“I have listened attentively to what has been said, and I have listened without interruption because I have sat spellbound by the cleverness of the speech, admiring its force and logic, and deeply regretting the fact that I have not the eloquence and gifts of the speaker who has just sat down. Two things are at this moment uppermost in my mind. First, that if some stranger were in my place, and I were sitting among you, I should believe him guilty. Second, there has come over me a feeling of sympathy with any man who has been condemned on circumstantial evidence. I know now, as I never did before, that many a poor wretch has gone to an undeserved death. Gibbons, you have throughout referred to me as _Mr._ Marsten. I disclaim the ‘Mr.’ as doubtless you do, so I shall call you plain Gibbons. Gibbons, you have defeated me. The meeting I have called together is against me and for you.” There were cries of dissent at this. “Oh yes, it is. I will prove it in a minute by putting it to vote, if you like.” “Hold on!” cried Gibbons; “that is not fair. I protest against a vote being taken after such a declaration.” “I am going to take no unfair advantage, and only spoke of a vote because my assertion seemed to be doubted. Now, Gibbons, you asked me several questions; I claim the right to put a few to you, and I charge you to answer as honestly as if you were on oath. Do you actually believe that I am in the pay of Sartwell?” “I didn’t say so.” “Do you believe I am?” “Yes, I do.” “What object could Sartwell have in buying me?” “Oh, that’s too self-evident. If he controls you he controls the action of the Union.” “Please explain how. No action can be taken without a majority vote.” “That’s it exactly. That’s why you are begging for our confidence and support, so that when the time comes you can deliver to Sartwell what he pays for.” “I see. Did Sartwell ever offer to buy you?” “He never did. He knew better.” “Did you ever offer to sell yourself to Sartwell?” “What’s that? What do you mean?” “I’ll put the question in another way. Did you write a private letter to Sartwell a few days before the strike ended?” Gibbons rose to his feet in such evident confusion that several of the crowd laughed, and all were in a state of tense excitement. This was the kind of thing they liked. Marsten was carrying the war into Africa. “What are you accusing me of?” cried Gibbons. “Like yourself, I am making no accusations. Did you send such a letter or not?” “As leader of the strike I may----” “No, no. Answer, yes or no.” “Let me explain. I say----” “First answer the question, Gibbons.” “I refuse to be coerced in this manner. I am willing to answer anything, but I must be allowed to answer in my own way.” “No man is bound to incriminate himself, Gibbons, as you remarked a while ago. Since we cannot get an answer to that question, I will ask another. Will you give me permission to read your Sartwell letter to this meeting?”