essay, but a novel. My main object was to write a readable story full
of human interest and based on the happenings of everyday life, the
subject of Socialism being treated incidentally.

This was the task I set myself. To what extent I have succeeded is
for others to say; but whatever their verdict, the work possesses at
least one merit - that of being true. I have invented nothing. There
are no scenes or incidents in the story that I have not either
witnessed myself or had conclusive evidence of. As far as I dared I
let the characters express themselves in their own sort of language
and consequently some passages may be considered objectionable. At
the same time I believe that - because it is true - the book is not
without its humorous side.

The scenes and characters are typical of every town in the South of
England and they will be readily recognized by those concerned. If
the book is published I think it will appeal to a very large number of
readers. Because it is true it will probably be denounced as a libel
on the working classes and their employers, and upon the
religious-professing section of the community. But I believe it will
be acknowledged as true by most of those who are compelled to spend
their lives amid the surroundings it describes, and it will be evident
that no attack is made upon sincere religion.



Chapter 1:

An Imperial Banquet. A Philosophical Discussion. The Mysterious
Stranger. Britons Never shall be Slaves