"Let us know how far this accursed conspiracy has gone." "It has gone to very great lengths," Julian declared.

"Certain members of this newly-formed Council of Labour have been in communication for some months with the Socialist Party in Germany.

From these latter they have received a definite and authentic proposal of peace, countersigned by the three most important men in Germany.

That proposal of peace I am here to lay before you, with the request that you act upon it without delay." Julian produced his roll of papers.

The two men remained motionless.