"Yes; but he claims that the commission should be elected by direct vote of the people!" A general smile of derision greeted this. The only face that remained serious was that of the shock-headed man. He said: "There must be a slip somewhere, Powart. Isn't there a heavy fine and imprisonment for teaching such stuff? How did Ernol ever get hold of the notion?" "Probably through tradition. We can't keep people from talking to their own children; perhaps Ernol's great-grandparents told him of the days when every one was allowed to vote." The shock-headed man got another idea. "What has the man to say against our system of voting in proportion to property interests?" "Says it's all right in principle; but he claims that the earth belongs to one and all, equally, and therefore each should have an equal voice in its disposition and government." This time there was no smiling. The pugnacious-looking man spoke for the rest when he said: "We cannot allow such ideas to gain headway, Powart! Have you a plan?" "We must keep a close watch upon Calastia, and allow no one to leave its borders. As for Ernol, I have concluded that the best thing will be--turn him loose!" They looked at him in consternation. He explained: "I have been reading up the experience of the past few centuries in such cases; and if there is one thing that stands out clearer than any other it is this: the surest way to make the public sympathize with a radical is to persecute him. But disregard him and ridicule him, and his philosophy doesn't last long. "Instead of trying to make an example of this chap, by severely punishing him, we shall let him go. It may be that he will object to this; he may have discovered the same truths I have been reading, and would like nothing better than to become a 'martyr.' But we shall force him out, if need be." "But suppose he continues his talking?" "In that case we must simply watch our chance, and take him secretly; if need be, arrest a thousand others at the same time. The main thing is secrecy; so that the people cannot know, no matter what they may suspect, what has become of him. His final dispostion will be a question of mere exediency." The former chairman approved heartily. "You've got the right idea, Powart. Is there anything further on tap?" Powart put his notes away. "Every national report is the same as usual; all quiet, and people apparently well satisfied. "If there is no further business, we may consider ourselves adjourned." The men got to their feet with the usual accompanying noises. The tall man with the square-cut beard immediately came and offered Powart his hand. Van Emmon noticed that they shook hands almost exactly as Americans would. "Things seem to be coming your way, my boy," said the bearded man, his keen eyes softening slightly. "I saw the paper this morning. Congratulations! She is one girl in millions. Has she fixed the date?" "No. Mona was rather taken by surprise--to be frank with you, uncle."