“What do you suggest?”
“This meeting is intended as a weighty protest against the inaction of the English government. The speakers are eminent men and there can be no question about their disinterestedness. If such a man as yourself raised a voice, the effect would be increased a thousandfold.”
“You mean because of my connection with the Congo?” Gaunt asked thoughtfully.
“Yes. The public more or less connect you with the Congo Free State, and if you were to relate your experience, it would have an enormous influence for good. During these years while a war has been raged against this iniquitous rule the burden has rested on the shoulders of one man—the secretary of the Congo Republic Convention. He has pluckily fought a battle with public apathy, but little can be done without funds. You have said that you are prepared to spend your wealth in righting the wrongs which you have committed. In what better way can you do so than by joining hands with those who are strenuously endeavoring to obtain justice for the natives of the Congo?” Drake said earnestly.
“There is something in what you say, but have you thought how such an action would affect me personally? My Belgian friends will say I have ‘ratted,’ while if I tell the brutal truth my English friends will call me a blackguard, and refuse to associate with me. You must remember that the Belgians have always denied that any atrocities have been committed.”
“The statement by you will remove every doubt,” Drake cried impetuously.
“It is rather a large order to ask me to do this. I think you know that if I do undertake it, I shall not mince matters,” Gaunt said quietly.
“So much the better. Under the circumstances I do not think that you have the right to consider yourself personally. You have led me to believe that you are honest in your determination to fulfil your vow. If this is true, you cannot hesitate for a moment.”
“I quite understand your point of view, but I must own that I had not anticipated any such public action as you suggest.”
“Do you honestly wish to help the natives of the Congo?” Drake cried vehemently.