they started apart, when the door was opened,
like conspirators. There was something half-fearful, half-malicious in
Fenn's face, as he stared at them.

"What are you doing here?" he demanded. "What's wrong?"

Julian closed the door.

"A great deal," he replied curtly. "We have been around to every one of
the delegates and asked them to assemble in the Council room. Will you
and Bright come at once?"

Fenn looked from one to the other of his visitors and remained silent
for a few seconds.

"Climbing down, eh?" he asked viciously.

"We have some information to communicate," Julian announced.

Fenn moved abruptly away, out of the shadow of the electric lamp which
hung over his desk. His voice was anxious, unnatural.

"We can't consider any more information," he said harshly. "Our
decisions have been taken. Nothing can affect them. That's the worst of
having you outsiders on the board. I was certain you wouldn't face it
when the time came."

"As you yourself," Julian remarked, "are somewhat concerned in this
matter, I think it would be well if you came with the others."

"I am not going to stir from this room," Fenn declared doggedly. "I have
my own work to do. And as to my being concerned with what you have to
say, I'll thank you to mind your own business and leave mine alone."

"Mr. Fenn," the Bishop interposed, "I beg to offer you my advice that
you join us at once in the Council room."

Julian and Catherine had already left the room. Fenn leaned forward, and
there was an altered note in his tone.

"What's it mean, Bishop?" he asked hoarsely. "Are they ratting, those
two?"

"What we have come here to say," the Bishop rejoined, "must be said to
every one."

He turned away. Fenn and Bright exchanged quick glances.

"What do you make of it?" asked Fenn.

"They've changed their minds," Bright muttered, "that's all. They're
theorists. Damn all theorists! They just blow bubbles to destroy them.
As for the girl, she's been at parties all the evening, as we know."

"You're right," Fenn acknowledged. "I was a fool. Come on."

Many of the delegates had the air of being glad to escape for a few
minutes from their tasks. One or two of them entered the room, carrying
a cup of coffee or cocoa. Most of them were smoking. Fenn and Bright
made their appearance last of all. The latter made a feeble attempt at a
good-humoured remark.

"Is this a pause for refreshments?" he asked. "If so, I'm on."

Julian, who h