, but simply because we have a greater end in view than to enrich
ourselves. Our men must all be members of the Union, and their prime interest
must be the advancement of the principles of the Union. We shall be able to
establish new papers, to hire halls, and to spread ourselves over the country.
It'll be fighting the capitalist manufacturers with their own weapons. I can see
plenty of difficulties, of course. All England 'll be against us. Never mind,
we'll defy them all, and we'll win. It'll be the work of my life, and we'll see
if an honest purpose can't go as far as a thievish one.«
    The climax would have brought crashing cheers at Commonwealth Hall; in Mr.
Westlake's study it was received with well-bred expressions of approval.
    »Well, Mutimer,« exclaimed the idealist, »all this is intensely interesting,
and right glorious for us. One sees at last a possibility of action. I ask
nothing better than to be allowed to work with you. It happens very luckily that
you are a practical engineer. I suppose the mechanical details of the
undertaking are entirely within your province.«
    »Not quite, at present,« Mutimer admitted, »but I shall have valuable help.
Yesterday I had a meeting with a man named Rodman, a mining engineer, who has
been working on the estate. He seems just the man I shall want; a Socialist
already, and delighted to join in the plans I just hinted to him.«
    »Capital! Do you propose, then, that we shall call a special meeting of the
Committee? Or would you prefer to suggest a committee of your own?«
    »No, I think our own committee will do very well, at all events for the
present. The first thing, of course, is to get the financial details of our
scheme put into shape. I go to Belwick again this afternoon; my solicitor must
get his business through as soon as possible.«
    »You will reside for the most part at Wanley?«
    »At the Manor, yes. It is occupied just now, but I suppose will soon be
free.«
    »Do you know that part of the country, Stella?« Mr. Westlake asked of his
wife.
    She roused herself, drawing in her breath, and uttered a short negative.
    »As soon as I get into the house,« Richard resumed to Mr. Westlake, »I hope
you'll come and examine