e
was just beginning to realize its power in shaping his destinies. He
was dissatisfied, but he did not know where to find satisfaction; he
was bewildered, and nowhere was a clear path before him. He was
lonely. He knew a room where a little game would be in progress; he
arose, brushed the gravel-dust from his Sunday clothes, and wended his
way down town.

A crowd was entering the theatre which he had attended the night
before. He looked at it wonderingly, as by statute the theatres were
closed on Sundays. Still, it was evident something was going on, and
he went in with the others. No tickets were required, and an usher
showed him to a good seat.

It was not long before Dave realized that he was in a Socialist
meeting. He knew rather less of Socialism than he did of Christianity,
but the atmosphere of the place appealed to him. They were mostly men
in working clothes, with tobacco or beer on their breaths, and in their
loud whisperings he caught familiar profanities which made him feel at
home. When the speaker said something to their liking, they applauded
him; when he crossed them they denounced him openly. Interruptions
were frequent, and sometimes violent, but Dave admired the spirit of
fair play which gave every man a chance to speak his mind. Through it
all he gathered that there were two great forces in the world; Capital
and Labour, and that Capital was a selfish monster with a strangle-hold
on Labour and choking him to death. No, not quite to death, either,
for Capital needed Labour, and therefore only choked him until he was
half dead. Also, there were two classes of people in the world; the
Masters and the Slaves. Dave was a Slave. He had never known it
before, but the speaker made it quite apparent.

"But I'm not a slave," said Dave, suddenly springing to his feet. "I
can quit my job to-morrow, and tell my boss to go to hell."

There were boos and cat-calls, but at last the man on the platform made
himself heard.

"And what will you do, my friend, after you have quit your job?" he
asked, quite courteously.

"Get another one," said Dave, without scenting the trap. "There's lots
of jobs."

"That is, you would get another master," said the Socialist. "You
would still have a master. And as long as you have a master, you are a
slave." And Dave sat down, confused and wondering.

After the main address there was a sort of free-for-all. Half a dozen
sprang to their feet, each seeking