“But why?”
“Because I am force by circumstance over which I have no control to cancel this lease and option, and ask you most respectfully to be so kind as to secure other quarters for your club.”
“But we can’t do that!” exclaimed Palla in dismay.
“I am so very sorry–––”
“We can’t do it,” added Palla with decision. “It’s utterly impossible, Mr. Puma. All our meetings are arranged for months in advance; all the details are completed. We could not disarrange the programme adopted. From all over the United States people are invited to come on certain fixed dates. All arrangements have been made; you have my cheque and I have your signed lease. No, we are obliged to hold you to your contract, and I’m very sorry if it inconveniences you.”
Puma’s brilliant eyes became tenderly apprehensive.
“Miss Dumont,” he said in a hushed and confidential voice, “believe me when I venture to say to you that 270 your club should leave for reasons most grave, most serious.”
“What reasons?”
“The others––the Red Flag Club. Who knows what such crazy people might do in anger? They are very angry already. They complain that your club has interfere with them–––”
“That is exactly why we’re there, Mr. Puma––to interfere with them, neutralise their propaganda, try to draw the same people who listen to their violent tirades. That is why we’re there, and why we refuse to leave. Ours is a crusade of education. We chose that hall because we desired to make the fight in the very camp of the enemy. And I must tell you plainly that we shall not give up our lease, and that we shall hold you to it.”