“What I want to do is merely to make sure that the local knows what it is doing. It is no secret anywhere in Leesville that money is being spent to cause trouble in the Empire. No doubt this money has passed through a great many hands since it left the Kaiser's, but we may be sure that his hands are guiding it to its final end.”
And then what an uproar! “Shame! Shame!” cried some; and others cried, “Bring your proofs!” The “wild” members shouted, “Put him out!” They had long wanted to get rid of Norwood, and this looked to be their chance.
But the young lawyer stood his ground and gave them shot for shot. They wanted proofs, did they? Suppose they had learned of a capitalist conspiracy to wreck the unions in the city; and suppose that the Leesville Herald had been clamouring for “proofs”—what would they have thought?
“In other words,” shouted Schneider, “you know it's true, yust because it's Yermany!”
“I know it's true,” said Norwood, “because it would help Germany to win the war. One doesn't have to have any other evidence—if a certain thing will help Germany to win the war, one knows that thing is being done. All you Germans know that, and what's more, you're proud of it; it's your efficiency that you boast.”
Again there was a cry of “Shame! Shame!” But the cry came from Comrade Mary, the Quaker lady, and it was evident that she had expected a chorus, and was disconcerted at being alone.
Young Norwood, who knew his Germans, laughed scornfully. “Just now your government is selling bonds in America, supposed to be for the benefit of the families of the dead and wounded. Some of those bonds have been taken in this city, as I happen to know. Does anybody really believe the money will reach the families of the dead and wounded?”
This time the Germans answered. “I belief it!” roared Comrade Koeln. “And I! And I!” shouted others.
“That money is staying right here in Leesville!” proclaimed the lawyer. “It is preparing a strike in the Empire!”
A dozen men wanted the floor at once. Schneider, the brewer, got it, for the reason that he could outbellow anyone else. “What does the comrade want?” he demanded. “Is he not for the eight hour day?”