MEET ME ON THE BARRICADES

are confused, W Mr. Ambassador. How is it possible
for old veteran revolutionists like Kamenev and the
others, I mean . . .”

“The production of pig iron in the Soviet Union
increased 12.7% last year,” the Ambassador replied.

“What I don’t understand,” Simpson said, “is why
they should have plotted to destroy the government
they helped create.”

“Parachute jumping is part of the training of
every Soviet boy and girl.”

“I can understand that they might be in political
opposition to Stalin, but . . .”

“Pregnant mothers in the Soviet Union receive
two months’ vacation with pay. . .”

“But how would 3,500 train wrecks help them to
power?”

“You doubt the honesty of the genial Stalin, leader
of the world proletariat?”

“No, no, no,” Simpson said. ‘‘I impute no un-
worthy motives. Workers’ fatherland and all that
sort of thing, please don’t misunderstand me. I am a
sympathizer in good standing. But why were they
shot so soon after the trials? Why not wait? Quality
of mercy and so on.”

“The shootings were carried out with neatness and
dispatch as an expression of the government’s will

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