Link by link the chain of
evidence that the accidents and murders are each part of a general and
concerted movement is built.

"Martyrs or Murderers?" This is the interrogatory headline that appears
in every paper.

The events of the past twenty-four hours have been so unparalleled that
men dare not jump at conclusions. To proclaim the forty agents of the
Syndicate of Annihilation martyrs, may lead to an instant uprising of
the anarchistic element. To denounce them as murderers may have the same
effect. Fear prompts the people to take a conservative stand, they wait
for full evidence before pronouncing a verdict.

They do not know that Harvey Trueman is pleading the cause of justice
and right to a mob at Wilkes-Barre.

The case is now in the hands of the great public as a jury.

A verdict that will shake the world is about to be tendered.

This verdict is to be entered at Wilkes-Barre.

CHAPTER XXVI.

ON TO WILKES-BARRE.

When the first news of the Act of Annihilation reaches the Independence
Party's Headquarters, Trueman is out on an important mission, a
conference with the American Mothers' League for the Abolition of Child
Labor. This League, it is believed, can influence scores of thousands of
voters.

A telephone call from Benson brings Trueman back to the headquarters. On
the way down town he hears loud cries in the street.

"Get y'er Extra! All about the big murders!" the newsboys are calling in
front of the headquarters. Trueman buys a paper. He reads about the
murder in Central Park. "This is an unfortunate occurrence," he says,
half aloud. "The people will put more credence in the assertions of the
Magnates, that there are anarchists working to disrupt the Government."

Once in the rooms of the Campaign Committee he receives the messages
direct from the _Javelin_ office over a special wire.

He is as ignorant of the true condition of affairs as any of the public.
What to think of the wholesale destruction of the leading magnates, is a
riddle to him.

"WILKES-BARRE, PA., Oct. 13th.

Gorman Purdy was murdered in his house at 2 o'clock this
afternoon, by Carl Metz. After shooting Purdy, Metz committed
suicide. Come to Wilkes-Barre at once. Miners are
threatening to sack the palaces on the esplanade. Ethel is in
great danger. MARTHA."

This telegram is handed to Trueman. He reads it; re-reads it. The full
import flashes upon him. He kn