THE FALL OF A NATION [Illustration: “From every window they received a hail of bullets” [_Page 315_]] THE FALL OF A NATION _A SEQUEL TO THE BIRTH OF A NATION_ BY THOMAS DIXON AUTHOR OF “THE CLANSMAN,” “THE SOUTHERNER,” “THE FOOLISH VIRGIN,” ETC. [Illustration] ILLUSTRATED BY CHARLES WRENN D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK LONDON 1916 Copyright, 1916, by THOMAS DIXON Copyright, 1915, 1916, by THE NATIONAL SUNDAY MAGAZINE _All rights reserved, including that of translation into all foreign languages, including the Scandinavian_ _Printed in the United States of America_ TO MY FRIEND JAMES B. DUKE TO THE READER This novel is not a rehash of the idea of a foreign conquest of America based on the accidents of war. It is a study of the origin, meaning and destiny of American Democracy by one who believes that the time is ripe in this country for a revival of the principles on which our Republic was founded. THOMAS DIXON. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS “From every window they received a hail of bullets” _Frontispiece_ FACING PAGE “‘In God’s name, what regiment’s that?’” 200 “‘It’s all love’s victory, dearest’” 258 “Tommaso staggered to the breastworks and stood one man against an army” 276 “A battery of artillery cleared the barricades and the slaughter began” 316 “Angela swept close ... fired and circled to fire again” 360 THE FALL OF A NATION PROLOGUE Over a bleak hillside in Scotland the sun is sinking in the sea. A group of humble men and women stand before the King’s soldiers accused of disobedience to Royal command. They have been found guilty of worshiping God according to the dictates of their own conscience and not according to the ritual of the Church of England. The sheriff appeals in vain that they yield and live. The grim prelate advances, reads the death warrant, and offers pardon if they renounce their faith. With quiet smiles they lift their heads and pray. The King on his throne has failed. The King within the soul of man is rising to reign.