Cross
and Mr. Sands here, that you ought to be very sure that Freistner
is not deceived before you take this extreme measure."
"We are content to trust to our brothers in Germany," Fenn
declared.
"I am not convinced that we should be wise to do so," Julian
intervened. "I am in favour of our taking a few more days to
consider this matter."
"And I am against any delay," Fenn objected hotly. "I am for
immediate action."
"Let me explain where I think we have been a little hasty," Julian
continued earnestly. "I gather that the whole correspondence
between this body and the Socialist Party in Germany has been
carried on by Mr. Fenn and Freistner. There are other well-known
Socialists in Germany, but from not one of these have we received
any direct communication. Furthermore--and I say this without
wishing to impugn in any way the care with which I am sure our
secretary has transcribed these letters--at a time like this I am
forced to remember that I have seen nothing but copies."
Fenn was on his feet in a moment, white with passion.
"Do you mean to insinuate that I have altered or forged the
letters?" he shouted.
"I have made no insinuations," Julian replied. "At the same time,
before we proceed to extremities, I propose that we spend half an
hour studying the originals."
"That's common sense," Cross declared. "There's no one can object
to that. I'm none so much in favour of these typewritten slips
myself."
Fenn turned to whisper to Bright.
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