As long as he went about speaking and praying, the monopolists gave no heed.  But when he began organizing the masses into sworn legions, then did the magnates bestir themselves, seeing danger in the gathering clouds of humanity.

“What shall we do?” cried they one to another.

“Bribe Agitator,” suggested one.

“A happy hit,” cried they all.

One was chosen to do the work.  A description of the meeting and conversation of these two great leaders is a choice bit of literature of the world of Airess.  I will translate it as nearly as possible into English.

Magnate and his companion met Agitator three hours after sun-rise.  Neither one had ever seen the other before, and naturally Agitator did not suspect the purpose for which Magnate had come.

“We are here,” said Magnate, “to place into your hands one million dollars to be used for the education of poor children.  We have confidence in your judgment and integrity, and if you will accept the money on our conditions, we will gladly arrange all papers and place the money at your disposal.”

“A magnanimous offer indeed.  But what are the conditions,” hurriedly asked the blushing Agitator.

“The conditions are easy to meet.

“1.  You are to train and appoint sub-teachers and give your influence to the building up of these schools.

“2.  You are to spend your time in this noble work and receive as salary ten thousand dollars annually.

“3.  Of course you will be glad to put your whole heart and time into this enterprise and encourage all workmen to show their appreciation of this generous movement in behalf of the oppressed.”

“But what would become of my other great work?” asked Agitator, as a well-defined interrogation point covered his face.

“This new enterprise will solve the whole question.  Is it not true that ignorance is the cause of nearly all the discontent in the world?  If you scatter the clouds of ignorance, with them the darkness of nearly all our woes will fly, and you will stand at the head of a new race, educated, refined, and capable of understanding and securing their rights ten-fold more surely and more intelligently than now.”

Agitator was a man of quick mind.  He was, however, almost caught in the fine network spun around him.  He bowed his head a moment in quietness.

“There is a tinge of truth in your words,” admitted Agitator.  “If I can avoid it however,” he continued, “the people now living will not suffer for a whole generation in hope of imaginary relief.  Your scheme is a worthy one, but you must seek elsewhere for a leader.  I have sworn in my soul to bend my every effort to break the strong arm of the Monopoly.”

Magnate was a cool man, and held his dignity in a pleasing manner.  He carelessly changed his attitude and spoke with decision “If you will not lead this educational enterprise, the whole offer will be withdrawn and it will be advertised to the world that the leader of the poor people has refused the most magnificent offer of the age for the uplifting of the masses.”