‘I am not sure of that,’ I answered. ‘Humbert is not a politician. He has been stirred up because Luccheni killed a woman, which, in my opinion, was an unwise action. We ought to choose our victims more carefully. It is absurd to pick off a man like Humbert, when there are such enemies as —— and —— alive.’
My remarks were received in ominous silence. The other four exchanged looks of disappointment. The Bear was the first to protest.
‘It is the curse of Anarchism that every one wants to have his own opinion. It seems to me that when men like ourselves, who have guided the movement for years, are agreed on the right course of action, a new comrade ought to accept our decision.’
I did not retort that the word Anarchist, if it meant anything, meant one who had his own opinion and refused to be guided by the agreement of others. There is nothing a fanatic resents so much as reason, except ridicule. Instead, I affected to be surprised.
‘Do you mean that you disapprove of the execution of ——?’ I demanded, naming a man whose reputation for cruelty and bigotry was world wide.
‘The removal of Humbert ought to come first,’ was the answer.
‘Do you say that deliberately? Have all our comrades made up their minds, or is it merely your own opinion?’
‘It is the judgment of us four,’ said The Bear. ‘That ought to be enough.’
‘We are willing to provide funds for any comrade who will undertake the mission,’ added Peters.
‘But not for any other mission, such as one against ——?’ I ventured to object.