with dubious intent to the Western Land. Many of these took lodgings in the battered houses that had once known the song of birds and the scent of roses. Then the Western Land itself awoke, and joined the Mother Land in her titanic struggle for civilization. Over the cities once more floated the Old Flag, companioned by the New Flag and by a plainer yet glorious Tricolour. But not many flags floated over The Street, for therein brooded only fear and hatred and ignorance. Again young men went forth, but not quite as did the young men of those other days. Something was lacking. And the sons of these young men of other days, who did indeed go forth in olive-drab with the true spirit of their ancestors, went from distant places and knew not The Street and its ancient spirit.
Over the seas there was a great victory, and in triumph most of the young men returned. Those who had lacked something lacked it no longer, yet did fear and hatred and ignorance still brooded over The Street; for many had stayed behind, and many strangers had come from distant places to the ancient houses. And the young men who had returned dwelt there no longer. Swarthy and sinister were most of the strangers,
