Page:The unhallowed harvest (1917).djvu/315

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THE UNALLOWED HARVEST

of radicalism, of syndicalism by the preaching of which you and your companions and followers have brought to the people of this city hardship and suffering which you now find yourselves powerless to relieve."

"We are powerless to relieve it, Mr. Malleson. That is frankly why I come to you. And I come as man to man, with a man's message on my lips."

"As man to man!" The phrase seemed to have caught the president's attention. His face flushed as if in anger. "As man to man," he repeated. "What have I in common with you who find your companions among atheists and radicals? Why should I take counsel with you who have taken delight in warping the weak mind of a member of my family into complete acceptance of your destructive doctrines? You have made him easy prey of designing women, and a tool of sinister men. You have alienated him from his family and his friends. I say why should I listen for one moment to you?"

He half rose in his chair, struck his clenched fist on the table, and glared at his visitor in unmistakable anger.

"Mr. Malleson," replied the rector; he was still calm and deliberate, "you do me an injustice. I have done no harm to your son. But that is neither here nor there. I came to appeal to you, not for myself nor for your son, but in behalf of your starving workmen. Will you take them back?"

"I will not take them back. They left me without cause. They have assassinated my character. They have tried to wreck my business."

"They may both wreck your business and destroy your property in the end."

"Is that a threat, Mr. Farrar?"

"I make no threats; God forbid! But, since you will not listen to reason, nor be moved by pity, I must tell you frankly that in my judgment you have brought this calamity on yourself; and if you persist in the