"No, you won't, and be part of the big, conquering nation that you are. Those 'hymns of hate' don't affect England!--neither do the scores of lewd verses that flow like filth all over Germany! They are merely the wails of disappointed people, Roger,--the shrieks of a cruelly tricked national soul! Let them pass!" "Disappointed people fiddle-sticks!--and I say that it's a tragic mistake to let anything pass! The most dangerous propaganda waged by German spies in this country--more alarming in its results thus far than the blowing up of munition factories, the setting afire of grain elevators, the enciting of Mexico--has been the honorless skill with which they have fed the American mind upon the idea of a disgruntled Germany, a starving Germany, and all such twaddle! Can't you see why such tales are being circulated? Simply to inject into our minds the poison of national inertia, so that when war comes--as it some day shall--every fellow will be likely to think: 'Oh, it can't last long now!--let the other boys get ready; I haven't time!'" "I hadn't thought of that, Roger." "Then think of it now; and, furthermore, remember this, Amos: that no sooner will war be declared before their propaganda will go one step farther. Do you know what it will be? Peace talk! Crumbling Germany ready to make terms! Why? Simply to keep filling our systems with more of the national inertia poison--to keep us retarded--to keep us from dashing into the big game with every fibre quivering, and our souls afire to finish it up! Berlin's hope is that while America grows sleek with too much optimism, Germany will grow stronger to prolong her insolent and murderous campaign. Open your columns, Amos, and shout these truths broadcast--for therein will rest the salvation of our country! Germany poor in food or munitions?--fiddle-sticks! The German people disgruntled?--twaddle!" "Where do you get this idea?" Mr. Strong looked at him in amazement.