The Wolfs, who had modestly declined all office, were omnipresent during the long sessions of the assembly, which had lasted two days. Everywhere they had counselled compromise, forbearance, good fellowship, moving quietly from group to group in the big hall, and always winning new friends. Wolf's gnarled hand gripped Norman's at the close of the meeting as he bent his massive head and whispered: "A great day's work, Comrade Chief--one that will make history." The young leader's face clouded as he slowly replied: "I wish I were sure that it will be history of the right kind." "You doubt it?" the old leader asked incredulously. "It all depends on our leadership." "With your hand on the helm"--Wolf paused and smiled curiously--"the ship of State is safe." CHAPTER XXVI AT THE PARTING OF THE WAYS Again the colony entered on a period of active and efficient industry. Every man was at his post and did the work assigned him. Eight hours was fixed as a working day in all departments. The first acts of insubordination were promptly suppressed. The discipline of an army was strictly enforced--the guard-house and whipping-post were found sufficient. No report except the most favourable had ever reached the outside world, and thousands of applicants in San Francisco were clamouring for admission. The new colony house with accommodation for two thousand had been completed, and another of like size was under way. Wolf had urged Norman to admit a new colony at once and prepare for the third. But the difficulties of government and the fights within the Brotherhood had alarmed the young leader. He hesitated, and the big new building as yet remained empty. As the day for the annual meeting of the assembly drew near, doubts of the future grew darker in the young regent's mind. He had the power, under the deed of gift, to prolong the experiment another year, holding the title to the property for further experiment, or divide the profits between the members and reconvey the gift back to its donors, or by deed convey at once the whole property to the Brotherhood and end his trusteeship. Which should it be? His faith in his fellow man had been shaken by the events of the past year, and yet the colony had succeeded. Its wealth was great and its prospects greater. With the perfect discipline recently inaugurated and wisely administered, no limit could be fixed to the productive power of such an organization. That he should hesitate a moment after the achievements of the year was a stunning shock to Wolf. The moment he realized the import of the crisis, he at once appealed to Barbara. "You alone can save us, child," he urged. "You must act at once. You promised to lead him captive in your train. You have failed for one reason only----" "Yes, I know," Barbara interrupted. "I haven't tried. I confess it."