“In further explanation of Charge II and the specifications thereunder, the undersigned desire to add that they represent the ownership of certain manufacturing plants in this community, from which many of the workmen have voluntarily withdrawn on strike; that many of such workmen, together with a large number of irresponsible and disorderly persons, urged on and inflamed by anarchistic leaders, have threatened to take possession of these plants by force, or to damage or destroy them, and it may be necessary for the owners to call on the militia of the State for the protection of their property and the safeguarding of the lives of their loyal employees. “_Signed_, THE BARRISCALE MANUFACTURING CO., by Benj. Barriscale, Sr., _President_. THE FAIRWEATHER MACHINE CO., by Don. G. Albertson, _President_. THE BENSON COUNTY IRON WORKS, by Rufus Ingersoll, _Vice-President_.” Lieutenant McCormack looked up from the reading of the charges with eyes that were dazed and incredulous. “Well,” said Captain Murray, “what do you think of it?” “Why,” replied Hal, “it’s not true; not any of it.” “Probably not,” replied the captain, “but you’ll have to meet it all the same. I’ve got to forward the complaint to headquarters. I’ve no discretion in the matter.” “I suppose that’s true.” Hal was still staring almost stupidly at his commander. The sweeping nature of the charges, their bluntness and brutality, had given him a shock from which he did not at once recover. For years he had been inviting just such a calamity as this, but now that it had come, in this direct and drastic form, the suddenness of it had quite taken away his breath. Captain Murray handed Hal’s resignation back to him. “You won’t want to file this now,” he said. “No,” replied Hal, taking it, “I guess not. I think--I think I’ll deny those charges.” “Of course you will. And let me tell you, you’ve got a very pretty fight on your hands. It’ll be no boy’s play. The Barriscales are determined. You know you’ve got yourself into this predicament by flirting with economic vagaries, and associating with radical charlatans. I’m willing to do what I can to help you out provided you’ll put up a vigorous defense on your own account. I want to keep you in the Guard.” “Thank you, Captain! What would you suggest?” “I think you’d better go and get Brownell to take up your case, and defend you. He’s a good lawyer and a good friend of yours. If anybody can save you he can.” “Very well, I’ll speak to him. In the meantime I suppose I may be considered as being under arrest?”