Babbitt,
but that is because of your lack of ability to harm, not because of
any good will on your part toward the United States. You have done
all the harm you could, you have talked sedition, you've written
and talked against the draft, you have corresponded with German
agents in Boston and New York."
"That's a lie."
"No, it's the truth. I have copies of your letters and the
Government has the originals. They are not very dangerous, but
that is because you are not big enough to be dangerous. The
authorities have left you pretty much to my discretion, sir. It
rests with me whether to have you taken in charge and held for
trial or merely to warn you and watch you. Very well. I warn you
now and you may be certain that you are watched. You'll stop your
silly, seditious talk at once and you'll write no more letters like
those I have seen. If you do it will be a prison term for you as
sure as I stand here. Do you understand?"
Apparently Phineas understood. His face was not as red as it had
been and there was a different look in his eye. Jed's rough
handling had not frightened him, but the Major's cold, incisive
tones and the threat of a term in prison had their effect.
Nevertheless he could still bluster.
"You can't talk to me that way," he sputtered. "I--I ain't scared
of you even if you are all dressed up in fuss and feathers like a
hand-organ monkey.
Pages:
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357