and imprisonment for teaching such stuff? How did Ernol ever get
hold of the notion?"

"Probably through tradition. We can't keep people from talking to
their own children; perhaps Ernol's great-grandparents told him of
the days when every one was allowed to vote."

The shock-headed man got another idea. "What has the man to say
against our system of voting in proportion to property interests?"

"Says it's all right in principle; but he claims that the earth
belongs to one and all, equally, and therefore each should have an
equal voice in its disposition and government."

This time there was no smiling. The pugnacious-looking man spoke for
the rest when he said:

"We cannot allow such ideas to gain headway, Powart! Have you a
plan?"

"We must keep a close watch upon Calastia, and allow no one to leave
its borders. As for Ernol, I have concluded that the best thing will
be--turn him loose!"

They looked at him in consternation. He explained:

"I have been reading up the experience of the past few centuries in
such cases; and if there is one thing that stands out clearer than
any other it is this: the surest way to make the public sympathize
with a radical is to persecute him. But disregard him and ridicule