ly accuse you of being dreamers. Every effort of my
life will be devoted towards the promulgation of my beliefs, absolutely
without regard to my pecuniary position. I admit that the possession of
wealth is contrary to the principles of life which I should like to see
established. Still, until conditions alter, it would be even more
contrary to my principles to distribute my money in charity which I
abominate, or to weaken good causes by unwholesome and unearned
contributions to them. Shall we now proceed to the subject of our
discussion?"

"What is it, anyway?" Peter Dale demanded gruffly. "Do you find that
after being so plaguey independent you need our help after all? Is that
what it is?"

"I want no one's help," Maraton replied quietly. "I only want to give
you this earliest notice because, in your way, you do represent the
people--that it is my intention to revert to my first ideas. I have
arranged a tour in the potteries next week. I go straight on to
Newcastle, and from there to Glasgow. I intend to preach a universal
strike. I intend, if I can, to bring the shipbuilders, the coalminers,
the dockers, the railroad men, out on strike, while the Sheffield
trouble is as yet unsolved. Whatever may come of it, I intend that the
Government of this country shall realise how much their prosperity is
dependent upon the people's will."

There was a little murmur. Peter Dale, who had filled his pipe, was
puffing away steadily.

"Look here," he said slowly, "Newcastle's my job."

"Is it?" Maraton replied. "There are a million and a quarter of miners
to be considered. You may be the representative of a few of them. I am
not sure that in this matter you represent their wishes, if you are for
peace. I am going to see."

"As for the potteries," Mr. Borden declared, "a strike there's overdue,
and that's certain, but if all the others are going to strike at the
same time, why, what's the good of it? The Unions can't stand it."

"We have tried striking piecemeal," Maraton pointed out. "It doesn't
seem to me that it's a success. What is called the Government here can
deal with one strike at a time. They've soldiers enough, and law
enough, for that. They haven't for a universal strike."

Peter Dale struck the table with his clenched fist. His expression was
grim and his tone truculent.

"What I say is this," he pronounced. "I'm dead against any interference
from outsiders. If I think a strike's good for my people, well, I'll