What the devil do you mean ?" With a note of proud humility Mr Verloc apologised for forgetting himself.

His voice,--famous for years at open-air meetings and at workmen's assemblies in large halls, had contributed, he said, to his reputation of a good and trustworthy comrade.

It was, therefore, a part of his usefulness.

It had inspired confidence in his principles.

"I was always put up to speak by the leaders at a critical moment," Mr Verloc declared, with obvious satisfaction.