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 SECRET UNION OF SWORD AND PLOUGH 95

' As a representative of private capital,’ said Bender, ' you cannot afford to remain deaf to the groans of your country.’ Kislyarsky sighed. ‘ You know who that is ? ’ said Bender as he pointed to Hippolyte. ‘ Of course,’ answered Kislyarsky. ‘ That is Mr. Vorobianinov.’ ‘ That,’ said Bender, ‘ is the giant of thought, the father of Russian democracy, and a person very close to the Tsar.’ ‘ This means at least two years’ solitary confinement,’ thought Kislyarsky. ‘ Why ever did I come here ? ’ ‘ The Secret Union of the Sword and Plough,’ whis­ pered Bender into his ear. ‘ Ten years ! ’ thought Kislyarsky. ‘ Of course you can go away if you wish, but I warn you our arm is long,’ said Bender. * I’ll teach him something,’ thought Bender to himself. ‘ I shan’t let him go under a hundred roubles.’ Kislyarsky stayed. ‘ Citizens ! ’ said Bender, opening the meeting, ‘ Life dictates its laws—its cruel laws. I shah not speak of the objects of this meeting. They are sufftciently well known to you all. The aim of this meeting is holy. We hear cries for help from every comer of our country. We must extend a helping hand, and we shall extend a helping hand. Some of you are working and have butter on your bread, while others are eating caviare sandwiches. All of you have beds and warm blankets, but there are little children in the streets who deserve a better fate. Gentlemen, we must help those little children, and we shall help them ! ’ This speech raised various feelings in the minds of the listeners. Polesov did not understand his new friend. ‘ Children ? ’ he thought. ‘ Why children ? ’ Hippo­ lyte did not attempt to understand it. He sat in silence and blew out his cheeks. Elena Stanislavovna