. . ."
The perplexity increased.
Benham felt he must be more general. He went on to emphasize the
brotherhood of man, the right to equal opportunity, equal privilege,
freedom to develop their idiosyncrasies as far as possible,
unhindered by the idiosyncrasies of others. He could feel the
sympathy and understanding of his hearers returning. "You see,"
said Benham, "you must have generosity. You must forget ancient
scores. Do you not see the world must make a fresh beginning?"
He was entirely convinced he had them with him. The heads nodded
assent, the bright eyes and lips followed the slow disentanglement
of his bad German.
"Free yourselves and the world," he said.
Applause.
"And so," he said breaking unconsciously into English, "let us begin
by burning these BEASTLY mortgages!"
And with a noble and dramatic gesture Benham cast his handful on the
fire. The assenting faces became masks of horror. A score of hands
clutched at those precious papers, and a yell of dismay and anger
filled the room. Some one caught at his throat from behind.
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