Читать онлайн
Comrades: A Story of Social Adventure in California
Comrades: A Story of Social Adventure in California
CHAPTER I
THE WOMAN IN RED
"Fools and fanatics!"
Colonel Worth crumpled the morning paper with a gesture of rage and walked to the window.
Elena followed softly and laid her hand on his arm.
"What is it, Guardie? I thought you were supremely happy this morning over the news that Dewey has smashed the Spanish fleet?"
"And so I am, little girl," was the gentle reply, "or was until my eye fell on this call of the Socialists for a meeting to-night to denounce the war – denounce the men who are dying for the flag. Read their summons."
He opened the crumpled sheet and pointed to its head lines:
"Down with the Stars and Stripes – up with the Red Flag of Revolution – the symbol of universal human brotherhood! Come and bring your friends. A big surprise for all!" The Colonel's jaws snapped suddenly.
"I'd like to give them the surprise they need to-night."
"What?" Elena asked.
"A serenade."