"We will now vote," Von Stromberg's voice broke in again. "Herr Hochwald will record your names as you come forward. He will also take your addresses. We will proceed--the first now--from the right. Herr Fenner----"
The man who a moment ago had swayed Tanya by his fervor and sincerity, rose and came forward slowly.
"I know you very well, Herr Fenner," Von Stromberg was saying, "You have devised a bomb which has proved quite efficient. One of your bombs exploded last month in the rifle-assembling room at Essen. Fortunately no one was injured. You are an inventor, Herr Fenner. I pray you to invent an excuse for this outrage which will make you innocent."
"Excellency, I----"
The man's face was the color of parchment.
"How do you vote, Herr Fenner?" asked Von Stromberg with a leer. "For the resolution----? Or against it?"
"For----" the man gasped in a half whisper. "I vote for----"
Von Stromberg grinned.
"Good!" he cried jovially. "The force of example will be of inestimable value. Herr Liederman!"
The bulky form of the Socialist approached, his brows twitching, his face suffused with blood.