stly were in grim and deadly
earnest--had hoped to find him a man nearer their own class. Fenn
and Bright had their own reasons for standing apart, and the extreme
pacifists took note of the fact that he had been a soldier. His coming,
however, was an event the importance of which nobody attempted to
conceal.

The Bishop was voted into the chair when the little company trooped
into the apartment which had been set aside for their more important
meetings. His election had been proposed by Miles Furley, and as it was
announced that under no circumstances would he become a candidate for
the permanent leadership of the party, was agreed to without comment. A
few notes for his guidance had been jotted down earlier in the day.
The great subject of discussion was, of course, the recently received
communication from an affiliated body of their friends in Germany,
copies of which had been distributed amongst the members.

"I am asked to explain," the Bishop announced, in opening the
proceedings, "that this document which we all recognise as being of
surpassing importance, has been copied by Mr. Fenn, himself, and that
since, copies have been distributed amongst the members, the front
door of the building has been closed and the telephones placed under
surveillance. It is not, of course, possible that any of you could be
mistrusted, but it is of the highest importance that neither the Press,
the Government, nor the people should have any indication of what is
transpiring, until the delegate whom you choose takes the initial step.
It is proposed that until after his interview with the Prime Minister,
no delegate shall leave the place. The question now arises, what of
the terms themselves? I will ask each one of you to state his views,
commencing with Miss Abbeway."

Every one of the twenty-three--or twenty-four now, including Julian--had
a few words to say, and the tenor of their remarks was identical. For
a basis of peace terms, the proposals were entirely reasonable, nor did
they appear in any case to be capable of misconstruction. They were laid
down in eight clauses.

1. The complete evacuation of Northern France and Belgium, with full
compensation for all damage done.

2. Alsace and Lorraine to determine their position by vote of the entire
population.

3. Servia and Roumania to be reestablished as independent kingdoms, with
such rectifications and modifications of frontier as a joint committee
should decide upon.