(_Nodding savagely._) A new party, a party of demagogues, in power. Government ownership of the railways and telegraphs. A graduated income tax that will mean no less than the confiscation of private capital. {Chalmers} And all that mass of radical legislation--the Child Labor Bill, the new Employers' Liability Act, the government control of the Alaskan coal fields, that interference with Mexico. And that big power corporation you have worked so hard to form. {Starkweather} It must not be. It is an unthinkable calamity. It means that the very process of capitalistic development is hindered, stopped. It means a setback of ten years in the process. It means work, endless work, to overcome the setback. It means not alone the passage of all this radical legislation with the consequent disadvantages, but it means the fingers of the mob clutching at our grip of control. It means anarchy. It means ruin and misery for all the blind fools and led-cattle of the mass who will strike at the very sources of their own existence and comfort. (_Tommy enters from left, evidently playing a game, in the course of which he is running away. By his actions he shows that he is pursued. He intends to cross stage, but is stopped by sight of the men. Unobserved by them, he retraces his steps and crawls under the tea-table._) {Chalmers} Without doubt, Knox is in possession of the letters right now. {Starkweather} There is but one thing to do, and that is--get them back. (_He looks questioningly at the two men._) (_Margaret enters from left, in flushed and happy pursuit of Tommy--for it is a game she is playing with him. She startles at sight of the three men, whom she first sees as she gains the side of the tea-table, where she pauses abruptly, resting one hand on the table._) {Hubbard} I'll undertake it. {Starkweather} There is little time to waste. In twenty hours from now he will be on the floor making his speech. Try mild measures first. Offer him inducements--any inducement. I empower you to act for me. You will find he has a price. {Hubbard} And if not? {Starkweather} Then you must get them at any cost. {Hubbard} (_Tentatively._) You mean--? {Starkweather} I mean just that. But no matter what happens, I must never be brought in. Do you understand? {Hubbard} Thoroughly. {Margaret} (_Acting her part, and speaking with assumed gayety._) What are you three conspiring about? (_All three men are startled._) {Chalmers} We are arranging to boost prices a little higher. {Hubbard} And so be able to accumulate more motorcars. {Starkweather} (_Taking no notice of Margaret and starting toward exit to rear._) I must be going. Hubbard, you have your work cut out for you. Tom, I want you to come with me. {Chalmers} (_As the three men move toward exit._) Home? {Starkweather} Yes, we have much to do. {Chalmers} Then I'll dress first and follow you. (_Turning to Margaret._) Pick me up on the way to that dinner.