victory.”

A loud clamour of applause answered him.  Once more Cross glanced towards the prostrate form upon the sofa.

“Let no one interfere,” Julian enjoined.  “There is an Act which will deal with him.  He will be removed from this place presently, and he will not be heard of again for a little time.  We don’t want a soul to know how nearly we were duped.  It rests with every one of you to destroy all the traces of what might have happened.  You can do this if you will.  To-morrow call a meeting of the Council.  Appoint a permanent chairman, a new secretary, draw out a syllabus of action for promoting increased production, for stimulating throughout every industry a passionate desire for victory.  If speaking, writing, or help of mine in any way is wanted, it is yours.  I will willingly be a disciple of the cause.  But this morning let me be your ambassador.  Let me go to the Premier with a message from you.  Let me tell him what you have resolved.”

“Hands up all in favour!” Cross exclaimed.

Every hand was raised.  Bright came back from the couch, blinking underneath his heavy spectacles but meekly acquiescent.