"Very good! Can you not move among them and acquaint them secretly with what I have just told you? Secure their coöperation for me so that, when the moment comes, I may depend upon them for support. Urge them, too, to join in whatever demonstration may be made against the project."
"I'll do thet, sir, and y' may depend 'n me fur it."
"You say Thursday night? Keep me informed of any further developments. At any rate, I shall see you before then. Remember, however," he cautioned, "what I have just confided to you must be kept with the utmost secrecy."
He raised his hand high above his head and stood up.
"I hope t' God I die——"
"Never mind swearing," interrupted Stephen, pulling him back again into his chair. "Simply be on your guard, that is all."
"Yes, sir."
"You are right to come back," he said; "you should have persevered in your resistance."
"I couldn't help it, could I? I was made t'."
"We become vigorous under persecution," answered Stephen.