On this occasion it happened that the chauffeur was not there at the proper time, and Radek flew into a rage with the man and abused him violently.

The chauffeur complained, and Hoffmann took his part.
Trotski seems to consider Hoffmann's action correct, and has _forbidden_ the entire delegation to go out any more.

That settled them.

And serve them right.
"No one ventured to protest.

They have indeed a holy fear of Trotski.
At the sittings, too, none of them dare to speak while he is there.
"_January 12, 1918._--Hoffmann has made his unfortunate speech.