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"I am directed by--Mr. Brown, to place the summaries of the reports from the

different unions before you. That of the miners is most satisfactory. We must hold

back the railways. There may be trouble with the A.S.E."

For a long time there was a silence, broken only by the rustle of papers and an

occasional word of explanation from the German. Then Tommy heard the light

tap-tap of fingers, drumming on the table.

And--the date, my friend?" said Number One.

The 29th."

The Russian seemed to consider:

That is rather soon."

I know. But it was settled by the principal Labour leaders, and we cannot seem

to interfere too much. They must believe it to be entirely their own show."

The Russian laughed softly, as though amused.

"Yes, yes," he said. "That is true. They must have no inkling that we are using

them for our own ends. They are honest men--and that is their value to us. It is

curious--but you cannot make a revolution without honest men. The instinct of

the populace is infallible." He paused, and then repeated, as though the phrase

pleased him: "Every revolution has had its honest men. They are soon disposed of

afterwards."

There was a sinister note in his voice.

The German resumed:

"Clymes must go. He is too far-seeing. Number Fourteen will see to that."

There was a hoarse murmur.

That's all right, gov'nor." And then after a moment or two: "Suppose I'm nabbed."

You will have the best legal talent to defend you," replied the German quietly.

But in any case you will wear gloves fitted with the finger-prints of a notorious

housebreaker. You have little to fear."

The Secret Adversary