"That, at any rate, is my plea; and I shall be glad, if you have a spokesman, to hear how the suggestion of a 'truce of God' presents itself to your minds." In the pause that followed, Brother Copas felt himself nudged from behind.

He cleared his throat and inclined himself with a grave bow.
"My lord," he said, "my fellow-petitioners here have asked me to speak first to any points that may be raised.

I have stipulated, however, that they hold themselves free to disavow me here in your lordship's presence, if on any point I misrepresent them." The Bishop nodded encouragingly.
"Well then, my lord, it is peculiarly hard to speak for them when at the outset of the inquiry you meet us with a wholly unexpected appeal.

.

.