It would
appear that we are on the eve of success. Another battle or two--a few
thousand more lives lost--and this great war may end. When the spirit of
peace has overcome the spirit of war in the ranks, then will the war end.
I have called you together to-night to instruct you to sound even deeper
than you have done the sentiment of the men who stand by your side. The
time to stop this war is almost at hand."
Again there was a murmur of approval as the general became silent. He
gazed upon the faces about him a few moments in silence, and then
spoke again:
"I need not caution you to silence. A false move and all would be lost.
But if we can command 10,000 more men when the crisis arrives, men who,
like the rest of us, will refuse to fight more when the word is given, we
shall be strong enough; and if I told you how many already are pledged
you could scarcely believe me. Now here," the general exposed to view a
large box, "I have many more of the little peas that are our bond of
membership. I want each of you to take as many as you please; and pass
them around when you have convinced yourselves the men you approach are
acting in good faith."
One after another the men in the tent stepped forward and dipped a hand
into the box of peas and put the little round pellets into their own
pockets.
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