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 to make that clear to you. A man of truly remarkable gifts, a man of creative imagination in the world of common affairs, you have so adapted your brain to the new order evolved by modern civilization that you have gained control of the sinister machine which evokes, creates, molds and directs public opinion. That is a feat of which our Society makes no complaint. But having acquired by the exercise of your genius this stupendous power in the physical world, you are proved to be totally lacking, as was Napoleon, your prototype before you, in any true or vital sense of the awful responsibility such a gift confers upon you."

Each word of this speech Saul Hartz followed with care. But as the gravamen of the charge was unfolded, he took up Lien Weng sharply.

"By what authority," he interposed violently, "are you and your fellow fanatics"—he cast a glance of savage contempt at the pale, tense faces around him—"constituted your brother's keeper?"

"By that same authority," said Lien Weng, "which confers upon you the power you wield."

"Whatever power I may wield," said Saul Hartz, "has the sanction of the law."

"Of what law?"

"The law implicit in the usages of all civilized communities."

"Sir, there we join issue."

Lien Weng looked solemnly at the others. With an oriental gravity that raised the act to the plane of ritual,