All save Lawyer Norwood.  Since the retirement of Dr. Service he was the chief pro-ally trouble-maker, and he now made a little speech.  He had been agreeably surprised to learn that the money had been raised so quickly; but then certain uncomfortable doubts having occurred to him, he had made inquiries and found there was some mystery about the matter.  It was stated that the new paper was to demand a general strike in the Empire; and of course everybody knew there were powerful and sinister forces now interested in promoting strikes in munition factories.

“Wild Bill” was on his feet in an instant.  Had the comrade any objection to munition workers demanding the eight hour day?

“No,” said Norwood, “of course not; but if we are going into a fight with other people, we surely ought to know who they are and what their purpose is.  I have been informed—­there seems to be a little hesitation in talking about it—­that a lot of money has been put up by one man, and nobody knows who that man is.”

“He’s an organizer for the A. F. of L.!” The voice was Jimmie’s.  In his excitement the solemn pledge of secrecy was entirely forgotten!

“Indeed!” said Norwood.  “What is his name?”

Nobody answered.

“Has he shown his credentials?” Again silence.

“Of course, I don’t need to tell men as familiar with union affairs as the comrades here that every bona-fide organizer for a union carries credentials.  If he does not produce them, it is at least occasion for writing to the organization and finding out about him.  Has anybody done that?”

Again there was silence.

“I don’t want to make charges,” said Norwood—­

“Oh, no!” put in “Wild Bill”.  “You only want to make insinuations!”

“What I want to do is merely to make sure that the local knows what it is doing.  It is no secret anywhere in Leesville that money is being spent to cause trouble in the Empire.  No doubt this money has passed through a great many hands since it left the Kaiser’s, but we may be sure that his hands are guiding it to its final end.”

And then what an uproar!  “Shame!  Shame!” cried some; and others cried, “Bring your proofs!” The “wild” members shouted, “Put him out!” They had long wanted to get rid of Norwood, and this looked to be their chance.

But the young lawyer stood his ground and gave them shot for shot.  They wanted proofs, did they?  Suppose they had learned of a capitalist conspiracy to wreck the unions in the city; and suppose that the Leesville Herald had been clamouring for “proofs”—­what would they have thought?

“In other words,” shouted Schneider, “you know it’s true, yust because it’s Yermany!”

“I know it’s true,” said Norwood, “because it would help Germany to win the war.  One doesn’t have to have any other evidence—­if a certain thing will help Germany to win the war, one knows that thing is being done.  All you Germans know that, and what’s more, you’re proud of it; it’s your efficiency that you boast.”