“But explain. Yes, I remember ‘Lysistrata’ dimly. What is your plan and how long are you going to hold to it?” “Do not reproach me, adorable Dianne, but set your wits to help me and I assure you, in a short, a very short time we shall be triumphantly united! Take back our ultimatum to the Minervenes and Manfreda and the Supreme Council;--complete equality for men, political, social and educational or we refuse to leave our walls!” “It is ingenious if cruel,” said Dianne meditating. “Yet I’m afraid, terribly afraid for you! For what can mere man do against this woman’s civilization?” “What can we do? We can do what any horse can do if a horse knew his strength. Lie down and refuse to get up. The decision is up to you. If you need us in your lives, you must restore our dignity and our rights. This is our last word!” Dianne shook her head mournfully, oppressed by, alas, too well founded premonitions. “I shall do my best--if it were in the power of the Histriones, you would win, dear. We are already, as you know, your advocates. But Manfreda and the Minervenes--I am afraid, my beloved, afraid!” She kissed me sadly and returned to her companions who thronged about her with questioning lips while I entered the gates to report. The audacity of my defiance seemed to appall my adherents. Whereas, before, they had been imbued with the gaiety of a child’s rebellion, I found now a general feeling of depression, shaking heads and ominous glances. Their forebodings were only too well justified. For two days we were cut off from all knowledge of what was transpiring in the outer world, radiophone and television abruptly interrupted. Then suddenly over our heads a squadron of aerial cruisers, armed with the devastating electronoid rays appeared. The answer of Manfreda was short and uncompromising. I was to be delivered up for judgment immediately. At the end of one hour a failure to comply would mean the instant blotting out of the whole community! CHAPTER XVIII At the end of half an hour I stepped through the gates to meet my destiny. I had not waited for the decision of my fellow men. It was only too apparent what it would be. By my voluntary submission I did in fact regain at least a sentimental if tragic prestige. The walls were thronged and as I left the Club, the entire body burst forth in three resounding cheers, which considering the time I had had to instruct them in the art, were quite impressive. A great throng was gathered to witness my surrender, and my heart leaped with a sudden hope as I perceived banners flying above the crowd with these devices: VOTES FOR MEN EQUALITY OF THE SEXES SOCIAL EQUALITY IS SIMPLE JUSTICE My beloved Dianne was the first to greet me and sadly insisted on accompanying me in the official aeroplane which was to conduct me to the Supreme Council. Despite the cheers and flutter of hands that greeted my progress, I perceived that her eyes were oppressed with forebodings.