resentation in all matters that are of vital concern to
us."

He had not left his chair but continued to talk from his place beside
it, turning, however, somewhat in the direction of his audience. Silence
reigned throughout the room and every face was turned full upon him.

"I, too, had accepted the terms of enlistment on the plea of the
acquisition of our rights, so admirably exposed to us by our good
friend, Mr. Anderson. As I pondered the matter, however, I seriously
questioned whether this were the proper time for the employment of such
methods. What assurance have we,--if indeed assurance be needed,--that
this is not another trick of the enemy? Bear with me, please, while I
unfold to you my thoughts.

"Our leader and our guide in these matters, Mr. Anderson, has made known
to us that this business of recruiting has been a great success. But did
he tell us of the sinister methods which often had been resorted to, of
the many threats which had been exercised over a great number of us, of
the debts which had been relieved, of the intimidation which had been
employed? He declared with manifest satisfaction that the recruiting in
the city of New York had been marvelous in its results, yet he did not
explain to our satisfaction the reason which impelled the leaders of
this revolt to seek members from the neighboring cities to help swell
the ranks; nor did he tell of the means which had been made use of to
secure that marvelous number in the city, of all cities, where such
recruiting would be most successful because of the present British
occupation of the territory. Furthermore, he failed to tell us that he
himself is not a Catholic, or that his true name is not Anderson, or of
his history previous to his appearance in this city. Neither did he tell
us that Lieutenant-Colonel Clifton, while a Philadelphia Catholic, is a
British subject, having accepted British allegiance on the capture of
the city a year ago last September. There were many items of importance
which were not revealed to us. Shall I continue? I have an abundance of
facts to disclose to you, if you give me leave."

So favorable had been the impression produced by the speech of Anderson
that Stephen felt apprehensive lest his own criticism and contradiction
would not be accepted as true. And so he paused to learn if possible the
nature of his reception.

"Yes!... We want to hear them!... Tell us more!..."

There was a wild outburst of approval, followe