ou approve of these tactics?"

"I decline to answer that question," Julian said, "but I would point
out to you that when you acknowledged yourself defeated by the miners of
South Wales, you pointed the way to some such crisis as this."

"That may be true," Mr. Stenson acknowledged. "I have only at this
moment, however, to deal with the present condition of affairs. Do you
seriously believe that, if I make the only answer which at present seems
to me possible, the Council of Labour, as they call themselves, will
adopt the measures they threaten?"

"I believe that they will," Julian declared gravely. "I believe that
the country looks upon any continuation of this war as a continuation
of unnecessary and ghastly slaughter. To appreciably change the military
situation would mean the sacrifice of millions more lives, would mean
the continuation of the war for another two years. I believe that the
people of Germany who count are of the same opinion. I believe that the
inevitable change of government in Germany will show us a nation freed
from this hideous lust for conquest, a nation with whom, when she is
purged of the poison of these last years, we can exist fraternally and
with mutual benefit."

"You are a very sanguine man, Mr. Orden," Hannaway Wells remarked.

"I have never found," Julian replied, "that the pessimist walks with his
head turned towards the truth."

"How long have I," the Prime Minister asked, after a brief pause, "for
my reply?"

"Twenty-four hours," Julian told him, "during which time it is hoped
that you will communicate with our Allies and pave the way for a further
understanding. The Council of Labour asks you for no pledge as to their
safety. We know quite well that all of us are, legally speaking, guilty
of treason. On the other hand, a single step towards the curtailment of
our liberties will mean the paralysis of every industry in the United
Kingdom."

"I realise the position perfectly," Mr. Stenson observed drily. "I
do not exactly know what to say to you personally, Orden," he added.
"Perhaps it is as well for us that the Council should have chosen an
ambassador with whom discussion, at any rate, is possible. Nevertheless,
I feel bound to remind you that you have taken upon your shoulders,
considering your birth and education, one of the most perilous loads
which any man could carry."

"I have weighed the consequences," Julian replied, with a sudden and
curious sadness in his tone. "I