Page:Life in a thousand worlds.djvu/154

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
A PROBLEM IN POLITICAL ECONOMY.
149

in all parts of the land. Men, women and children gathered around one or another of the large tanks brimming full of the life sustaining liquid. It was heart-breaking to see children with half-opened mouths dying for air. Of course none of the magnates were within hearing or seeing distance. The tanks were in charge of underlings who were bound to give no air except for the exorbitant market price.

This state of affairs continued for many generations, nor did relief come until one named Agitator went forth strongly set in his convictions. He was a natural-born orator, a lover of justice, one who believed in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.

As long as he went about speaking and praying, the monopolists gave no heed. But when he began organizing the masses into sworn legions, then did the magnates bestir themselves, seeing danger in the gathering clouds of humanity.

"What shall we do?" cried they one to another.

"Bribe Agitator," suggested one.