James, and this tall young gentleman is Mr. Hardy Williams, our energetic secretary. Mr. Williams is a nailer for the buildin' fund. Keep your eye on your pockets if Mr. Williams is around.»

They all laughed.

«Collection comes later,» said Mr. Williams, smiling.

«A good, rousing article is our best collection,» said the stout president. «Ever been to a meeting before, sir?»

«No,» said Malone.

«Don't know much about it, I expect.»

«No, I don't.»

«Well, well, we must expect a slating. They get it from the humorous angle at first. We'll have you writing a very comic account. I never could see anything very funny in the spirit of one's dead wife, but it's a matter of taste and of knowledge also. If they don't know, how can they take it seriously? I don't blame them. We were mostly like that ourselves once. I was one of Bradlaugh's men, and sat under Joseph MacCabe until my old Dad came and pulled me out.»

«Good for him!» said the Liverpool medium.

«It was the first time I found I had powers of my own. I saw him like I see you now.»

«Was he one of us in the body?»

«Knew no more than I did. But they come on amazin' at the other side if the right folk get hold of them.»

«Time's up!» said Mr. Peeble, snapping his watch. «You are on the right of the chair, Mrs. Debbs. Will you go first? Then you, Mr. Chairman. Then you two and myself. Get on the left, Mr. Hardy Williams, and lead the singin'. They want warmin' up and you can do it. Now then, if you please!»

The platform was already crowded, but the newcomers threaded their way to the front amid a decorous murmur of welcome. Mr. Peeble shoved and exhorted and two end seats emerged upon which Enid and Malone perched themselves. The arrangement suited them well, for they could use their notebooks freely behind the shelter of the folk in front.

«What is your reaction?» whispered Enid.

«Not impressed as yet.»

«No, nor I,» said Enid, «but it's very interesting all the same.»

People who are in earnest are always interesting, whether you agree with them or not, and it was impossible to doubt that these people were extremely earnest. The hall was crammed, and as one looked down one saw line after line of upturned faces, curiously alike in type, women predominating, but men running them close.