lift, every time they wield the pickaxe, every
blow they strike in their daily work, helps. I was going to speak about
what we owe to the dead. I won't. We must beat Germany to her knees. We
can and we will. Then will come the time for generosity."

Phineas Cross struck the table with the flat of his hand.

"Boys," he said, "I feel the sweat in every pore of my body. We've nigh
done a horrible thing. We are with you, Mr. Orden. But about that little
skunk there? How did you find him out?"

"Through Miss Abbeway," Julian answered. "You have her to thank. I can
assure you that every charge I have made can be substantiated."

There was a little murmur of confidence. Everyone seemed to find speech
difficult.

"One word more," Julian went on. "Don't disband this Council. Keep it
together, just as it is. Keep this building. Keep our association and
sanctify it to one purpose--victory."

A loud clamour of applause answered him. Once more Cross glanced towards
the prostrate form upon the sofa.

"Let no one interfere," Julian enjoined. "There is an Act which will
deal with him. He will be removed from this place presently, and he will
not be heard of again for a little time. We don't want a soul to know
how nearly we were duped. It rests with every one of you to destroy all
the traces of what might have happened. You can do this if you will.
To-morrow call a meeting of the Council. Appoint a permanent chairman,
a new secretary, draw out a syllabus of action for promoting increased
production, for stimulating throughout every industry a passionate
desire for victory. If speaking, writing, or help of mine in any way is
wanted, it is yours. I will willingly be a disciple of the cause. But
this morning let me be your ambassador. Let me go to the Premier with a
message from you. Let me tell him what you have resolved."

"Hands up all in favour!" Cross exclaimed.

Every hand was raised. Bright came back from the couch, blinking
underneath his heavy spectacles but meekly acquiescent.

"Let us remember this hour," the Bishop begged, "as something solemn in
our lives. The Council of Labour shall justify itself, shall voice the
will or the people, fighting for victory."

"For the Peace which comes through Victory!" Julian echoed.

CHAPTER XXII

The Bishop and Catherine, a few weeks later, walked side by side up the
murky length of St. Pancras platform. The train which they had come to
meet was a quarter of an hour