in
asset."

It was decided that, officially, there should be no connection between
the Canadian preachers, as every one called them, and the propaganda of
_The Citizens_. But it was also privately agreed that steps should be
taken to follow the Canadians throughout their pilgrimage with lectures
and addresses, and meetings at which members could be enrolled upon the
roster of _The Citizens_, including volunteer instructors in rifle
drill. My friend Stairs attended this meeting with Reynolds, and, after
discussion, it was agreed that, for the present, they should not visit
the towns occupied by the Germans.

"The people there have their lesson before them every day and all day
long," said John Crondall. "The folk we want to reach are those who have
not yet learned their lesson. My advice is to attack London first.
Enlist London on your side, and on that go to the provinces."

There was a good deal of discussion over this, and finally an offer John
Crondall made was accepted by Stairs and Reynolds, and our meeting was
brought to a close. What Crondall said was this:

"To-day is Monday. There is still a great deal of detail to be attended
to. Officially, there must be no connection between Stairs and Reynolds
and _The Citizens_. Actually, we know the connection is vital. Give me
the rest of this week for arrangements, and I promise that we shall all
gain by it. I will not appear in the matter, and I will see you each
evening for consultation. Your pilgrimage shall begin on Sunday, and
ours within a day or so of that."

Then followed another week of tense effort. Stairs and Reynolds both
addressed minor gatherings during the week, and met John Crondall every
evening for consultation. On Wednesday the principal Imperialistic
newspaper in London appeared with a long leading article and three
columns of descriptive exposition of "The New Evangel." On the same day
the papers published despatches telling of the departure from their
various homes of the Premiers, and two specially elected representatives
of all the British Colonies, who were coming to England for an Imperial
Conference at Westminster. The Government's resignation was expected
within the month, and writs for the election were to be issued
immediately afterwards.

On Wednesday evening and Thursday morning the newspapers of London alone
published one hundred and thirteen columns of matter regarding the
message and the pilgrimage of the Rev. George Stairs and