Page:Edgar Jepson--the four philanthropists.djvu/148

140 formed for the deliverance of Humanity to the destruction of your private enemies."

"Ain't I a part of Humanity? That's what I want to know," said Bottiger.

"Consider the evil passions he arouses, not only in us but in every one at the club, in the card-room and out of it. A man who arouses passions of that kind and injures noble natures is an enemy of Humanity," said Chelubai solemnly.

"And you call yourself a Socialist!" sneered Bottiger.

"The Socialist abhors violence," I said quickly. "I don't consider him sufficiently an enemy of Humanity to make him a fitting job for the Company."

"That's for the majority of the Directors to decide," said Chelubai. "Bottiger and I are in favor of it. What do you say, Miss Brand?"

"I vote with Roger," said Angel quickly.

"Sakes alive!" said Chelubai. "If we haven't forgotten to make provision for a casting vote when the Directors are equally divided on a point!"

They were silent a while, considering the deadlock. I filled a pipe and lighted it.

Then Chelubai said plaintively: "I can't understand your opposition, Roger. You wouldn't let us run our scheme on pure romantic lines. You would have made it practical, as a means of