"Revolutions mean disaster," said Mr. Dawson half angrily.
"Possibly disaster to a few individuals at first, but, in the end, happiness to the community," said the young man, with an inspired air.
"It is a question whether the price paid would not be disproportionate to the good obtained." Mr. Dawson spoke as though he would dissuade the young man, but not too strongly, for fear his words might intensify obstinacy. It was, unwittingly, a subtle admission that he thought the young man did not lack the power to make his dream an actual catastrophe.
"Whatever means the greatest good to the greatest number is necessarily good," retorted Grinnell, in a tone that permitted no contradiction. "A revolution, Mr. Dawson, is achieved by three things: By time, which is too slow; by blood, which is revolting; and by gold, Mr. Dawson, _BY GOLD!_"
The young man was looking sternly at Mr. Dawson, who stared back so fixedly as to be painful. On the president's brow appeared a microscopic dew; you would have said his brain was shedding tears of agony. He had visioned, not the revolution of mankind, but his own ruin!
"Mr. Grinnell," he said, with a curious, little indrawn gasp, "I can only pray you to go slow. Don't let your enthusiasm lead you to precipitate an appalling crisis. You can do all the good you wish if you consider carefully all sides of the question. But, as you value the welfare of humanity, go slow, Mr. Grinnell. In God's name, go slow."
"Oh, yes!" said Grinnell. "I'm in no hurry. We will discuss these matters from time to time. In the meanwhile," he took from his pocket-book another check--the same as he had taken out and replaced at the beginning of the interview--"I'll deposit this additional five and one-half millions, making thirty-five in all, and--"
"Tell me, Mr. Grinnell," interrupted Mr. Dawson, with a calmness unpleasantly suggestive of desperation, "is your secret known to others?"
"The source of your gold?" The intensity of Mr. Dawson's _gaze_ had in it something ominous.
"Ah!" The president drew in his breath sharply. He paused, growing visibly calm, the while.
"If anything happened to you?" he said. He meant his voice to show solicitude. It betrayed merely a strange and not kindly curiosity.