Page:The council of seven.djvu/330

 *alized that the science of destruction had become such a dire menace to mankind that something must be done to keep its latest achievements out of the hands of any one particular government."

"For the reason, I presume," said Endor, "that no individual government, in such a world as the present, could be trusted to wield such powers rightly?"

"Quite so."

"One is interested to know that."

"We owe it to you, my dear Endor," the American continued, "that our Society now sees that it has been working on wrong lines. The wisdom of using its own terrible secrets to enforce its aims has, some of us think, very properly been called in question. Before, however, the Council of Seven abolishes the present constitution it insists that its decree in regard to Saul Hartz be carried out."

Endor dissented strongly.

"Surely," said Hierons, "that position is not illogical. The death of this man is on all grounds desirable. He stands condemned in strict accordance with laws to which you have yourself most solemnly subscribed."

"I know, I know," said Endor.

"Moreover, the task falls upon you. And the means are in your hands. Nothing could be simpler or easier than what you have now to do. Will you not help us all by fulfilling your oath?"

"That's quite impossible," said Endor. "No one could welcome the limiting of the Society's functions