Storch was alone, bending close to the lamp, reading, when Fred
Starratt broke in upon him. He did not lift his head.
Fred went softly into a corner and sat down… Finally, after a while,
Storch laid his book aside. He gave one searching look at Fred's face.
"Well, have you decided?" he asked, with calm directness.
Fred's hands gave a flourish of resignation. "Yes… I'll do it!" he answered in a whisper.
Storch picked up his book again and went on reading. Presently he lifted his eyes from the printed page as he said:
"We won't have any more meetings here… Things are getting a little too dangerous… How soon will the job be finished?"
Fred rose, shaking himself. "Within two weeks, if it is finished at all!"
He went close to Storch and put a hand upon his shoulder. "You know every bitter thing … tell me, why does a man love?"
Storch laughed unpleasantly. "To breed hatred!"
Fred Starratt sat down again with a gesture of despair.