第235章

`I am still a Socialist: no man who has once been a Socialist can ever cease to be one.'

`You seem to have accomplished that impossibility, to judge by the work you are at present engaged in.You must have changed your opinions since you were here last.'

`No one who has been a Socialist can ever cease to be one.It is impossible for a man who has once acquired knowledge ever to relinquish it.A Socialist is one who understands the causes of the misery and degradation we see all around us; who knows the only remedy, and knows that that remedy - the state of society that will be called Socialism - must eventually be adopted; is the only alternative to the extermination of the majority of the working people; but it does not follow that everyone who has sense enough to acquire that amount of knowledge, must, in addition, be willing to sacrifice himself in order to help to bring that state of society into being.

When I first acquired that knowledge,' he continued, bitterly, `I was eager to tell the good news to others.I sacrificed my time, my money, and my health in order that I might teach others what I had learned myself.I did it willingly and happily, because I thought they would be glad to hear, and that they were worth the sacrifices Imade for their sakes.But I know better now.'

`Even if you no longer believe in working for Socialism, there's no need to work AGAINST it.If you are not disposed to sacrifice yourself in order to do good to others, you might at least refrain from doing evil.If you don't want to help to bring about a better state of affairs, there's no reason why you should help to perpetuate the present system.'

The other man laughed bitterly.`Oh yes, there is, and a very good reason too.'

`I don't think you could show me a reason,' said Barrington.

The man with the scar laughed again, the same unpleasant, mirthless laugh, and thrusting his hand into his trouser pocket drew it out again full of silver coins, amongst which one or two gold pieces glittered.

`That is my reason.When I devoted my life and what abilities Ipossess to the service of my fellow workmen; when I sought to teach them how to break their chains; when I tried to show them how they might save their children from poverty and shameful servitude, I did not want them to give me money.I did it for love.And they paid me with hatred and injury.But since I have been helping their masters to rob them, they have treated me with respect.'

Barrington made no reply and the other man, having returned the money to his pocket, indicated the crowd with a sweep of his hand.

`Look at them!' he continued with a contemptuous laugh.`Look at them! the people you are trying to make idealists of! Look at them!

Some of them howling and roaring like wild beasts, or laughing like idiots, others standing with dull and stupid faces devoid of any trace of intelligence or expression, listening to the speakers whose words convey no meaning to their stultified minds, and others with their eyes gleaming with savage hatred of their fellow men, watching eagerly for an opportunity to provoke a quarrel that they may gratify their brutal natures by striking someone - their eyes are hungry for the sight of blood! Can't you see that these people, whom you are trying to make understand your plan for the regeneration of the world, your doctrine of universal brotherhood and love are for the most part -intellectually - on level with Hottentots? The only things they feel any real interest in are beer, football, betting and - of course - one other subject.Their highest ambition is to be allowed to Work.And they desire nothing better for their children!

`They have never had an independent thought in their lives.These are the people whom you hope to inspire with lofty ideals! You might just as well try to make a gold brooch out of a lump of dung! Try to reason with them, to uplift them, to teach them the way to higher things.Devote your whole life and intelligence to the work of trying to get better conditions for them, and you will find that they themselves are the enemy you will have to fight against.They'll hate you, and, if they get the chance, they'll tear you to pieces.But if you're a sensible man you'll use whatever talents and intelligence you possess for your own benefit.Don't think about Socialism or any other "ism".Concentrate your mind on getting money - it doesn't matter how you get it, but - get it.If you can't get it honestly, get it dishonestly, but get it! it is the only thing that counts.Do as I do - rob them! exploit them! and then they'll have some respect for you.'

`There's something in what you say,' replied Barrington, after a long pause, `but it's not all.Circumstances make us what we are; and anyhow, the children are worth fighting for.'

`You may think so now,' said the other, `but you'll come to see it my way some day.As for the children - if their parents are satisfied to let them grow up to be half-starved drudges for other people, I don't see why you or I need trouble about it.If you like to listen to reason,' he continued after a pause, `I can put you on to something that will be worth more to you than all your Socialism.'

`What do you mean?'