robbers and despoilers of Russia became the stronger, I took a
vacation."

Some people laughed, but a harsh voice cried: "We know what you did.
You rescued the friend of the Romanoffs--that Carmelite nun up there
on the platform behind you, who calls herself Miss Dumont!"

And from the other side of the hall another man bawled out: "You and
the White Nun have done enough mischief. And you and your club had
better get out of here while the going is good!"

Estridge, who was standing in the rear of the hall with Shotwell, came
down along the aisle. Jim followed.

"Who said that?" he demanded, scanning the faces on that side while
Shotwell looked among the seats beyond.

Nobody said anything, for John Estridge stood over six feet and Jim
looked physically very fit.

Estridge, standing in the aisle, said in his cool, penetrating voice:

"This club is a forum for discussion. All are free to argue any point.
Only swine would threaten violence.

"Now go on and argue. Say what you like. But the next man who
threatens these ladies or this club with violence will have to leave
the hall."

"Who'll put him out?" piped an unidentified voice.

Then the two young men laughed; and their mirth was not reassuring to
the violently inclined.

* * * * *

There were disturbances during the evening, but no violence, and only
a few threats--those that made them remaining in prudent incognito.

Miss Thane made a serene, precise and perfectly logical address upon
birth control.

Somebody yelled that the millionaires didn't have to resort to it,
being already sufficiently sterile to assure the dwindling of their
class.

A woman rose and said she had always done what she pleased in the
matter, law or no law, but that if it were true the Bolsheviki in
America were but a quarter of a million to a hundred million of the
bourgeoisie, then it was time to breed and breed to the limit.

"And let the kids starve?" cried another woman--a mere girl. "That
isn't the way. The way to do is to even things with a hundred million
hand grenades!"

Instantly the place was in an uproar; but Palla came forward and said
that the meeting was over, and Estridge and Shotwell and two policemen
kept the aisles fairly clear while the wrangling audience made their
way to the street.

"Aw, it's all lollipop!" said a man. "What d' yeh expect from a bunch
of women?"

"The Red Flag Club is better," rejoined ano