Catherine had accepted the seat pushed forward by Cross.

The atmosphere of the room, which at first had been only expectant, became tense.
"My friends," Julian began, "a few hours ago you came to a momentous decision.

You are all at work, prepared to carry that decision into effect.

I have come to see you because I am very much afraid that we have been the victims of false statements, the victims of a disgraceful plot." "Rubbish!" Fenn scoffed.

"You're ratting, that's what you are." "You'd better thank Providence," Julian replied sternly, "that there is time for you to rat, too--that is, if you have any care for your country.