be trouble with the A.S.E."

For a long time there was a silence, broken only by the rustle of
papers and an occasional word of explanation from the German.
Then Tommy heard the light tap-tap of fingers, drumming on the
table.

"And--the date, my friend?" said Number One.

"The 29th."

The Russian seemed to consider:

"That is rather soon."

"I know. But it was settled by the principal Labour leaders, and
we cannot seem to interfere too much. They must believe it to be
entirely their own show."

The Russian laughed softly, as though amused.

"Yes, yes," he said. "That is true. They must have no inkling
that we are using them for our own ends. They are honest
men--and that is their value to us. It is curious--but you
cannot make a revolution without honest men. The instinct of the
populace is infallible." He paused, and then repeated, as though
the phrase pleased him: "Every revolution has had its honest
men. They are soon disposed of afterwards."

There was a sinister note in his voice.