'I saw from the first that you were a red progressional, and nothing but the fear of old Killian kept you back.

And there, sir, you were right: old men are always cowards.

But nowadays, you see, there are so many groups: you can never tell how far the likeliest kind of man may be prepared to go; and I was never sure you were one of the strong thinkers, till you hinted about women and free love.' 'Indeed,' cried Otto, 'I never said a word of such a thing.' 'Not you!' cried Fritz.

'Never a word to compromise! You was sowing seed: ground-bait, our president calls it.

But it's hard to deceive me, for I know all the agitators and their ways, and all the doctrines; and between you and me,' lowering his voice, 'I am myself affiliated.