"
"Immediately," said Simon again.
"Now," said Kalmar solemnly, "there is one thing more. Our cause
fails chiefly because of traitors. In this city is a traitor. My
oath demands his death or mine. If I fail, I must pass the work on
to another. It is for this I have called you here. You are members
of our Brotherhood. What do you say?"
The men stood silent.
"Speak!" said Kalmar in a low stern voice. "Have you no words?"
But still they stood silent and distressed, looking at each other.
"Tell me," said Kalmar, "do you refuse the oath?"
"Master," said Joseph Pinkas sullenly, "this is a new country.
All that we left behind. That is all well for Russia, but not
for Canada. Here we do not take oath to kill."
"Swine!" hissed Kalmar with unutterable scorn. "Why are you here?
Go from me!"
From his outstretched hand Joseph fell back in sudden fear. Kalmar
strode to the door and rattled it in its lock.
"This man wishes to go," he said, as the guard appeared. "Let him go."
"What about the others?" said the guard.
"Permit them to remain for a few moments," said Kalmar, recovering
the even tone of his voice with a tremendous effort.
"Now, Simon Ketzel," he said, turning back to the man who stood
waiting him in fear, "what is your answer?"
Simon took his hand and kissed it.
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