“This must go at once,” he said.

“At once,” replied Simon.

“In a few weeks or months,” continued the prisoner in a low voice, “I expect to be free.  Siberia could not hold me, and do you think that any prison in this country can?  But this report must go immediately.”

“Immediately,” said Simon again.

“Now,” said Kalmar solemnly, “there is one thing more.  Our cause fails chiefly because of traitors.  In this city is a traitor.  My oath demands his death or mine.  If I fail, I must pass the work on to another.  It is for this I have called you here.  You are members of our Brotherhood.  What do you say?”

The men stood silent.

“Speak!” said Kalmar in a low stern voice.  “Have you no words?”

But still they stood silent and distressed, looking at each other.

“Tell me,” said Kalmar, “do you refuse the oath?”

“Master,” said Joseph Pinkas sullenly, “this is a new country.  All that we left behind.  That is all well for Russia, but not for Canada.  Here we do not take oath to kill.”

“Swine!” hissed Kalmar with unutterable scorn.  “Why are you here?  Go from me!”

From his outstretched hand Joseph fell back in sudden fear.  Kalmar strode to the door and rattled it in its lock.

“This man wishes to go,” he said, as the guard appeared.  “Let him go.”

“What about the others?” said the guard.

“Permit them to remain for a few moments,” said Kalmar, recovering the even tone of his voice with a tremendous effort.

“Now, Simon Ketzel,” he said, turning back to the man who stood waiting him in fear, “what is your answer?”

Simon took his hand and kissed it.  “I will serve you with my money, with my life.  I am all Russian here,” smiting on his breast, “I cannot forget my countrymen in bondage.  I will help them to freedom.”

“Ah,” said Kalmar, “good.  Now listen.  This Rosenblatt betrayed us, brought death and exile to many of our brothers and sisters.  He still lives.  He ought to die.  What do you say?”

“He ought to die,” answered Simon.

“The oath is laid upon me.  I sought the privilege of executing vengeance; it was granted me.  I expect to fulfil my oath, but I may fail.  If I fail,” here he bent his face toward that of Simon Ketzel, his bloodshot eyes glowing in his white face like red coals, “if I fail,” he repeated, “is he still to live?”

“Do you ask me to kill him?” said Simon in a low voice.  “I have a wife and three children.  If I kill this man I must leave them.  There is no place for me in this country.  There is no escape.  I must lay upon my children that burden forever.  Do you ask me to do this?  Surely God will bring His sure vengeance upon him.  Let him go into the hands of God.”