"The
last eleven days have seen a social movement in this country,
conducted with absolute secrecy, equivalent in its portentous
issues to the greatest revolution of modern times. For the first
time in history, Bishop, the united voice of the people has a
chance of making itself heard."
"Mr. Fenn," the Bishop said, "you have accomplished a wonderful
work. Now comes the moment when we must pause and think. We must
be absolutely and entirely certain that the first time that voice
is heard it is heard in a righteous cause."
"Is there a more righteous cause in the world than the cause of
peace?" Fenn asked sharply.
"Not if that peace be just and reasonable," the Bishop replied,
"not if that peace can bring to an end this horrible and bloody
struggle."
"We shall see to that," Fenn declared, with a self-satisfied air.
"You have by now, I suppose, the terms proposed by your--your
kindred body in Germany?"
Nicholas Fenn stroked his moustache. There was a frown upon his
forehead.
"I expect to have them at any moment," he said, "but to tell you
the truth, at the present moment they are not available."
"But I thought--"
"Just so," the other interrupted. "The document, however, was not
where we expected to find it."
"Surely that is a very serious complication?"
"It will mean a certain delay if we don't succeed in getting hold
of it," Fenn admitted. "We intend to be firm about the matter,
though."
The Bishop's expression was troubled.
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