re enabled
to conduct this air business on a scale more economical, and so it
resulted that the profits of their business were constantly increasing.

Many who were unable to work became sorely distressed insomuch that
some died raving for liquid air. Others were more fortunate and were
helped by charitably inclined citizens. When a few poor comrades clubbed
together and contributed out of their mites, then the magnates sold air,
but if the sufferers had no money, they could have no air.

A growing discontent possessed the people. They appealed to the
legislative bodies, but the magnates had grown so immensely wealthy that
they controlled all the law-making assemblies and gave the members air
free of charge, an act of kindness indeed.

So the law turned a deaf ear to the cries of the people and many riots
followed. But these were all quelled by the standing army which was also
supplied with free air for the good service they were capable of
rendering to the monopolists.

The multitude of laboring people could do as they chose, that is, work
like slaves and live, or refuse to tolerate the monopoly and die.

[Illustration: Monopolizing Liquid Air on Airess.]

Many were the pitiful scenes witnessed in all parts of the land. Men,
women and children gathered around one or another of the large tanks
brimming full of the life sustaining liquid. It was heart-breaking to
see children with half-opened mouths dying for air. Of course none of
the magnates were within hearing or seeing distance. The tanks were in
charge of underlings who were bound to give no air except for the
exorbitant market price.

This state of affairs continued for many generations, nor did relief
come until one named Agitator went forth strongly set in his
convictions. He was a natural-born orator, a lover of justice, one who
believed in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.

As long as he went about speaking and praying, the monopolists gave no
heed. But when he began organizing the masses into sworn legions, then
did the magnates bestir themselves, seeing danger in the gathering
clouds of humanity.

"What shall we do?" cried they one to another.

"Bribe Agitator," suggested one.

"A happy hit," cried they all.

One was chosen to do the work. A description of the meeting and
conversation of these two great leaders is a choice bit of literature of
the world of Airess. I will translate it as nearly as possible into
English.

Magna