At twenty minutes past eight, Maraton, with his two companions, reached the building in which the meeting was to take place--a plain, unimposing-looking edifice, built for a chapel, whitewashed inside, but with plastered walls and bare floors.

The room was almost packed, and it was with some difficulty that they found seats in the back row.
David Ross, Peter Dale and Graveling occupied chairs on the platform.
Between them, Julia and Aaron kept Maraton informed as to the identity of each newcomer.
"That's Mr.Docker, who is going to speak now," the latter declared in an excited whisper.

"He is a fighting man.

It's he who has manoeuvred this strike, they say.

Now he's off." Mr.Docker has risen to his feet amidst a little hoarse cheering.