hape and
dictate public opinion, subsidize the church and the schools, direct
the courts, control all industries, direct all banks, fix the wages of
labour, the prices of all goods, regulate supply and demand and absorb
all profits.

"If Europe now cringes at the feet of our present millionaire-king of
Wall Street, emperors beg his favour and princes wait at his door, what
could the real ruler of the world do with these puppets when he comes
into his kingdom?"

Bivens's voice again sank into low passionate whispers, while his black
eyes again became two points of fierce gleaming light.

Stuart watched him with amazement at the revelation of volcanic
passions which slumbered beneath his pigmy form. For the moment, too,
he was swept from his feet by the rush of emotion. And again his eye
rested on the smiling face of Nan looking at him from the ivory
miniature on the mantel.

When the crucial moment came for his manhood to answer, the speech of
brave denunciation died on his lips. The vision was too wonderful, the
heights to which he had been invited too high and thrilling to be
dismissed with words. Deep down in every strong man's soul is the
consciousness of his own strength, the certainty that if put to the
test he is the equal of any other man who walks the earth; that if he
were suddenly thrust into the seat of the mighty he could play their
roles with credit if not with glory. At the door of this yellow empire,
mightier than kings in purple rule, his conscience halted, hesitated
and stammered. He found himself, in spite of honour and character, for
the moment measuring himself with Bivens in the struggle for supremacy
which would sooner or later come between them if he should enter such
an alliance.

Bivens saw his hesitation and hastened to add in generous tones:

"You needn't rush your decision, Jim. Take your time. Think it over
from every point of view. You're bound to accept in the end."

Stuart flushed and his hand trembled as he drew it nervously across his
forehead.

"It's no use in my quibbling, Cal, your offer is a stirring one. It
tempts me immensely. I feel the call of the old blood-struggle in me,
the inheritance of centuries of the lust of battle, and I'm beginning
to see now that the world's battles are no longer fought with sword and
gun. During the past months of excitement I've felt it too--the rush of
this blood-call to my heart. I've wanted to ride men down in the
streets and carry the