e United States. You have done
all the harm you could, you have talked sedition, you've written
and talked against the draft, you have corresponded with German
agents in Boston and New York."

"That's a lie."

"No, it's the truth. I have copies of your letters and the
Government has the originals. They are not very dangerous, but
that is because you are not big enough to be dangerous. The
authorities have left you pretty much to my discretion, sir. It
rests with me whether to have you taken in charge and held for
trial or merely to warn you and watch you. Very well. I warn you
now and you may be certain that you are watched. You'll stop your
silly, seditious talk at once and you'll write no more letters like
those I have seen. If you do it will be a prison term for you as
sure as I stand here. Do you understand?"

Apparently Phineas understood. His face was not as red as it had
been and there was a different look in his eye. Jed's rough
handling had not frightened him, but the Major's cold, incisive
tones and the threat of a term in prison had their effect.
Nevertheless he could still bluster.

"You can't talk to me that way," he sputtered. "I--I ain't scared
of you even if you are all dressed up in fuss and feathers like a
hand-organ monkey. This is a free country."

"Yes, it is. For decent people it is absolutely free. The other
sort have to be put where they can't interfere with that freedom.
Whether you, Babbit, remain free or not depends entirely upon what
you do--and say. Is this perfectly clear?"

Phineas did not answer the question directly. For a moment he
stood there, his fists clenching and unclenching, and his eyes
snapping. Then he turned away.

"All right," he said, sullenly. "I hear what you say. Now I can
go, I presume likely--unless you've got some more lyin' and
bullyin' to do. Get out of my way, Shavin's, you fool."

But Grover had not finished with him.

"Just a minute," he said. "There is one thing more. I don't know
what it is, and I don't wish to know, but evidently you have been
saying, or threatening to say, something concerning this lady, Mrs.
Armstrong, which should not be said. You are not to mention her
name. Do you understand that?"

The little hardware dealer almost jumped from the floor as his rage
again got the better of him.

"The blazes I ain't!" he shrieked. "Who says I ain't? Is that any
of your business, Mr.--Mr. Brass Monkey? What's you