weep the Trusts into
the bottomless pit."

"Bivens isn't worrying about the people or their wrath."

"Then it's time he began!" the doctor cried. "Mark my word, the day of
the common people has dawned. This mudsill of the world has learned to
read and write and begun to think. He has tasted of the tree of
knowledge of good and evil and begins dimly to see his own nakedness.
He will never be content again until he turns the world upside down. My
country will lead the way as in the past."

"But if in the meantime you and yours go down in ruin?"

"I refuse to consider it. The cause of the people and their day has
come. I will stand or fall with them. Remember, my boy, that at last
the idea has been born that we are all--men! It's new--it's
revolutionary. A few centuries ago the people slept in ignorance. Of
the twenty-six barons who signed the Magna Charta only three could
write their names--the rest could only make their mark. The average
workingman of to-day is more cultured than the titled nobleman of
yesterday--the people once thoroughly aroused--let fools find shelter!"

"But you and I have both agreed, Doctor," Stuart interrupted with a
frown, "that Mr. Jno. C. Calhoun Bivens is not a fool. You must
consider this offer. You have too much at stake. Your factory has been
closed for five years. Your store has been sold--your business ruined
and you are fighting to pay the interest on your debts. I've seen you
growing poorer daily until you have turned your home into a lodging
house and filled it with strangers."

"I've enjoyed knowing them. My sympathies have been made larger."

"Yes, you won't even collect your rents."

"Still I've always managed to get along," was the cheerful answer.
"I've yet a roof over my head."

"But is this battle yours alone, Doctor? You are but one among
millions. You are trying to bear the burden of all--have you counted
the cost? Harriet's course in music will continue two years longer--the
last year she must spend abroad. Her expenses will be great. This
settlement is a generous one, no matter what Bivens's motive."

"I can't compromise with a man who has crushed my business by a
conspiracy of organized blackmail."

"Oh, come, come, Doctor, talk common sense. The American Chemical
Company has simply dispensed with the services of the jobber, and the
retailer. They manufacture the goods and sell them direct to the
consumer through their own stores. The day of the jobber and reta