ALL-WOOL MORRISON

_Time:_ Today _Place:_ The United States

_Period of Action:_ Twenty-four Hours

by HOLMAN DAY

Author of _"The Rider of King Log" "The Red Lane" "King Spruce" "WhereYour Treasure Is"_

 To

PERCIVAL P. BAXTER

A Consistent and Courageous Champion in the Protection of "The People'sWhite Coal. " With the Author's Sincere Friendship and High Regard. 

 _CONTENTS_

 I. HOW "THE MORRISON" BROKE ST. RONAN'S RULE II. THE THREAT OF WHAT THE NIGHT MAY BRING III. THE MORRISON ASSUMES SOME CONTRACTS IV. ANSWERING THE FIRST ALARM V. THE MEN WHO WERE WAITING TO BE SHOWN VI. THE MAN'S WORD OF THE MAYOR OF MARION VII. THE THIN CRUST OVER BOILING LAVA VIII. A ROD IN PICKLE IX. MAKING IT A SQUARE BREAK X. A SENATOR SIZES UP A FOE XI. FLAREBACKS IN THE CASE OF LOVE AND A MOB XII. RIFLES RULE IN THE PEOPLE'S HOUSE XIII. THE LINE-UP FORMS IN THE PEOPLE'S HOUSE XIV. THE IMPENDING SHAME OF A STATE XV. THE BOSS OF THE JOB XVI. THE CITY OF MARION SEEKS ITS MAYOR XVII. THE CAPITOL IN SHADOWXVIII. THE CAPITOL ALIGHT XIX. LANA CORSON HAS HER DOUBTS XX. IN THE COLD AND CANDID DAYLIGHT XXI. A WOMAN CHOOSES HER MATE

_All-Wool Morrison_

I

HOW "THE MORRISON" BROKE ST. RONAN'S RULE

On this crowded twenty-four-hour cross-section of contemporary Americanlife the curtain goes up at nine-thirty o'clock of a January forenoon. 

Locality, the city of Marion--the capital of a state. 

Time, that politically throbbing, project-crowded, anxious, and expectantseason of plot and counterplot--the birth of a legislative session. 

Disclosed, the office of St. Ronan's Mill of the city of Marion. 

From the days of old Angus, who came over from Scotland and established awoolen mill and handed it down to David, who placed it confidently in thepossession of his son Stewart, the unalterable rule was that "TheMorrison" entered the factory at seven o'clock in the morning and couldnot be called from the mill to the office on any pretext whatsoever tillhe came of his own accord at ten o'clock in the forenoon. 

In the reign of David the old John Robinson wagon circus paraded thestreets of Marion early on a forenoon and the elephant made a break in apanic and ran into the mill office of the Morrisons through the big door, and Paymaster Andrew Mac Tavish rapped the elephant on the trunk with apenstock and, only partially awakened from abstraction in figures, statedthat "Master Morrison willna see callers till he cooms frae the mill atten. "

To go into details about the Morrison manners and methods and doggednessin attending to the matter in hand, whatever it might be, would not limnStewart Morrison in any clearer light than to state that old Andrew, atseventy-two, was obeying Stewart's orders as to the ten-o'clock rule andwas just as consistently a Cerberus as he had been in the case of Angusand David. He was a bit more set in his impassivity--at least to allappearances--because chronic arthritis had made his neck permanentlystiff. 

It may be added that Stewart Morrison was thirty-odd, a bachelor, dweltwith his widowed mother in the Morrison mansion, was mayor of the city ofMarion, though he did not want to be mayor, and was chairman of the StateWater Storage Commission because he particularly wanted to be thechairman; he was, by reason of that office, in a position where he couldrap the knuckles of those who should attempt to grab and selfishly exploit"The People's White Coal, " as he called water-power. These latterappertaining qualifications were interesting enough, but his undeviatingobservance of the mill rule of the Morrisons of St. Ronan's served moreeffectively to point the matter of his character. Stewart Morrison when hewas in the mill was in it from top to bottom, from carder to spinner andweaver, from wool-sorter to cloth-hall inspector, to make sure that themanufacturing principles for which All-Wool Morrison stood were carriedout to the last detail. 

On that January morning, as usual, he was in the mill with his sleevesrolled up. 

On his high stool in the office was Andrew Mac Tavish, his head framed inthe wicket of his desk, and the style of his beard gave him the look of aScotch terrier in the door of a kennel. 

The office was near the street, a low building of brick, having one bigroom; a narrow, covered passage connected the room with the mill. A raildivided the office into two small parts. 

According to his custom in the past few months, Mac Tavish, when he dippedhis pen, stabbed pointed glances beyond the rail and curled his lips andmade his whiskers bristle and continually looked as if he were going tobark; he kept his mouth shut, however. 

But his silence was more baleful than any sounds he could have uttered; itwas a sort of ominous, canine silence, covering a hankering to get in agood bite if the opportunity was ever offered. 

It was the rabble o' the morning--the crowd waiting to see His Honor theMayor--on the other side of the rail. It was the sacrilegious invasion ofa business office in the hours sacred to business. It was like that everymorning. It was just as well that the taciturn Mac Tavish considered thathis general principle of cautious reserve applied to this situation as itdid to matters of business in general, otherwise the explosion throughthat wicket some morning would have blown out the windows. Mac Tavish didnot understand politics. He did not approve of politics. Government wasall right, of course. But the game of running it, as the politiciansplayed the game! Bah!

He had taken it upon himself to tell the politicians of the city thatStewart Morrison would never accept the office of mayor. Mac Tavish hadfrothed at the mouth as he rolled his r's and had threshed the air withhis fist in frantic protest. Stewart Morrison was away off in themountains, hunting caribou on the only real vacation he had taken in halfa dozen years--and the city of Marion took advantage of a good man, so MacTavish asserted, to shove him into the job of mayor; and a brass band wasat the station to meet the mayor and the howling mob lugged him into CityHall just as he was, mackinaw jacket, jack-boots, woolen Tam, rifle andall--and Mac Tavish hoped the master would wing a few of 'em just to showhis disapprobation. In fact, it was allowed by the judicious observersthat the new mayor did display symptoms of desiring to pump lead into thecheering assemblage instead of being willing to deliver a speech ofacceptance. 

He did not drop, as his manner indicated, all his resentment for someweeks--and then Mac Tavish picked up the resentment and loyally carried itfor the master, in the way of outward malevolence and inner seething. Theregular joke in Marion was built around the statement that if anybodywanted to get next to a hot Scotch in these prohibition times, step intothe St. Ronan's mill office any morning about nine-thirty. 

Up to date Mac Tavish had not thrown any paper-weights through the wicket, though he had been collecting ammunition in that line against the day whennothing else could express his emotions. It was in his mind that theoccasion would come when Stewart Morrison finally reached the limit ofendurance and, with the Highland chieftain's battle-cry of the old clan, started in to clear the office, throwing his resignation after the gang o'them! Mac Tavish would throw the paper-weights. He wondered every day ifthat would be the day, and the encouraging expectation helped him toendure. 

Among those present was a young fellow with his chaps tied up; there was asniveling old woman who patted the young man's shoulder and evokedprotesting growls. There were shifty-eyed men who wanted to make atouch--Mac Tavish knew the breed. There was a fat, wheezy, pig-farm keeperwho had a swill contract with the city and came in every other day with agrunt of fresh complaint. There were the usual new faces, but Mac Tavishunderstood perfectly well that they were there to bother a mayor, not tohelp the woolen-goods business. There was old Hon. Calvin Dow, a pensionerof David Morrison, now passed on to the considerately befriending Stewart, and Mac Tavish was deeply disgusted with a man who was so impractical inhis business affairs that, though he had been financially busted for tenyears, he still kept along in the bland belief, based on Stewart'sassurances, that money was due him from the Morrisons. Whenever Mac Tavishwent to the safe, obeying Stewart's word, he expressed _sotto voce_ thewish that he might be able to drop into the Hon. Calvin Dow's palm red-hotcoins from the nippers of a pair of tongs. It was not that Mac Tavishlacked the spirit of charity, but that he wanted every man to know to thefull the grand and noble goodness of the Morrisons, and be properlygrateful, as he himself was. Dow's complacency in his hallucination wasexasperating!

But there was no one in sight that morning who promised the diversion orthe effrontery that would make this the day of days, and there seemed tobe no excuse that would furnish the occasion for the battle-cry whichwould end all this pestiferous series of levees. 

The muffled rackelty-chackle of the distant looms soothed Mac Tavish. Thenearer rick-tack of Miss Delora Bunker's typewriter furnished obbligatofor the chorus of the looms. It was all good music for a business man. Butthose muttering, mumbling mayor-chasers--it was a tin-can, cow-belldiscord in a symphony concert. 

Mac Tavish, honoring the combat code of Caledonia, required presumption toexcuse attack, needed an upthrust head to justify a whack. 

Patrolman Cornelius Rellihan, six feet two, was lofty enough. He marchedto and fro beyond the rail, his heavy shoes flailing down on the hardwoodfloor. Every morning the bang of those boots started the old pains tothrusting in Mac Tavish's neck. But Officer Rellihan was the mayor'smajor-domo, officially, and Stewart's pet and protégé and worshipingvassal in ordinary. An intruding elephant might be evicted; Rellihan couldnot even receive the tap of a single word of remonstrance. 

It promised only another day like the others, with nothing that hinted ata climacteric which would make the affairs of the mill office of theMorrisons either better or worse. 

Then Col. Crockett Shaw marched in, wearing a plug-hat to mark theoccasion as especial and official, but taking no chances on the dangers ofthat unwonted regalia in frosty January; he had ear-tabs close clamped tothe sides of his head. 

Mac Tavish took heart. He hated a plug-hat. He disliked Col. CrockettShaw, for Shaw was a man who employed politics as a business. Colonel Shawwas carrying his shoulders well back and seemed to be taller than usual, his new air of pomposity making him a head thrust above the horde. ColonelShaw offensively banged the door behind himself. Mac Tavish removed apackage of time-sheets that covered a pile of paper-weights. Colonel Shawcame stamping across the room, clapping his gloved hands together, as ifhe were as cold under the frosty eyes of Mac Tavish as he had been in thenip of the January chill outdoors. 

"Mayor Morrison! Call him at once!" he commanded, at the wicket. 

Mac Tavish closed his hand over one of the paper-weights. He opened hismouth. 

But Colonel Shaw was ahead of him with speech! "This is the time when thatfool mill-rule goes bump!" The colonel's triumphant tone hinted that hehad been waiting for a time like this. His entrance and his voice ofauthority took all the attention of the other waiters off their ownaffairs. "Call out Mayor Morrison. "

"Haud yer havers, ye keckling loon! Whaur's yer een for the tickitgillie?" The old paymaster jabbed indignant thumb over his shoulder toindicate the big clock on the wall. 

"I can't hear what you say on account of these ear-pads, and it doesn'tmake any difference what you say, Andy! This is the day when all rules areoff. " He was fully conscious that he had the ears of all those in theroom. He braced back. With an air of a functionary calling on themultitude to make way for royalty he declaimed, "Call His Honor MayorMorrison at once to this room for a conference with the Honorable JodreyWadsworth Corson, United States Senator. I am here to announce thatSenator Corson is on the way. "

Mac Tavish narrowed his eyes; he whittled his tone to a fine point tocorrespond, and the general effect was like impaling a puffball on arat-tail file. "If ye hae coom sunstruck on a January day, ye'd best sticka sopped sponge in the laft o' yer tar-pail bonnet. Sit ye doon and speirthe hands o' the clock for to tell when the Morrison cooms frae the mill. "

The colonel banged the flat of his hand on the ledge outside the wicket. "It isn't an elephant this time, Mac Tavish. It's a United States Senator. Act on my orders, or into the mill I go, myself!"

The old man slid down from the stool, a paperweight in each hand. "Onlyo'er my dead body will ye tell him in yer mortal flesh. Make the start toenter the mill, and it's my thocht that ye'll tell him by speeritualknocks or by tipping a table through a meejum!"

"Lay off that jabber, old bucks, the two of ye!" commanded OfficerRellihan, swinging across the room. "I'm here to kape th' place straightand dacint!"

"I hae the say. I'll gie off the orders, " remonstrated Mac Tavish; therewas grim satisfaction in the twist of his mouth; it seemed as if the dayof days had arrived. 

"On that side your bar ye may boss the wool business. But this is themayor's side and the colonel is saying he's here to see His Honor. Colonel, ye'll take your seat and wait your turn!" He cupped his big handunder the emissary's elbow. 

Mac Tavish and Rellihan, by virtue of jobs and natures, were foes, buttheir team-work in behalf of the interests of the Morrison wascomprehensively perfect. 

"What's the matter with your brains, Rellihan?" demanded the colonel, hotly. 

"I don't kape stirring 'em up to ask 'em, seeing that they're restingaisy, " returned the policeman, smiling placidly. "And there's nothing thematter with my muscle, is there?" He gently but firmly pushed the coloneldown into a chair. 

"Don't you realize what it means to have a United States Senator come to aformal conference?"

"No! I never had one call on me. "

"Rellihan, Morrison will fire you off the force if it happens that aUnited States Senator has to wait in this office. "

The officer pulled off his helmet and plucked a card from the sweatband. "It says here, 'Kape 'em in order, be firm but pleasant, tell 'em to waitin turn, and'--for meself--'to do no more talking than necessary. ' Ifthere's to be a new rule to fit the case of Senators, the same willprob'bly be handed to me as soon as Senators are common on thecalling-list. " He put up a hand in front of the colonel's face--a broadand compelling hand. "Now I'm going along on the old orders and the clocktells ye that ye have a scant twinty minutes to wait. And if I do any moretalking, of the kind that ain't necessary, I'll break a rule. Be aisy, Colonel Shaw!" He resumed his noisy promenade. 

Mac Tavish was back on the stool and he clashed glances with Colonel Shawwith alacrity. 

"There'll be an upheaval in this office, Mac Tavish. "

"Aye! If ye make one more step toward the mill door ye'll not ken of acertainty whaur ye'll land when ye're upheaved. "

After a few minutes of the silence of that armed truce, Miss Bunkertiptoed over to Mac Tavish, making an excuse of a sheet of paper which shelaid before him; the paper was blank. "Daddy Mac!" Miss Bunker enjoyedthat privilege in nomenclature along with other privileges usually won inoffices by young ladies who know how to do their work well and are able tosmooth human nature the right way. She went on in a solicitous whisper. "We must be sure that we're not making any office mistake. This beingSenator Corson!"

"I still hae me orders, lassie!"

"But listen, Daddy Mac! When I came from the post-office the Senator's carwent past me. Miss Lana was with him. Don't you think we ought to get aword to Mr. Morrison?"

"Word o' what?" The old man wrinkled his nose, already sniffing what wason the way. 

"Why, that Miss Lana may be calling, along with her father. "

"What then?"

"Mr. Morrison is a gentleman, above all things, " declared the girl, nettled by this supercilious interrogation. "If Miss Corson calls with herfather and is obliged to wait, Mr. Morrison will be mortified. Very likelyhe will be angry because he wasn't notified. I understand the social endof things better than you, Daddy Mac. I think it's my duty to take in aword to him. "

"Aye! Yus! Gude! And tell him the music is ready, the flowers are here, and the tea is served! Use the office for all owt but the wool business. To Auld Hornie wi' the wool business! Politeeks and socieety! Lass, are yegone daffie wi' the rest?"

"Hush, Daddy Mac! Don't raise your voice in your temper. What if he shouldstill be in love with Miss Lana, spite of her being away among the greatfolks all this long time?"

Mac Tavish was holding the paper-weights. He banged them down on his deskand shoved his nose close to hers. "Fash me nae mair wi' your silly talko' love, in business hours! If aye he wanted her when she was here at hameand safe and sensible, the Morrison o' the Morrisons had only to reach hishand to her and say, 'Coom, lass!' But noo that she is back wi' head highand notions alaft, he'd no accept her! She's nowt but a draft signed bySham o' Shoddy and sent through the Bank o' Brag and Blaw! No! He'd no'accept her! And now back wi' ye to yer tickety-tack! I hae my orders, andthe Queen o' Sheba might yammer and be no' the gainer!"

Miss Bunker swept up the sheet of blank paper with a vicious dab and wentback to her work, crumpling it. Passing the hat-tree, she was tempted tograb the Morrison's coat and waistcoat and run into the mill with them, dodging Mac Tavish and his paper-weights in spite of what she knew of histhreats regarding the use he proposed to make of them in case of need. Shebelieved that Miss Lana Corson would come to the office with the otherswho were riding in the automobile. She had her own special cares and atruly feminine apprehension in this matter, and she believed that theyoung man, who was one of the guests at the reopened Corson mansion onCorson Hill, was a suitor, just as Marion gossip asserted he was. 

Miss Bunker had two good eyes in her head and womanly intuitiveness in hersoul, and she had read three times into empty air a dictated letter whileStewart Morrison looked past her in the direction which the Corson car hadtaken that first day when Lana Corson had shown herself on the street. 

And here was that stiff-necked old watch-dog callously laying his corns sothat Stewart Morrison would appear to be boor enough to allow a young ladyto wait along with that unspeakable rabble; and when he did come he wouldarrive in his shirt-sleeves to be matched up against a handsome young manin an Astrakhan top-coat! Under those circumstances, what view would MissLana Corson take of the man who had stayed in Marion? Miss Bunker wasprofoundly certain that Mac Tavish did not know what love was and neverdid understand and could not be enlightened at that period in his life. But he might at least put the matter on a business basis, she reflected, incensed, and show some degree of local pride in grabbing in with the restof Mr. Morrison's friends to assist in a critical situation. 

And right then the situation became pointedly critical. 

The broad door of the office was flung open by a chauffeur. 

It was the Corson party. 

Colonel Shaw was not in a mood to apologize for anybody except himself. Herose and saluted. "Coming here to herald your call, Senator Corson, I havebeen insulted by a bumptious understrapper and held in leash by anignorant policeman. They say it's according to a rule of the Morrisonmills. I suppose that when Mayor Morrison comes out of the mill at teno'clock, following his own rule, he can explain to you why he maintainsthat insulting custom of his and continues this kind of an office crew toenforce it. "

Miss Bunker flung the sheet of paper that she had crumpled into a ball andit struck Mac Tavish on the side of the head that he bent obtrusively overhis figures. 

The old man snapped stiffly upright and distributed implacable stare amongthe members of the newly arrived party. He was not softened by MissCorson's glowing beauty, nor impressed by the United States Senator'sdignity, nor won by the charming smile of Miss Corson's well-favoredsquire, nor daunted by the inquiring scowl of a pompous man whosemutton-chop whiskers mingled with the beaver fur about his neck; astranger who was patently prosperous and metropolitan. 

Furthermore, Mac Tavish, undaunted, promptly dared to exchange growls with"Old Dog Tray, " himself. The latter, none else than His Excellency, Lawrence North, Governor of the state, marched toward the wicket, wagginghis tail, but the wagging was not a display of amiability. The politicianscalled North "Old Dog Tray" because his permanent limp caused hiscoattails to sway when he walked. 

"Be jing! I've been on the job here at manny a deal of a morn, " confidedOfficer Rellihan to Calvin Dow, "but here's the first natural straightflush r'yal, dealt without a draw. " He tagged the Corson party withestimating squints, beginning with the Governor. "Ace, king, queen, John-jack, and the ten-spot! They've caught the office, this time, with atwo-spot high!"

Mac Tavish played it pat! "And 'tis the mill rule; it lacks twal' meenuteso' the hour--and the clock yon on the wall is richt!" Thus referring allresponsibility to the clock, the paymaster dipped his pen and went on withhis figures. 

The Governor cross-creased the natural deep furrows in his face withridges which registered indignant amazement. "You have lost your wits, butyou seem to have your eyes! Use them!"

"It's the mill rule!"

"But we are not here on mill business!"

"Then it canna concern me. "

"Officer, do you know what part of the mill Mayor Morrison is in?" TheGovernor turned from Mac Tavish to Rellihan. 

"He is nae sic thing as mayor till ten o' the clock and till he cooms herefor the crackin wi' yon corbies!" declared the old paymaster, pointingderogatory penstock through the wicket at "the crows" who were rangedalong the settees. 

Rellihan shook his head. 

"Well, at any rate, go hunt him up, " commanded His Excellency. 

Rellihan shook his head again; this seemed to be an occasion whereunnecessary talking fell under interdiction; for that matter, Rellihanpossessed only a vocabulary to use in talking down to the proletariat; hewas debarred from telling these dignitaries to "shut up and sit aisy!"

"A blind man, now a dumb man--Colonel Shaw, go and hunt up the man we'rehere to see!"

The colonel feigned elaborately not to hear. 

"And finally a deaf one! Take off those ear-tabs! Go and bring the mayorhere!"

Mac Tavish dropped from his stool, armed himself with two paper-weights, and took up a strategic position near the door which led into the passageto the mill. 

"Roderick Dhu at bay! Impressive tableau!" whispered the young man of theCorson party in Lana's ear, displaying such significant and wontedfamiliarity that Miss Bunker, employing her vigilance exclusively in thedirection in which her fears and her interest lay, sighed and muttered. 

The door of the corridor was flung open suddenly! The staccato of theorchestra of the looms sounded more loudly and provided entrance music. Astonishment rendered Mac Tavish _hors de combat_. He dropped his weightsand his lower jaw sagged. 

It was the Morrison--breaking the ancient rule of St. Ronan's--ten minutesahead of time!

II

THE THREAT OF WHAT THE NIGHT MAY BRING

All the Morrisons were upstickit chiels in point of height. 

Stewart had appeared so abruptly, he towered so dominantly, that astranger would have expected a general precipitateness of personality andspeech to go with his looks. 

But after he had closed the door he stood and stroked his palm slowly overhis temple, smoothing down his fair hair--a gesture that was a part of hisindividuality; and his smile, while it was not at all diffident, wasdeprecatory. He began to roll down the sleeves of his shirt. 

There was the repressed humor of his race in the glint in his eyes; hedrawled a bit when he spoke, covering thus the Scotch hitch-and-go-on inthe natural accent that had come down to him from his ancestors. 

"I saw your car arrive, Senator Corson, and I broke the sprinting record. "

"And the mill rule!" muttered Mac Tavish. 

"It's only an informal call, Stewart, " explained the Senator, amiably, walking toward the rail. 

"And you have caught me in informal rig, sir!" He pulled his coat andwaistcoat from the hooks and added, while he tugged the garments on, "SoI'll say, informally, I'm precious glad to see old neighbors home againand to know the Corson mansion is opened, if only for a little while. "

"Lana came down with the servants a few days ago. I couldn't get here tilllast evening. I have some friends with me, Stewart, who have come along inthe car to join me in paying our respects to the mayor of Marion. "

Morrison threw up the bar of the rail and stepped through. He clutched thehand of the Senator in his big, cordial grip. "And now, being out in themayor's office, I'll extend formal welcome in the name of the city, sir. "

He looked past the father toward the daughter. 

"But I must interrupt formality long enough to present my most respectfulcompliments to Miss Corson, even walking right past you, Governor North, to do so!" explained Stewart, marching toward Lana, smiling down on her. 

Their brief exchange of social commonplaces was perfunctory enough, theirmanner suggested nothing to a casual observer; but Miss Bunker was not acasual observer. "She's ashamed, " was her mental conviction. "Her eyesgive her away. She don't look up at him like a girl can look at any manwhen there's nothing on her conscience. Whatever it was that happened, she's the one who's to blame--but if she can't be sorry it doesn't excuseher because she's ashamed. "

Possibly Miss Corson was covering embarrassment with the jauntygrandiloquence that she displayed. 

"I have dared to intrude among the mighty of the state and city, MisterMayor, in order to impress upon you by word of mouth that your invitationto the reception at our home this evening isn't merely an invitationextended to the chief executive of the city. It's for Stewart Morrisonhimself, " ran her little speech. 

"I hoped so. This word from you certifies it. And Stewart Morrison willstrive to behave just as politely as he used to behave at other parties ofLana Corson's when he steeled his heart against a second helping of cakeand cream. "

She forestalled her father. "Allow me to make you acquainted with CoventryDaunt, Stewart. "

Morrison surveyed the young stranger with frank and appraising interest. Then the big hand went out with no hint of any reservation in cordiality. 

"I'm sure you two are going to be excellent friends!" prophesied Lana. "You're so much alike. "

The florid giant and the dapper, dark young man swapped apologies in afaint flicker of a mutual grin. 

"I mean in your tastes! Mr. Daunt is tremendously interested inwater-power, " Miss Corson hastened to say. "But father is waiting for you, Stewart. "

So, however, was the sniveling old woman waiting!

She had not presumed to break in on a conference with another of hersex--but when the mayor turned from the lady and started to be concernedwith mere men, the old woman asserted her prerogative. "Out of me way. ConRellihan, ye omadhaun, that I have chased manny the time out o' me patch!I'm a lady and I have me rights first!" She struggled and squalled whenthe officer set his palms against her to push her away. 

Morrison dropped the Governor's hand, broke off his "duty speech, " andwith rueful smile pleaded for tolerance from the Corson party. 

"Hush, Mother Slattery!" he remonstrated. 

"Ah, that's orders from him as has the grand right to give 'em! Niver awor-rd from me mouth, Your 'Anner, till I may say me say at your call!"

A prolonged, still more deprecatory smile was bestowed by the mayor on theélite among his guests!

"I was out of town when I was elected mayor, and they hadn't taken theprecaution to measure me for an office room at the city building. I didn'tfit anything down there. Some day they're going to build the place overand have room for the mayor to transact business without holding callerson his knee. In the mean time, what mayoralty business I don't do out ofmy hat on the street I attend to here where I can give a little attentionto my own business as well. Now, just a moment please!" he pleaded, turning from them. 

He went to the old woman, checking the outburst with which she flooded himwhen he approached. "I know! I know, Mother Slattery! No need to tell meabout it. As a fellow-martyr, I realize just how Jim has been up againstit--again!" He slid something into her hand "Rellihan will speak to thejudge!" He passed hastily from person to person, the officer at his heelswith ear cocked to receive the orders of his master as to the dispositionof cases and affairs. Then Rellihan marshaled the retreat of thesupplicants from the presence. 

"I do hope you understand why I attended to that business first, "apologized the mayor. 

"Certainly! It's all in the way of politics, " averred the Senator, out ofhis own experience. "I have been mayor of Marion, myself!"

"With me it's business instead of politics, " returned Morrison, gravely. "I don't know anything about politics. Mac Tavish, there, says I don't. And Tavish knows me well. But when I took this job--"

"Ye didna tak' it, " protested Mac Tavish, determined then, as always, thatthe Morrison should be set in the right light. "They scrabbled ye by yerscruff and whamped ye into a--"

"Yes! Aye! Something of the sort! But I'm in, and I feel under obligationsto attend to the business of the city as it comes to hand. And business--Ihave made business sacred when I have taken on the burden of it. "

"I fully understand that, Stewart, and my friend Daunt will be glad tohear you say what I know is true. For he is here in our state onbusiness--business in your line, " affirmed the Senator. He put his hand onthe arm of the elderly man with the assertive mutton-chop whiskers. "SilasDaunt, Mayor Morrison! Mr. Daunt of the banking firm of Daunt & Cropley. "

"Business in my line, you say, sir?" demanded Morrison, pursuing a matterof interest with characteristic directness. 

"Development of water-power, Mister Mayor. We are taking the question upin a broad and, I hope, intelligent way. "

"Good! You touch me on my tenderest spot, Mr. Daunt. "

"Senator Corson has explained your intense interest in the water-power inthis state. And this state, in my opinion, has more wonderfulpossibilities of development than any other in the Union. "

Morrison did not drawl when he replied. His demeanor corroborated hisstatement as to his tenderest spot. "It's a sleeping giant!" he cried. 

"It's time to wake it up and put it to work, " stated Daunt. 

"Exactly!" agreed Senator Corson. "I'm glad I'm paying some of the debt Iowe the people of this state by bringing two such men as you together. Ihave wasted no time, Stewart!"

"Round and round the wheels of great affairs begin to whirl!" declaimedLana. "The grain of sand must immediately eliminate itself from thisatmosphere; otherwise, it may fall into the bearings and cause annoyingmischief. I'll send the car back, father. I mustn't bother a businessmeeting. "

A grimace that hinted at hurt wrinkled the candor of the Morrison'scountenance. "I hoped it wasn't mere business that brought you--all!" Hedwelt on the last word with wistful significance, staring at Lana. 

"No, no!" said the Senator, hastily. "Not business--not business, wholly. A neighborly call, Stewart! The Governor, Mr. Daunt, Lana--all of us topay our respects. But"--he glanced around the big room--"now that we'rehere, and the time will be so crowded after the legislature assembles, whynot let Daunt express some of his views on the power situation? Withoutyou and your support nothing can be done. We must develop our noble oldstate! Where is your private office?"

"I have never needed one, " confessed Stewart; it was a pregnant hint as tothe Morrison methods. "I never expected to be honored as I am to-day. "

The Hon. Calvin Dow was posted near a window in a big chair, comfortablyreading one of Stewart's newspapers. Several other citizens of Marion, sheep of such prominence that they could not be shooed away with the meregoats who had been excluded, were waiting an audience with the mayor. 

"You understand, of course, that there is no secrecy--that is to say, nosecrecy beyond the usual business precautions involved, " protested theSenator. The frank query in Stewart's eyes had been a bit disconcerting. "But to have matters of business bandied ahead of time by the mouth ofgossip, on half-information, is as damaging as all this ridiculous talkthat's now rioting through the city regarding politics. "

"It's all an atrocious libel on my administration, " exploded GovernorNorth. "It's damnable nonsense!"

"Old Dog Tray, " when he had occasion to bark, was not noted for politereticence. 

Lana took Coventry Daunt's arm and started off with an elaborate displayof mock terror. "And now politics goes whirling, too! My, how the groundshakes! Mister Mayor, I'll promise you more serene conditions on CorsonHill this evening. "

There was an unmistakable air of proprietorship in her manner with theyoung man who accompanied her. 

The Governor shook his finger before the mayor's face and, in his completeabsorption in his own tribulation, failed to remark that he was notreceiving undivided attention. "I'm depending on men like you, Morrison. Ihave dropped in here to-day to tell you that I'm depending on you. "

Senator Corson had apparently convinced himself that the mill office ofSt. Ronan's was too much of an open-faced proposition; it seemed more likean arena than a conference-room. Dow and the waiting gentlemen of Marionshowed that they were frankly interested in the Governor's outbreak. Rightthen there were new arrivals. 

The Senator hastily made himself solitaire manager of that particularchess-game and ordered moves: "Lana, wait with Coventry in the car. We'llbe only a moment. At my house this evening it will be a fine opportunityfor you and Daunt to have your little chat, Stewart, and get together topush the grand project for our good state. "

"Yes, " agreed Morrison; "I'll be glad to come. " He was giving the youngwoman and her escort his close attention and spoke as if he meant what hesaid. He blinked when the door closed behind them. 

"And what say if you wait till then, Governor, to confer with themayor--if you really find that there is need of a conference?" suggestedthe director of moves. 

"But I want to tell you right now, Morrison, seeing that you're mayor ofthe city where our state Capitol is located, that I expect your fullco-operation in case of trouble to-night or to-morrow, " His Excellencydeclared, with vigor. 

"Oh, there will be no trouble, " asserted the Senator, airily. "Coming infresh from the outside--from a wider horizon--I can estimate the situationwith a better sense of proportion than you can, North, if you'll allow meto say so. We can always depend on the sane reliability of our grand oldstate!"

The Governor was not reassured or placated. 

"And you can always depend on a certain number of sore-heads to make foolsof themselves here--you could depend on it in the old days; it's worse inthese times when everybody is ready to pitch into a row and clapper-clawright and left simply because they're aching for a fight. "

The closed door had no more revelations to offer to Morrison; he turnedhis mystified gaze on the Senator and the Governor as if he desired tosolve at least one of the problems that had come to hand all of a sudden. 

"I can take care of things up on Capitol Hill, Morrison! I'm the Governorof this state and I have been re-elected to succeed myself, and that oughtto be proof that the people are behind me. But I want you to see to itthat the damnation mob-hornets are kept at home in the city here, wherethey belong. "

"When father kept bees I used to save many a hiveful for him by banging onmother's dishpan when they started to swarm. As to the hornets--"

"I don't care what you bang on, " broke in His Excellency. "On their heads, if they show them! But do I have your co-operation in the name of law andorder?"

"You may surely depend on me, even if I'm obliged to mobilize Mac Tavishand his paper-weights, " said the mayor, and for the first time in thememory of Miss Bunker, at least, Mac Tavish flushed; the paymaster hadbeen hoping that the laird o' St. Ronan's had not noted the full extent ofthe belligerency that had been displayed in making mill rules respected. 

But the abstraction that had marked Morrison's demeanor when he had lookedover the Governor's head at the closed door and the later glint of jest inhis eyes departed suddenly. The eyes narrowed. 

"You talk of trouble that's impending this night, Governor North!"

"There'll be no trouble, " insisted the Senator. 

"Fools can always stir a row, " declared His Excellency, with just as muchemphasis. "Fools who are led by rascals! Rascals who would wreck anexpress train for the chance to pick pocketbooks off corpses! There's beenthat element behind every piece of political hellishness and every strikewe've had in this country in the last two years since the Russian bearstood up and began to dance to that devil's tune! On the eve of theassembling of this legislature, Morrison, you're probably hearing theblacklegs in the other party howl 'state steal' again!"

"No, I haven't heard any such howl--not lately--not since the Novemberelection, " said Morrison. "Why are they starting it now?"

"I don't know, " retorted the Governor. But the mayor's stare was againwide-open and compelling, and His Excellency's gaze shifted to Mac Tavishand then jumped off that uncomfortable object and found refuge on theceiling. 

"The licked rebels know! They're the only ones who do know, " asserted theSenator. 

Col. Crockett Shaw, practical politician, felt qualified to testify as anexpert. "Those other fellows won't play the game according to the rules, Morrison! They sit in and draw cards and then beef about the deal and ripup the pasteboards and throw 'em on the floor and try to grab the pot. They won't play the game!"

"That's it exactly!" the Governor affirmed. 

Senator Corson patted Morrison's arm. "Now that you're in politics foryourself, Stewart, you can see the point, can't you?"

"I don't think I'm in politics, sir, " demurred the mayor, smilingingenuously. "At any rate, there isn't much politics in _me!_"

"But the game must be played by the rules!" Senator Corson spoke with thefinality of an oracle. 

"If you don't think that way, " persisted Governor North, nettled byMorrison's hesitancy in jumping into the ring with his own party, "what_do_ you think?"

"I wouldn't presume, " drawled Stewart, "to offer political opinions togentlemen of your experience. However, now that you ask me a bluntquestion, I'm going to reply just as bluntly--but as a business man! Ibelieve that running the affairs of the people on the square isbusiness--it ought to be made good business. Governor North, you're at thehead of the biggest corporation in our state. That corporation is thestate itself. And I don't believe the thing ought to be run as agame--naming the game politics. "

"That's the only way the thing can be run--and you've got to stand by yourown party when it's running the state. You need a little lesson inpolitics, Morrison, and I'm going to show you--"

The mayor of Marion raised a protesting hand. "I never could get head nortail out of a political oration, sir. But I do understand facts andfigures. Let's get at facts! Is this trouble you speak of as imminent--isit due to the question of letting certain members of the House and Senatetake their seats to-morrow?"

"I must go into that matter with you in detail!"

"It has been gone into with detail in the newspapers till I'm sick of it, with all due respect to you, Governor North. It has been played back andforth like a game--and I don't understand games. There has been no moretalk of trouble since you and your executive council let it be known thatall the members were to walk into the State House and take their seats andsettle among themselves their rights. "

"We never deliberately and decisively let that be known. "

"Then it has been guessed by your general attitude, sir. That's the commontalk--and the common talk comes to me like it does to all others. Thattalk has smoothed things. Why not keep things smooth?"

"Breaking election laws to keep sore-heads smooth? Is that your idea ofpolitics?"

"You cannot get me into any argument over politics, sir! I'm talking aboutthe business of the state. I have found that I could do business openly inthis office. It has served me even though it has no private room. I saynothing against you and your council because you have done the state'sbusiness behind closed doors at the State House. However--"

"The law obliges us to canvass returns in executive session, Morrison. "

"I say nothing against the business you have done there, " proceededMorrison, inexorably. "I can't say anything. I don't know what has beendone. I'm in no position, therefore, to criticize. If I did know I'dprobably have, good reason to praise you state managers as good andfaithful servants of our people. But the people don't know. You have left'em to guess. It's their business. It's bad policy to keep folks guessingwhen their own business is concerned. What's the matter with throwing widethe doors to-morrow and saying 'Come along in, people, and we'll talk thisover'?"

"That's admitting the mob to riot, to intimidate, to rule!"

"Impractical--wholly impractical, Stewart, " the Senator chided. 

Calvin Dow came toward the group, stuffing his spectacles back into theircase. Given a decoration for his coat lapel, the Hon. Calvin Dow, with hiswhite mustache and his imperial, would have served for an excellent modelin a study of a marshal of France. His intrusion, if such it was, was notresented; with his old-school manners and his gentle voice he was theembodiment of apology that demanded acceptance. "Jodrey, you never said atruer word. As old politicians, you and I, we understand just howimpractical such an idea is. But I must be allowed to put the emphasisvery decidedly on the word 'old. ' There seems to be something new in theair all of a sudden. "

"Yes, a fresh crop of moonshiners in politics, " was the Senator's acridresponse. "And the stuff they're putting out is as raw and dangerous asthis prohibition-ducking poison. "

"The trouble is, Jodrey, " pursued the old man, gently, but undeterred, "those honest folks who really do own the country show signs of waking upand wanting to pay off the mortgage the politicians hold on it; and thoseradicals who think they're going to own the country right soon, now, believe they can turn the trick overnight by killing off the politiciansand browbeating the proprietors. It looks to me as if the politicians andthe real owners better hitch up together on a clean, business basis. "

"Excellent! Excellent!" declared Banker Daunt, who had been shiftinguneasily from foot to foot, chafing his heavy neck against the beavercollar, perceiving that his own projects were only marking time. "Hitch upon a better business basis! It should be the slogan of the times. Eh, Mister Mayor?"

"Right you are! crisply agreed Stewart, complimenting Daunt with a cheerysmile that promised excellent understanding. 

"And harmony among the progressive leaders of city and state! Eh, MisterMayor? What say, Governor North?" The metropolitan Mr. Daunt was notdisposed to allow his commercial proposition to be run away with by astampeding political team. 

"That's what I'm asking for--the co-operation that will fetch harmony, "admitted the Governor, grudgingly. "But--"

However, when His Excellency turned to the mayor with the plain intent ofgetting down to a working understanding, Mr. Daunt broke up whatthreatened to be an embarrassing clinch. As if carried away by enthusiasmin meeting one of his own kind in business affairs, Daunt grabbedMorrison's hand and pulled the mayor away with him toward the door, assuring him that he was glad to pitch in, heart and soul, with a man whohad the best interests of a grand state to conserve and develop in theline of water-power. Then he went on as if quoting from a prospectus. 

"When the veins and the arteries of old Mother Earth have been drained ofthe coal and oil, Mr. Morrison, God's waters will still be flowing alongthe valleys, roaring down the cliffs, ready to turn the wheels ofcommerce. On the waters we must put our dependence. They are the Creator'sbest heritage to His people, in lifting and making light the burden oflabor!" was the promoter's pompous declaration. 

"You cannot shout that truth too loudly, sir! I have been crying it, myself. But I always add with my cry the warning that if the people don'tlook sharp, the folks who hogged the other heritages, grabbed the iron, hooked onto the coal, and have posted themselves at the tap o' thenation's oil-can, will have the White Coal, too! God will still make waterrun downhill, but it will run for the profit of the men who peddle what itperforms. I'll be glad to have you help me in that warning!"

"Exactly!" agreed Mr. Daunt. "When you and I are thoroughly _en rapport_, we can accomplish wonders. " His rush of the willing Morrison to the doorhad accomplished one purpose: he had created a diversion that staved offfurther political disagreement for the moment. "You must pardon my hastein being off, Mister Mayor. Senator Corson has promised to motor me alongthe river as far as possible before lunch, so that I may inspect thewater-power possibilities. Come, Governor North!" he called. 

Daunt again addressed Morrison. "The Senator tells me that your millprivilege is the key power on the river. "

"Aye, sir! The Morrison who was named Angus built the first dam, " statedStewart, with pride. "But we have never hoarded the water nor hampered theothers who have come after us. We use what we need--only that--and let thewater flow free--and we're glad to see it go down to turn other wheelsthan our own. Without the many wheels a-turning there would not have beenthe many homes a-building!"

"Exactly! Development--along the broadest lines! Do you promise me youraid and your co-operation?"

"I do, " declared Stewart. 

"You're the kind of a man who makes a spoken word of that sort morebinding than a written pledge with a notarial seal. " Again Daunt shook theMorrison hand. "I consider it settled!"

Daunt's wink when he grabbed Morrison had tipped off Senator Corson, andthe latter collaborated with alacrity; he hustled the Governor toward thedoor. "We must show Daunt all we can before lunch, Your Excellency! Allthe possibilities of the grand old state!"

"I haven't got your promise for myself, Morrison, " snapped North over hisshoulder. "But I reckon I can depend on you to do as much for your partyand for law and order as you'll do for the sake of a confounded mill-dam. And we'll leave it that way!"

"There'll be no trouble, I repeat, " promised Senator Corson, makinghimself file-closer. "North has been sticking too close to politics onCapitol Hill, and he has let it make him nervous. But we'll put festivityahead of everything else on Corson Hill, to-night, and the girls will beon hand to make the boys all sociable. Come early, Stewart!"

The mayor flung up his hand--a boyish gesture of faith in the best. "Hailto you as a peacemaker! We have been needing you! We're glad you're homeagain, sir. "

For a few moments he turned his back on the business of the city, as itawaited him in the persons of the citizens. He went to the front windowand gazed at the Corson limousine until it rolled away; Lana had CoventryDaunt with her in the cozy intimacy afforded by the twin seats forward inthe tonneau. 

"They make a smart-looking couple, bub, " commented Calvin Dow, feelingperfectly free to stand at Stewart's elbow to inspect any object that theyounger man found of interest. "Is it to be a hitch, as the gossip runs?"

"There seems to be some gossip that's running ahead of my ken in this cityjust now, Calvin!" The mayor frowned, his eyes fixed on the departing car. His demeanor hinted that his thoughts were wholly absorbed by the personsin that car. "I hope you're spry enough to catch it. Go find out for me, will you, what the blue mischief they're up to?"

"In politics? Or--"

"In politics! Yes!" returned Morrison, tartly. "What other kind of gossipwould I be interested in, this day?"

He snapped himself around on his heels and started toward the men who werewaiting. He singled one and clapped brisk hands smartly with the air of aman who wanted to wake himself from the abstraction of bothersome visions. "Well, Mister Public Works, how about the last lap of paving on McNameeAvenue? Can we open up tomorrow? I plan on showing our arrivinglegislative cousins clean thoroughfares on Capitol Hill, you know!"

"I'm losing fourteen men off the job at noon today, Your Honor! Grabbedoff without notice, " grumbled the superintendent. 

"Grabbed off for what?"

"Well, maybe, to keep our paving-blocks from being thrown through thewindows of the State House!"

"Who is taking those men from their work?"

"The adjutant-general. They're Home Guard boys. "

"Something busted out in Patagonia needing the attention of a League ofNations army?" inquired the mayor, putting an edge of satire on hisastonishment. 

The superintendent shot a swift stare past the mayor. "Perhaps DannySweetsir, there, can tell you--_Captain_ Daniel Sweetsir. " The publicworks man copied the mayor's sarcasm by dwelling on the title he appliedto Sweetsir. 

The mayor took a look, too. 

A young man in overalls and jumper had hurried into the office from theprivate passage; he was trotting toward a closet in one corner. He had theprivileges of the office because he was "a mill student, " studying thetextile trade, and was a son of the Morrison's family physician. 

Sweetsir shucked off his jumper, leaped out of his overalls, threw them inat the closet door, and was revealed in full uniform of O. D. Except forcap and sword. He secured those two essentials of equipment from thecloset and strode toward the rail, buckling on his sword. 

Miss Bunker was surveying him with telltale and proprietary pride that wasstruggling with an expression of utter amazement. 

"The deil-haet ails 'em a' this day!" exploded Mac Tavish. The bankedfires of his smoldering grudges blazed forth in a sudden outburst of wordsthat revealed the hopes he had been hiding. His natural cautiousness inhis dealings with the master went by the board. "Noo it's yer time, chief!I'll hae at 'em--the whole fause, feth'rin' gang o' the tykes, along wi'ye! Else it's heels o'er gowdie fer the woolen business. "

Morrison flicked merely a glance of mystification at Mac Tavish. Themaster's business was with his mill student. "What's wrong with you, Danny? Hold yourself for a moment on that side of the rail where you'restill a man of the mill! I'm afraid of a soldier, like you'll be whenyou're out here in the mayor's office, " he explained, softening thesituation with humor. "What does it mean?"

"The whole company of the St. Ronan's Rifles has been ordered to thearmory, sir. The adjutant-general just informed me over the mill 'phone. "

"What's amiss?"

Captain Sweetsir saluted stiffly. "I am not allowed to ask questions of asuperior officer, sir, or to answer questions put by a civilian. I am nowa soldier on duty, sir!"

"Come through the rail. "

The officer obeyed and stood before Morrison. 

"Now, Captain, you're in the office of the mayor of Marion, and the mayorofficially asks you why the militia has been ordered out in his city?"

Again Captain Sweetsir saluted. "Mister Mayor, I refer you to my superiorofficer, the adjutant-general of the state. "

Morrison promptly shook the young man cordially by the hand. "That's thetalk, Captain Sweetsir! Attend honestly to whatever job you're on! It's myown motto. "

"I try to do it, Mr. Morrison. You have always set me the example!"

Mac Tavish groaned. He saw mill discipline going into the garbage alongwith everything else that had been sane and sensible and regular at St. Ronan's. And the Morrison himself had come from the mill that day tenminutes ahead of the hour!

"So, on with you, lad, and do your duty!" Stewart forwarded Sweetsir witha commendatory clap of the palm on the barred shoulder. 

Calvin Dow was lingering. "We mustn't let the youngsters shame us, Calvin, " Morrison murmured in the old man's ear. "We all seem to have ourjobs cut out for us--and I can't tend to mine in an understanding way tillyou have attended to yours. "

The veteran saluted as smartly as had the soldier and trudged away on theheels of Sweetsir. 

"Ain't there any way of your making that infernal old tin soldier up atthe State House lay his paws off our paving crew?" asked thesuperintendent. 

"Hush, Baldwin!" chided the mayor, unruffled, speaking indulgently. "Weseem to have a new war on the board! Have you forgotten, after all thathas been happening in this world, that in time of war we must sacrificepublic improvements and private enterprises? Go on and do your best withthe paving. "

"Hell is paved with good intentions, but I can't put 'em down on McNameeAvenue. "

"Of course not, Baldwin! That would be using war material that will beurgently needed, if I'm any judge of these times. "

"How's that, Mister Mayor?"

"Why, the hell architects seem to be planning an extension of thepremises, " drawled Morrison. 

III

THE MORRISON ASSUMES SOME CONTRACTS

In the past, each day after lunch, Mac Tavish had been enabled to get backto the sanity of a well-conducted woolen-mill business; in the peace thatdescended on the office afternoons he put out of his mind the nightmare ofthe forenoons and tried not to think too much of what the morrowspromised. 

Stewart Morrison had caused it to be known in Marion that he reservedafternoons for the desk affairs of St. Ronan's mill. 

Mac Tavish always brought his lunch; he cooked it himself in his bachelorapartment and warmed it up in the office over a gas-burner at high noon. 

While he was brushing the crumbs of an oaten cake off his desk, six menfiled in. He knew them well. They were from the Marion Chamber ofCommerce; they made up the Industrial Development Committee. 

"I'm afraid we're a bit too early to see the mayor, " suggested ChairmanDespeaux. 

"Ye are! Nigh twenty-two hours too early to see the mayor!"

"But we 'phoned the house and were told he had left to come to theoffice!"

"The mayor--mind ye, the _mayor_--he cooms frae the mill at--"

Mac Tavish remembered the crashing blow to his proud pronunciamiento thatforenoon, and his natural caution regarding statements caused him tohesitate. "He is supposed to coom frae the mill at ten o'clock, antemeridian! Postmeridian, Master Morrison, of St. Ronan's--not themayor--he cooms to his desk yon--well, when he cooms isna the concern o'those who are speirin for a mayor. "

The gentlemen of the committee exchanged wise grins, suggestively sardonicgrins, and sat down. 

Mac Tavish, bristling in silence over his figures, was comforted by theever-springing hope that this intrusion might serve as the last straw onthe overloaded Morrison endurance. 

He perked up expectantly when Stewart came striding in. Then he wilteddespondently, because Morrison greeted the gentlemen with breezyhospitality, led them beyond the rail, and gave them chairs near his desk. 

"Command me! I am at your service!"

"We're on our way to Senator Corson's. We have been invited to meet Mr. Daunt at lunch, " said Despeaux; a thin veneer of suavity suited his thinlips. 

"Fine!"

"I'm glad to hear you say so. We felt that we'd like your opinion of himand his plans before we commit ourselves, "

"I like his personality, " stated Stewart, heartily. "But I have only ageneral notion of his plans. "

"Same here, " admitted the chairman, though not in a tone of convincingsincerity. "The Senator brought him into my office for a minute or sobefore they started up-river. Told me to get the boys together and comefor lunch. But if it's to put the water-power of this state on a biggerand broader basis, you and the storage commission are with us, aren'tyou?" Despeaux demanded rather than queried; his air was a bit offensive. 

"I'm a citizen of Marion and a native of this state, body and soul for allthe good that can come to us, by our own efforts or through the aid ofoutsiders, " declared Morrison, spacking his palm upon the arm of hischair. 

"Well, I guess we don't need any better promise than that, for a starter, at any rate. Of course, we knew it--but there's nothing like having aright-out word of mouth. " Despeaux rose and pulled out his watch. "We'dbetter move on toward the eats, boys!"

"Just a moment, however, Despeaux! My father was a Morrison and my mothera Mac Dougal. I can't help what's in me!"

"What is it that's in you?" inquired Despeaux, pausing in the act ofputting back his watch. 

"Scotch cautiousness!"

"You don't suspect that a man like the big Silas Daunt, of Daunt andCropley--"

"I don't suspect. I haven't got as far as that! But I want to know exactlywhat he means by coming into this state. I have a man out getting me somefacts about what kind of a devil's mess is being stirred up all of asudden to-day in politics. Suppose you get under Daunt's hide and find outwhether he wants to _do_ us or do _for_ us, on the water-power matter. "

An observant bystander would have perceived a queer sort of crispness inMorrison's manner from the outset of the interview; the same perspicacitywould have detected something hard under the smooth surface of Despeaux'searly politeness. Mr. Despeaux was not so elaborately polite when heretorted that he did not propose to play the spy on a guest while eating ahost's victuals. 

Mr. Morrison promptly put more of a snap into his crispness. 

"Having balanced to partners, for politeness's sake, Despeaux, we'll takehold of hands and swing, with both feet on the floor. That was a good jobyou did in the legislative lobby two years ago for the crowd that calleditself 'The Consolidated Development Company. ' You're a smart lawyer andwe had hard work beating you. "

"I'll tell you what you franchise-owners did, Morrison! You beat a grandand comprehensive plan that was going to take in the whole state. "

"It did take in a lot of folks for a time, but, thank God, it didn't takein a few of us who were wise to the scheme. I know why you have called onme to-day. But you haven't put me on record. Let no man of you think Ihave made a pledge or have committed myself till I know what's what!"

"You're Scotch, all right, Morrison. You're canny! You're for yourself andthe main chance. Now let me tell you! You caught us foul two years agobecause you jumped the newspapers into coming out with broadsides about athing they didn't understand. Their half-baked scare stuff made the statethink somebody was trying to steal the whole water-power. "

"According to that general franchise bill, as it was framed, somebodywas!"

"Morrison, in the last two years the people have been educated tounderstand that broad-gaged consolidation of water-power is what we musthave. "

"You have put out good propaganda. That fellow you have hired is a mightyfine press-agent, " admitted Morrison, smiling ingenuously. 

"And the men who get in the way and try to trig development this year willbe ticketed before an understanding public for what they are, " declaredDespeaux. 

"Try me as a part of the public, and see whether I'll understand! Ticketedas what, Brother Despeaux?"

"As profiting dogs in the manger of manufacturing, sir!"

There were expostulatory murmurs in the group. 

"We're rather non-committal as a body on this matter, Despeaux, " protesteda committeeman. "We're waiting to be shown. In the mean time, we don'tlike to have a man like Morrison here called any hard names. "

"Oh, I don't mind being called a watch-dog, boys! That's what I am. So youthink I'm wholly selfish, do you, Despeaux?"

"The water-power franchises of this state were grabbed away from thepeople years ago, like the timber-lands were, by first-comers, and thestate got nothing! The waters belong to the people. The people have aright to realize on their property! Morrison, considering what kind of afree gift you had handed to you, you've got to be careful about theposition you take in these enlightened days when the people propose toprofit from their own. It's mighty easy to shift public opinion thesedays!"

"Yes, I have seen tons of sand shifted in no time by a stream from asquirt-gun, " confessed Morrison, placidly. 

"And that leaves it a fifty-fifty break between us on the name-callingproposition, " rejoined Despeaux, "I'll bid you a kind good day!" He strodeaway and his group trailed him. 

A deprecating committeeman turned back, however. "I know you are honest, Morrison. But a lot of us are beginning to think that the general policyin the state regarding outside capital has been a bit too conservative. These are new times. "

"Very!" said the mayor, pleasantly. "They're creaking about as loud asSquire Despeaux's new shoes. " There was a snarl of ire from the shoesevery time the retreating chairman lifted a foot. "I hope they won't pinchus, Doddridge! Good day!" He sat down at his desk. 

Mac Tavish held his place on his stool in silence for a long time. Thestiffness of his neck seemed to embrace all his members, even his tongue. Miss Bunker came in from her lunch, bringing the afternoon mail. MacTavish maintained his silence while Morrison picked out what were patentlyhis personal letters before surrendering the others to the girl to beopened and assorted. Mac Tavish waited till his master had gone throughhis personal mail. The paymaster maintained a demeanor of what may betermed hopeful apprehension; this baiting, this impugning of honesty mustneeds turn the trick! No Morrison would stand for it! Mac Tavish found thelaird's suppression of all comment promisingly bodeful. The fuse must besizzling. There would be an explosion!

But Morrison began to play a lively tattoo on his desk with the knob of apaper-slitter and whistled "The Campbells Are Coming, Hurrah, Hurrah!"with the cheery gusto of a man who had not a care to trouble him. 

"Snoolin' and snirtlin' o'er it!" spat the old man. 

"Eh?" queried Stewart, amiably. 

"Do ye let whigmaleeries flimmer in yer noddle at a time like this?"

"Why, Andy, speaking of a day like this, you'd have the crochets whiffedfrom your head if you'd go out for your lunch in the pep of the airinstead of penning yourself in the office. "

Mac Tavish leaped from his stool and marched toward this non-combatant. "Whaur's the fire o' yer spunk, Stewart Morrison?"

"Go on, Andy!" permitted the master, leaning back in his chair. 

"Do ye allow such feckless loons to coom and beard ye in yer ain castle?"

"Andy, if I were playing their game, as they call it, I'd say that I'mgoing to give 'em all a chance to lay their cards, face up, on the table. But, putting it in a way you and I understand, I'm touching a match totheir goods. "

Mac Tavish nodded approvingly. He did understand that metaphor. A burningmatch will not ignite pure wool; threads of shoddy will catch fire. 

"Aye! The fire test o' the fabric! Well and gude! But the toe o' yer bootfor 'em. Such was ca'd for when he said ye set yer ainsel' in the way formuckle profeet!"

"Soft! Soft and slow, Andy, " reproved the master. "There may be some truthin what he said. I'll have to stop right here and do some thinking aboutit! A chap gets to slamming ahead in his own line, you know. All of usought to stop short once in a while and make a cold, calm estimate. Takeaccount of stock! Balance the books! Discover how much of it is forourselves, personally, and how much for the other fellow! No telling howthe figures of debit and credit may surprise us!"

He spun around in his swivel chair. 

"Lora, get Mr. Blanchard of the Conawin Mills on the 'phone, that's thegirl!"

"Yes, Andy, I'm going to get down to the figures in my case! I hopethere's a balance in my favor--but we never can tell!"

He set his elbows on his desk and clutched his hands into the hair abovehis temples. Mac Tavish tiptoed away. Morrison had apparently prostratedhimself in the fane of figures; in the case of Mac Tavish figures wereholy. 

"Mr. Blanchard on the 'phone, Mr. Morrison, " reported Miss Bunker. 

Morrison put questions, quickly, emphatically, searchingly. He listened. He hung up. "Memo. , Miss Bunker. " He was curt. His eyes were hard. Oneobserving his manner and hearing his tone would have realized that quarryhad broken cover and that Mr. Blanchard had not been able to confuse thetrail by dragging across it an anise-bag; in fact, Morrison had said soover the telephone just before he hung up. "Get me Cooper of the Waverly, Finitter of the Lorton Looms, Labarre of the Bleachery, Sprague of theBates. " He named four of the great textile operators of the river. "Oneafter the other, as I finish with each!"

After he had finished with all, pondering while he waited between calls, he strode to Mac Tavish and brought the old man around on his stool by aclap on the shoulder. "A devil of a mouser, I am! I've been sittingpurring on the top and they have hollowed it out underneath me. "

"Eh? What?"

"The cheese, Andy, the water-power cheese! They have been playing me forthe cat in the case! Left me till the last, left me sitting on an emptyshell! The mice have made away with the cheese from under me. They haveengineered a combine! There's a syndicate a-forming! It's for me to tumbledown among 'em when the shell caves. I was right about Despeaux!"

"He's Auld Bartie, wi'out the horns!"

"Oh no! Not as smart as Satan, Andy! But smart, nevertheless! Very smart. He has shown 'em a good thing. They're ready to run in! And the devil takethe hindmost. I'm the hindmost and I'd better get a gait on. "

"But the company ye'll be keeping!"

"You don't suppose that I'll run away from the mice instead of after 'em, do you?"

"A thoct has been wi' me, Master Morrison! May I speak it?"

"Out with it!"

"Ye'll ne'er find a better chance to break from the kin o' Auld ClovenCootie and mind yer ain wi' the claith business! Resign!"

"It's good advice, backed up by a good excuse, Andy!"

"And noo that I may speak freely, " rattled on the old man, after a gasp ofdelight, "I can tell ye how I hae been list'nin' for yer interests tillten o' the clock each forenoon, and the dyvor loons--deil tak' it, andhere cooms back one o' the waurst o' the widdifu's. "

It was the Hon. Calvin Dow and Morrison hurried to meet him. "Sum itshort, Uncle Calvin!"

"They're going to play straight politics, Stewart. "

"God save the state--in times like these!"

"They're going to admit to seats only the Senators and Representatives whoare clearly and indisputably elected by the face of the returns. "

"The picked and the chosen!" scoffed Morrison. 

"The matter of the right to take seats is going to be referred to the fullbench instead of being left to the legislature--taken out of politics, they say. "

"Going to be put into cold storage, with all due respect to our eminentjustices!"

"It means the careful weighing of evidence--and the courts are obliged tomove with judicial slowness, Stewart!"

"And in the mean time those picked and chosen ones will elect the stateofficers whom the legislature has the power to name, will have themachinery to distribute all state patronage and to make the legislativecommittees safe for the big measures. There's no telling when the benchwill hand down a decision. "

"No telling, Stewart!" admitted the sage. 

"After it has been done, it will be hard to undo it, no matter what thejudges may decide as to members. "

"But we can't throw the law out of the window, my son! On the outside ofthe thing, the Big Boys on Capitol Hill are playing the game strictlyaccording to the legal rules. The legal rules, understand! On theoutside!" Dow's emphasis on certain words was significant. He put up hishand and drew Morrison's head down close to his mouth. He began towhisper. 

"Talk out loud, Calvin!" commanded Stewart, jerking away. "Keep in thehabit of talking out loud with me! I won't even talk politics in awhisper. "

"It really shouldn't be talked out, not at this time, " expostulated Dow, wedded to the old ways. "I have had to burrow deep for it. It ought to besaved carefully--to do business with later! To win a stroke in politicsit's necessary to jump the people with a sensation!"

"Try it on me! I'm one of the people. See if it will work, " insistedMorrison, after the manner of his methods with Despeaux. 

"They propose to go according to the strict letter of the law. "

"Important but not sensational. "

Dow was plainly having hard work to keep his voice above a whisper. "Returns not properly sworn to or not attested in due form by city clerks, returns not signed in open town meeting or otherwise defective on accountof strictly technical errors, no matter how plainly the intent of thevoters was registered, have been finally and definitely thrown out byNorth and his executive council, acting as a canvassing board. "

"Damn'd picayune hair-splitting! Why can't they use business horse-sense?"

"I'll tell you what they've used! They've used Tim Snell and Waddy Sturgesand a few other safe hounds with muffled paws to run around and lug backto cities and towns deficient returns and have 'em quietly and secretlycorrected where it was a case of adding a safe man to the legislature. Iknow that, Stewart. I know how to make some of my close friends brag tome. I know it, but I can't prove it. Clean-scrubbed are the faces of thosereturns. They'll show up to-morrow like the faces of the good boys on thefirst day at school. "

"That's North's idea of that game he was talking about, is it?" Morrisonexploded. "I don't believe that Senator Corson knows about those dirtydetails, or is a party to 'em. "

"Well, " asserted the Hon. Calvin Dow, stroking his nose contemplatively, "Jodrey and I used to cut sharp corners on two wheels of the four of theold wagon, in past times when he was a politician. But now that he's astatesman he doesn't like to be bothered by details. "

"Do you see any joke to this, Calvin?" demanded Morrison, not relishingthe veteran's chuckle. 

"I can't help seeing the humor, " confessed Dow, blandly. "The other, boyswould be grinding the same grist if they had control of the machinery. It's only what I myself used to do. " Then his face became grave. "But, confound it! in these days there seems to be an element that can't take ajoke in politics. There's trouble in the air!"

"Probably!" agreed Morrison, dryly. 

Dow walked to the window and looked out with the air of a man who wantedproof to confirm a statement. "I reckon I'll let you be informed directfrom Trouble Headquarters, Stewart. Headquarters was at the Soldiers'Memorial in the park when I came past. I gathered that they were pickingout a delegation to call on you. Post-Commander Lanigan of the AmericanLegion was doing the picking. He's heading the bunch that I see comingacross the street. "

"Resign!" barked Mac Tavish through his wicket. But the mayor of Mariondid not appear to hear, nor Calvin Dow to understand. 

Morrison faced the door of his office. 

Lanigan led in his companions with the marching stride of an overseasveteran and halted them with a top-sergeant's yelp. Click o' heels andsnap o' the arm! The salute made Captain Sweetsir's previous effort seemtorpid by comparison. That a further comparison with Home Guard methodsand morale was in Commander Lanigan's mind became promptly evident. 

"Your Honor the Mayor, we represent John P. Dunn Post, American Legion, and the independent young men of this city in general. May we have a wordwith you?"

"Certainly, Mr. Commander!"

In the stress of his emotions Lanigan immediately sloughed off hisofficial air. "It's a hell of a note when a bunch of sissy slackers cankeep real soldiers ten feet from the door of the city armory at the end ofa bayonet. "

The mayor strolled over and placed a placatory palm on the shoulder of thespokesman. "What's, all the row, Joe? Let's not get excited!"

"I have been away fighting for liberty and justice and I don't know what'sbeen going on in politics at home. I don't know anything about politics. "

"Nor I, Joe, so let's not try to discuss 'em. What else?"

"They've got three machine-guns up in our State House. What for? They aregoing to put in them sissy slackers--"

"Let's not call names, Joe. Those boys would have followed you across ifyou boys hadn't been so all-fired smart that you cleaned it all up in ahurry! What else?"

"Why have a gang of politicians got to barricade our State House againstthe people?"

"Let's keep cool, Joe, my boy, and find out. "

"They won't let us in to find out. How are we going to find out?"

"Why, I was thinking of doing something in that line--thinking about itjust before you came in. "

Lanigan looked relieved, also a bit ashamed. "Excuse me for being prettyhot, Mr. Morrison. But the boys have been saying we couldn't depend onanybody to stand up for the people. By gad! I told 'em we'd come to you. Says I, 'All-Wool Morrison is our kind!'"

"I hope the name fits the goods, Joe! Suppose you boys keep all quiet andcalm for the good name of the city and let me find out how the thingstands?"

He was assured of support and compliance by a chorus of voices. 

Lanigan trailed the chorus in solo. "Does that settle it? I'll say itdoes. It's up to you--the whole thing. You've given us the word of asquare man! We can depend on you. And we thank you for taking the fullresponsibility for seeing to it that the people get theirs--and not in theneck, either!"

But the mayor looked like a man who had stretched forth his hand to take akitten and had had an elephant tossed at him. "It's a pretty big contract, that! See here, Joe--"

"You're good for any contract you take on, sir! We should worry after whatyou promise!" He whirled on his heels. "'Bout face! Forward, march!" Hefollowed them and turned at the door. "All the rest of the Big Ones seemto be too almighty busy to bother with the common folks to-day, sir! TheGovernor with his politics, the adjutant-general with his tin soldiers, and the high and mighty Senator Corson with that party he's givingto-night so as to spout socially the news that his daughter is engaged tomarry a millionaire dude. Thank God, we've got a man who 'ain't taken upwith anything of that sort and can put all his mind on to a square deal!"

Morrison did not turn immediately to face the three persons, his familiarsin the office of St. Ronan's. He clasped his hands behind him and went tothe window, as if to survey the departure of the delegation. 

"What with one thing and another, they're loading the boy up--they'repiling it on, " observed Dow to Mac Tavish in sympathetic undertone. 

"He'll resign out o' the meeser-r-rable pother, " growled Mac Tavish. "Theword he just gied the gillies! It was as much as to say, 'I'll be coomin'along wi' ye from noo on. '" The old man's hankerings were helping hispersistent hope, in spite of his respect for the Morrison trait ofdevotion to duty. 

"Resign, Andy! Confound it, he's only nailing his grit to the mast andplanning on what end of the row to tackle first. You'll see!"

Stewart walked slowly, meditating deeply, went through the opening in therail, sat down at his desk and fumbled in a drawer and sought deeply undermany papers. He brought out a book, a worn volume. 

Calvin Dow, daring to peer more closely than Miss Bunker or Mac Tavish hadthe courage to venture, noted that the place to which Morrison opened wasmarked by a slip of paper, a snapshot photograph. 

"Miss Bunker!" called the master. "A memo. !"

She came with her note-book and sat at the lid of the desk, facing him. 

"His resignation, I tell ye, " whispered Mac Tavish. "I ken the look o'detar-rmination!"

"I want it typed on a narrow strip that I can slip into my pocketbook, "stated Stewart. Then, to all appearances entirely unconcerned with thelistening veterans, he dictated:

 "Meanwhile I was thinking of my first love, As I had not been thinking of aught for years. Till over my eyes there began to move Something that felt like tears. "

Mac Tavish bent on Dow a wild look and swapped with the old pensioner ofthe Morrisons a stare of amazement for one of bewildered concern. 

 "I thought of the dress that she wore last time When we stood 'neath the cypress-tree together In that lost land, in that soft clime, In the crimson evening weather. 

 "Of that muslin dress (for the eve was hot) And her warm white neck in its golden chain, And her full, soft hair, just tied in a knot, And falling loose again. 

"I thought of our little quarrels and strife, And the letter that brought me back my ring. And it all seemed then, in the waste of life, Such a very little thing. "

The girl dabbed up her hand under pretense of fixing a lock of hair; shescrubbed away tears that were trickling. So this was it! The powwow overbusiness and politics had not been stirring even languid interest in her. Now her emotions were rioting. Here seemed to be something worth while inthe life of the master!

 "But I will marry my own first love With her primrose face; for old things are best. And the flower in her bosom I prize it above--

"My God!" Mac Tavish gasped. "Next he'll be playing jiggle-ma-ree wi'dollies on his desk! His wits hae gane agley!"

In the horror of his discovery he flung his arms and knocked off the deskhis full stock of paperweight ammunition. Then he was convinced beyonddoubt that the Morrison was daft. Stewart did not even raise his eyes fromthe book; he kept on dictating above the clatter of the rolling weights;his intentness on the matter in hand was that of a business man putting aproposition on paper for the purpose of making it definite and cogent andclear. 

But Stewart's thoughts were not at all clear, he was confessing tohimself; in spite of his assumed indifference, he was embarrassed by thefocused stares of Dow and Mac Tavish. He wondered what sudden, devil-may-care whimsy was this that was galloping him away from businessand politics and every other sane subject! He was conscious that there wasin him a freakish and juvenile hankering to astonish his friends. 

He heard Dow say: "Oh, don't worry about the boy, Andy! We do strangethings in big times! Even Nero fiddled when Rome was burning!"

Stewart finished the dictation and closed the book. 

"Losh! I canna understand!" mourned Mac Tavish, not troubling to hush histones. 

The girl hesitated, her gaze on her notes. Then she looked full intoMorrison's face, all her woman's intuitive and long-repressed sympathy inher brimming eyes. "But I understand, sir!" She arose. She extended herhand and when he took it she put into her clasp of his fingers what shedid not presume to say in words. 

"Thank you!" said Morrison. 

Then he left his chair and strolled across to the old men, while MissBunker rattled her typewriter. "It begins to look, boys, like we're goingto have quite a large evening!" he remarked, sociably. 

IV

ANSWERING THE FIRST ALARM

After his dinner with his mother, Stewart went to the library-den, his ownroom, the habitat consecrated to the males of the Morrison menage. He wasin formal garb for the reception at Senator Corson's. He removed and hungup his dress-coat and pulled on his house-jacket; he was prompted to makethis precautionary change by a woolen man's innate respect for honestgoods as much as he was by his desire for homely comfort when he smoked. He lighted a jimmy-pipe and marched up and down the room. He wasdetermined to give the situation a good going-over in his mind. 

He had settled many a problem in that old room!

He was always helped by Grandfather Angus and Father David. 

When he walked in one direction he was looking at the portrait of Angus onthe end wall of the long narrow room; Angus bored him with eyes as hard assteel buttons and out from the close-set lips seemed to issue many anaphorism to put the grit into a man. 

From the opposite wall, when Morrison whirled on his heels, David lookeddown. David's eyes had little, softening scrolls at the corners of them;the artist had painted from life, in the case of David, and had caught theglint of humor in the eyes. The picture of Angus had been enlarged from adaguerreotype and seemed to lack some of the truly human qualities ofexpression. But it was a strong face, the face of a pioneer who had comeinto a strange land to make his way and to smooth that way for thechildren who were to have life made easier for them. "Tak' it! Wi' all thestrength o' ye, reach oot and tak' it for yer ainsel' else ithers willgr-rasp ahead and snigger at ye!" So said Angus from the wall, wheneverStewart pondered on problems. 

But David, though the pictured countenance was resolute enough, always putin a shrewd and cautionary amendment, whenever Stewart came down the room, stiffened by the counsel of Angus, "Mind ye, laddie, when ye tak', thatthe mon wha tak's slidd'ry serpents to tussle wi' 'em, he haes nae hand touse for his ainsel' whilst the slickit beasties are alive; and a deidsnake serves nae guid. "

That evening Stewart was distinctly getting no help from either Angus orDavid. They did not appear to understand his new and peculiar mood. He hadbeen in the habit of fusing their clashing arbitraments by a humor of hisown which he knew was fantastic, yet helpful according to his whimsicalcustom, welding their judgments twain into one dominant counsel ofdetermination, softened by the spirit of fairness. 

But after he had plucked a certain slip of paper from his waistcoatpocket, squinting at it through the pipe smoke, as he walked to and fro, mumbling as if he were engaged in the task of memorizing, he ceased tolook up to Angus and David for assistance. He was sure they would notknow! Here were warp and woof of a fabric beyond their ken. He would notadmit to himself that he understood in full measure this emotion that hadcome surging up in him, overwhelming and burying all the ordinarilysteadfast landmarks by which he regulated his daily thoughts and actions. "I had built a dam, " he muttered, using the metaphor that was natural, "and I've been thinking it was safe and sure. Whether it wasn't strongenough--whether it was undermined, I don't know. It has given way. "

There was a tap on the door and he hastily tucked the paper back into hispocket. He knew it was his mother, trained in the way of the Morrisons torespect the sanctuary of the family lairds when they were paying theirdevotions at the shrine of business. 

"I'm saying my gude nicht to ye, bairnie, for ye're telling me ye'll no'be hame till late, " she said when he flung open the door. 

He copied affectionately her Scotch "braidness" of dialect when they werealone together. "No, wee mither, not till late. "

He stepped out into the corridor and kissed her. She patted his cheek andwalked on. 

More of that whimsy into which he had been allowing his troubled emotionsto lead him! He realized it fully! His brow wrinkled, he shook his head, but he called to her. He went to meet her when she returned. 

"It's like it is at the office, these days! I'm Morrison of St. Ronan's onone side o' the rail; I'm the mayor of Marion on t'other! Here in thecorridor, ye're wee mither!" He put his arm about her and lifted her intothe library. "Coom awa' wi' ye, noo!" he cried. He threw himself into abig chair and pulled her upon his knee. "Ye're Jeanie Mac Dougal--only awoman. I need to talk wi' a woman. I canna talk wi' Mac Tavish or sic ashe. He thinks I'm daft. He said so. I canna get counsel frae grands'r orsire yon on the walls. They don't understand, Jeanie Mac Dougal. I'm inlove!"

"Aye! Wi' the lass o' the Corsons!"

"But ye shouldna sigh when ye say it, Jeanie Mac Dougal. "

"A gashing guidwife sat wi' me to-day in the ben, bairnie, and said thelass brings her ain laddie wi' her frae the great town. "

"I tak' no gossip for my guide!" he protested. "In business I tak' myfacts only frae the lips o' the one I ask. I'll do the same in love. "

She did not speak. 

"I know, Jeanie Mac Dougal! Ye canna forget ye are wee mither and it'shard for ye to be only woman richt noo. I know the kind of wife ye hae inmind for me. The patient wife, the housewife, the meek wife wi' only hereen for back-and-ben, for kitchen and parlor. But I love Lana. "

"She promised and she took her promise back! Again she promised, and againshe took it back!" The proud resentment of a mother flamed. "And I'm no'content wi' the lass who once may win my laddie's word and doesna treasureit and be thankfu' and proud for all the years to come. "

"Oh, I know, mither! But she was young. She must needs wonder what therewas in the world outside Marion. I loved her just the same. "

"But noo that she is hame they tell me that her heid 'tis held perkit andher speech is high and the polished shell is o'er all. "

Stewart looked away from his mother's frank eyes. He was too honest toargue or dispute. "I love her just the same!"

"She ca'd wi' her father at the mill this day, eh? The guidwife said asmuch. "

"Aye, in the way o' politeness!" He remembered that the politeness seemedtoo elaborate, too florid, altiloquent to the extent of insincerity. "Tosee her again is to love her the more, " he insisted. "I have never been toWashington. Probably I'd be able to understand better the manners one isobliged to put on there, if I had been to Washington. I ought to have gonethere on my vacation, instead of into the woods. I'm afraid I have beenkeeping in the woods too much!"

"But did she talk high and flighty to you, bairnie?"

"It meant nowt except it's the way one must talk when great folks standnear to hear. The Governor was there!" he said, lamely. 

"That was unco trouble to mak' for hersel' in the hearing o' that auldtyke whose tongue is as rough as his gruntle!"

"Still, he's the Governor in spite of his phiz, and that shows her tact ingetting on well with the dignitaries, Jeanie Mac Dougal, and you're awoman and must praise the wit of the sex. She has seen much. She has beenobliged to do as the others do. But good wool is ne'er the waur for thefinish of it! My faith is in her from what I know of the worth o' her inthe old days. And now that she has seen, she can understand better. Yes, back here at home she'll be able to understand better. Listen, Jeanie MacDougal!" He fumbled in his pocket. "Here's a bit of a poem. I have lovedit ever since she recited it at the festival when she was a little girl. You have forgotten--I remember! And here's one verse:

 "And I think, in the lives of most women and men, There's a moment when all would go smooth and even, If only the dead could find out when To come back and be forgiven. "

"But I would change it to read, 'If only we all could find out when, '" heproceeded. "It wasn't all her fault, mother. I was younger, then. I'm oldenough now to be humble. She is home again, and I'm going to ask to beforgiven!"

Then the telephone-bell called. 

He lifted her gently off his knee and stood up. "As to the lad who is herewith his father! Gossip is playing all sorts of capers this day, weemither! And do not be worried if gossip of another sort comes to you afterI'm gone this evening. There may be matters in the city for me to attendto as mayor. If I'm not home you'll know that I'm attending to them. "

He went to the telephone, replied to an inquiring voice and listenedintently, and then he assented with heartiness. 

"It's Blanchard of the Conawin Mills! He has a bit of business with me andoffers to take me along with him to the reception. Tell Jock he'll nothave to bother with my car!" he said, coming to her where she waited atthe door. She had picked up the slip of paper which he had dropped in hishaste to attend to the telephone. 

"I daured to peep at yer bit poem, Stewart, so that my ear might not seemto be put to o'erhearing your business discourse, " she apologized, stanchin her adherence to the rules of the Morrisons. "And I'll tell ye thatJeanie Mac Dougal says aye to one sentiment I hae found in it. "

"Good! Read it aloud to me, that's my own girlie!" He folded his arms andshut his eyes. She read in tones that thrilled with conviction:

 "The world is filled with folly and sin And love must cling where it can, I say; For Beauty is easy enough to win, But one isn't loved every day. "

She tucked the paper into the fingers of his hand that lay lightly alonghis arm. He opened his eyes and gazed down into her straightforward ones. 

"Whoever may be the lass my bairnie loves will be honored by that love;aye, and sanctified by that love! And sic a lass will deserve from JeanieMac Dougal a smile at our threshold and respect in our hame. " She wentaway. Her eyes were dim with unshed tears; but she held her chin high andtrailed her bit of a train with dignity. 

Morrison folded the paper and put it away. He took a turn up and down thelong room, confronting the portrait faces in turn. He eyed them as if hewere approaching them on a matter where there now could be a betterunderstanding than on the subject suggested by the slip of paper. "I don'tknow whether Blanchard ought to be kicked or coddled, " he confessed. "He'sa fair sample of the rest. They don't kick so often in these days, Grands'r Angus, as you did in yours. On the other hand, Daddy David, therehas been too much coddling in this country, lately, by the cowardice ofmen who ought to know better and the coddling has continued to the hurt ofall of us!"

He sat down and looked at the clock; the face of that would, at least, tell him something definite: Blanchard said that he was talking from theclub, around the corner, and would be along in five minutes. 

And Blanchard arrived on time!

"I suppose I ought to be offended by what you said to me over the 'phoneto-day, Morrison. I was hurt, at any rate!"

"So was I!" retorted Stewart, promptly. "Hurt and offended, both! So westart from the scratch, neck and neck!"

"But why do you assume that attitude on account of what I told you?"

"I was obliged to put questions to you in order to get the news that youpropose to hitch up with a dominating water-power syndicate!"

"Only following out your proposition that we must get down to developmentin this state. "

"The development is taking care of itself, Brother Blanchard. As chairmanof the water-power commission, I shall submit my report to the incominglegislature. And in that report I propose to make conservation thecorollary of development. "

Blanchard blinked inquiringly. "What do you mean?"

"Why, I mean just this! Putting it in business terms, I propose to ask forlegislation that will make the public the partners of the men who handleand control the water-power. "

"I don't know how you're going about to do that in any sensible way, "grumbled the other. "There have been a good many rumors about thatforthcoming report of yours, Morrison. What's the big notion in keeping itso secret?"

"I have been ordered to report to the legislature, Blanchard! I haveprepared my case for that general court, and customary deference andcommon politeness in such matters oblige me to hold my mouth till I doreport officially. "

"Nothing to be hidden, then?" probed the magnate. 

"Not a thing--not when the proper time comes!"

"But we have been left guessing--and I don't like the sound of the rumors. You must expect big interests to get an anchor out to windward. There's notelling what a damphool legislature will do in case a theory is put up andthere are no sensible business arguments to contradict it. "

"As owners of water-power, Blanchard--you and I--let's bring our businessarguments into the open this year, in the committee-rooms and on the floorof the House and Senate, instead of in the buzzing-corners of the lobby ordown in the hotel button-holing boudoirs! Now we'll get right down tocases! You have been leaving me out of your conferences ever since Irefused to drop my coin into the usual pool to hire lobbyists. I take thestand that these times are more enlightened and that we can begin to trustthe people's business to the people's general court in open sessions. "

Blanchard showed the heat of a man whose conscience was not entirelycomfortable. "Just what is this _people_ idea that you're making so muchof all of a sudden, Morrison? People as partners, people asjudges--people--people--" Blanchard hitched over the word wrathfully. 

"People be damned?" inquired Stewart, with a provocative grin. 

"There's too much of this soviet gabble loose these days. It all leads tothe same thing, and you've got to choke it for the good of thisgovernment!"

"Right you are to a big extent, Blanchard! But just now we are talking ofa vital problem in our own state and it has nothing to do with sovietism. "

"But you spoke of making the people our partners!"

"I merely put the matter to you in a nutshell, for we'll need to be movingon pretty quick!" He glanced at the clock. He threw off his jacket andpulled on his coat. 

"Partners how?"

"It will be explained in my official report, as chairman of the power andstorage commission. "

"I don't relish the rumors about what that report is likely to recommend. "

"Rumors are prevalent, are they?"

"Prevalent, Morrison, and devilish pointed, too!"

"I suppose that's why the old horned stags of the lobby are whetting theirantlers, " surmised Morrison, giving piquant emphasis to his remark by agesture toward a caribou head, a trophy of his vacation chase. "I haveheard a rumor, too, Blanchard. Are they going to introduce legislation toabolish my commission and turn the whole water-power matter over to thepublic utilities commission?"

Blanchard flushed and said he knew nothing about any such move. 

"I'm sorry that syndicate isn't taking you into their confidence, "sympathized Morrison. "I know just how you feel. The boys who ought totrain with me are not taking me into their conferences, either!"

"You spoke of coming down to cases!" snapped Blanchard, his uneasyconscience getting behind the mask of temper. "I don't ask you to revealany official report. But can you tell me what this 'people-partners' thingis?"

"I can, Blanchard, because it isn't anything that is specifically a partof the report. It's principle, and principle belongs in everything. Imerely apply it to the case of water-power in this state. "

He went close to his caller and beamed down on him in a sociable manner. "I rather questioned my own good taste and the propriety of my effort toget on to the commission and be made its chairman. As an owner of powerand of an important franchise I might be considered a prejudiced party. But I hoped I had established a bit of a reputation for square-dealing inbusiness and I wanted to feel that my own kind were in touch with me andwould have faith that I was working hard for all interests. You and I canboth join in damning these demagogues and radicals and visionaries andBolshevists. We must be practical even when we're progressive, Blanchard. "

"Now you're talking sense!"

"I hope so!" But his next statement, made while the millman glared andmuttered oaths, fell far short of sanity in Blanchard's estimation. "I'mfully convinced that one of the inalienable rights of the people isownership of water-power. We franchise-proprietors ought to contentourselves with being custodians, managers, lessees of that power thatcomes from the lakes that God alone owns. "

"Are you putting that notion in your confounded report?"

"I am. "

"Are you sticking in something about confiscating the coal and the oil andthe iron and--"

"Oh no!" broke in Morrison, calm in the face of fury. "Those particularpackages all seem to be nicely tied up and laid on the shelf out of thepeople's reach. And whether they are or not is not my concern now. I'monly a little fellow up here in a small puddle, Brother Blanchard. I'm notundertaking the reorganization of the world. I'll say frankly that I don'tknow just what kind of legislation in regard to the already developedwater-power in this state can be passed and be made constitutional. Butnow when coal is scarcer and high, or monopolized, at any rate, to make ithigh and scarce in the market, the exploiters are turning to water-powerpossibilities with hearty hankering, and the people are turning withhope. "

"I'm afraid I'm getting hunks out of that report of yours, ahead ofofficial time. "

"You're getting the principle underlying it--and you're welcome. "

"Morrison, the idea that the people have any overhead right and ownershipin franchise-granted and privately developed water-power is ridiculous anddangerous nonsense. "

"It does sound a bit that way, considering the fact that the people ofthis state have never even taxed water-power, as such. The ideas of thefathers, who gave away the power for nothing, seem to have come down tothe sons, who haven't even woke up to the fact that it's worthtaxing--yes, Blanchard, taxing even to the extent that the people will getenough profits from the taxation to make 'em virtual partners! And as tothe millions of horse-power yet to be developed, let the profits be calledlease-money instead of taxation. Then we'll be going on a business basiswithout having the matter everlastingly muddled and mixed and lobbied inpolitics!"

Blanchard knew inflexibility when he saw it; and he knew Stewart Morrisonwhen it came to matters of business. He did not attempt argument. "Well, I'll be good and cahootedly condemned!" he exploded. 

"No, you'll be helped and I'll be helped by putting this on a businessbasis where the radicals, if they grab off more political power, won't beable to rip it up by crazy methods; the radicals don't know when to stopwhen they get to reforming. "

"Radicals! Confound it, it looks to me as if we had one of 'em at the headof that power commission! Morrison, have you turned Bolshevik?"

"My friend, " expostulated Stewart, gently, "when you opposed the principleof prohibition the fanatics called you 'Rummy. ' The name hurt yourfeelings. "

"They had no right to impugn my motives!"

"Certainly not! It's all wrong to try to turn a trick by sticking aslurring name on to conscientiousness. "

"You're turning around and hammering your friends and associates, nomatter what name you put on it. "

"It has always been considered perfectly proper to lobby for the biginterests in this state for pay! Why shouldn't I lobby for the people fornothing?"

"You and I are the people! The business men are the people. Theenterprising capitalists who pay wages are the people. The people are--"

He halted; the telephone-bell had broken in on him. 

Morrison apologized with a smile and answered the call. He sprawled in hischair, his elbow on the table, and listened for a few moments. "But don'tstutter so, Joe!" he adjured. "Take your time, now, boy! Say it again!"

He attended patiently on the speaker. 

"They won't take your word on the matter, you say? Why, Joe, that's notcourteous in the case of an American Legion commander! Hold on! I can'tcome down there! I have to attend the reception at Senator Corson's. "

He listened again to what was evidently expostulation and entreaty, and, while he listened, he gazed at the sullen Blanchard with an expression ofmock despair. 

"Joe, just a word for myself, " he broke in. "I'm afraid you have pledgedme a little too strongly. You went off half cocked this afternoon! Oh no!I don't take it back. I'm not a quitter to that extent. But I reallydidn't undertake to run the whole state government, you know! Those folksup on Capitol Hill don't need my advice, they think!"

With patience unabated he listened again. "If it's that way, Joe, I'llhave to come down. I'll certainly never put an honest chap in bad or leavehim in wrong, when a word can straighten the thing. Hold 'em there! I'llbe right along!" He hung up. 

"As I was saying, " persisted Blanchard, "the people--"

Morrison put up his hand and shook his head. 

"I guess we'd better hang up the joint debate on the people right here, Blanchard! What say if you come along with me and pick up a few facts? Thefacts may give you a new light on your theories. " He hastened to a closetand secured his top-coat and his silk hat. 

"Come where?"

"Down to the Central Labor Union hall. There's a big crowd waiting there. "

Blanchard surveyed his own evening apparel in a mirror. "I'm headed for areception--not the kind I'd get as the head of the Conawin corporationfrom a labor crowd. "

"Nevertheless, I urge you to come with me. I believe that a little contactwith the people in this instance will clear your thoughts. "

"Another one of your riddles!" snorted the manufacturer. "What's it allabout?"

"Blanchard, " declared Morrison, setting his jaws grimly while he ponderedfor a moment and then coming out explosively, "it's about what we mayexpect from the people when damned fools try to play politics according tothe old rules in these new times. It's about what we may expect of thepeople when they're denied a showdown by men at the head of publicaffairs. There's trouble brewing in the city of Marion to-night. Whatwould you do if you happened to glance out of your office window and saw aleak spurting big as a lead-pencil from the base of the Conawin dam? You'dknow the leak would be as big as a hogshead in a few minutes, wouldn'tyou?"

"Yes!" admitted the other. 

"You'd get to that leak and plug it mighty quick, wouldn't you?"

"No need to ask!"

"Well, this is a hurry call and I need your help. "

"I don't stand in well with the labor crowd--" demurred Blanchard. 

"I know all that! You're hiring too many aliens and Red radicals in yourmill! But you ought to have some influence with your own gang, such asthey are! I suspect that they're the leading troublemakers down in thathall. Blanchard, if you're not afraid of your own men, come along!" Heclapped the millman on the shoulder and led the way toward the door. 

"If there are scalawags starting that 'state steal' howl again somebodyought to tell 'em that there are three machine-guns and plenty of loadedrifles on Capitol Hill to-night, and the men behind 'em propose to shootto kill, " stated Blanchard, vengefully, shaking his silk hat. 

Morrison whirled on him. "You're just the man to go down there and tell'em so! You probably have inside information. All I know is hearsay! I'lladvise 'em and you threaten 'em. Come along, Blanchard! We'll make a goodteam!"

V

THE MEN WHO WERE WAITING TO BE SHOWN

While Commander Lanigan talked with the mayor from a telephone-booth in adrugstore under Central Labor Union hall, Post-Adjutant Demeter stood withhis nose pressed against the glass door, waiting anxiously. 

Lanigan pushed open the door with one hand while he hung up the receiverwith the other, and by his precipitate exit nigh bowled his adjutant over;Mr. Lanigan, it was plain to be seen, was wound up tightly that eveningand his mainspring was operating him by jumps. 

"He's the boy! He's coming! Tell the world so! And I'll go back up-stairsand tell them blistered sons o' seefo that there are such things as truthand a bar o' soap in this country, spite o' the fact they have never usedeither one!"

Demeter followed his commander into the street. 

In spite of his haste, Lanigan was halted; he gazed up into the heavens, his breath streaming on the crackly-cold air. 

The skies were blazing with shuttlings of lambent flame. From nadir tozenith the mystic light shivered and sheeted. Never had Lanigan beheld amore vivid display of the phenomenon of the aurora borealis. He seemed tobe waiting for something. He sighed and shook his head. 

"Peter, my heart jumped at first glimpse! 'Tis like the flash of theArgonne big guns! Thank God, the thunder of 'em isn't following!"

"Yes, thank God!" murmured Demeter, his soul in his tones!

They stood there for a few minutes, shoulder to shoulder, the contact ofarm with arm serving for an exchange of thoughts between those veterans ina silence that would have been profaned by words. 

The phantasmagoria overhead was shifting infinitely and rapidly; therewere flashes that seemed to presage a thunderous roar of an explosion andwere more bodeful because the hush aloft in the heavenly spaces remainedunbroken; then the filaments and streamers of light made one mightyoriflamme across the skies, an expanse of woven hues, wavering and lashingas if a great wind were threshing across the main fabric and flinging itsattendant bannerets. 

"It's in the air; it's in the nerves! It puts hell into a man, doesn't it, Peter?"

"Yes!"

"It was in that telephone back there! It crackled and snapped! A lot of itmay be in those poor fools up in that hall--and they ain't knowing whatthe matter is with 'em! You and I have been over in the Big Bow-wow, boy, and we have had some good lessons in how to handle rattled nerves. I guessit's up to us to hold things steady, as experts. Soothe 'em and smooth'em! It was All-Wool Morrison's lesson to me to-day! Soft and careful with'em, seeing that they're full of what's in the air this night, and don'tknow just what ails 'em!"

He lowered his gaze from the skies. A man was passing on his way towardthe door of the hall. 

Lanigan had just laid down a general rule of diplomatic conduct for theevening, but he made a prompt exception. He leaped on the man, struggledwith him for a moment, and yanked off a red necktie, taking with it theman's collar and a part of his shirt, "But some stuff that they're full ofcan't be smoothed out--it's got to be whaled out!" panted Lanigan. He didnot release his captive. "The nerve o' ye, parading your red wattles on anight like this, ye Tom Gobbler of a Bullshevist!"

"I have the right to pick the color of my own necktie!" snarled the man. 

"Not for the reason why you picked it! Not to wear it up into that hall, my bucko boy!"

When the man expostulated with oaths, Lanigan tripped him and held him onthe sidewalk. "Hush your yawp! You can't fool me about your taste in ties!I know what's behind that color like I'd know what's behind an Orangeman'syellow! I don't need to wait for him to hooray for the battle o' the Boyneere I get my brick ready! Peter, frisk his pockets!"

Demeter obeyed. 

A crowd was collecting. Through the press rushed a young man. "Need help, Commander?"

"Only keep your eye peeled to see that another Bullshevist don't sneak upand kick me from behind, after the like o' the breed!"

Demeter's exploration produced a bulldog revolver, a slungshot, a packetof pamphlets, and several small red flags. 

"What's your name?" demanded the commander. 

"No business of yours!"

Lanigan kneeled on the captive and roweled cruel thumbs into the man'sneck. "Out with it before I dig deeper for it. "

"Nicolai Krylovensky!"

"I knew it must be bad, but I didn't think it was as bad as that! I don'tblame ye for trying to keep it mum! And ye look as though it tasted bittercoming up. I'll not poison me own mouth. " He stood up and yanked the manto his feet. "So I'll call ye Bill the Bomber! Where do ye work, or don'tye work?"

"Conawin!"

"I thought so! One of that bunch down there that's trying to undermine thebest government on the face of the earth. Come along! I've got a bit o'business on hand right now and I need you in it. "

Then he turned, pushing the man ahead of him. 

Lanigan became aware that the young fellow who had proffered aid wasmuttering in a derogatory fashion. 

"What's on your mind, Jeff?" demanded the commander, recognizing a memberof the post. 

"Nothing!"

"I'm in an inquiring turn o' mind right now, " rasped Lanigan. "And ye havejust seen me go after information. I heard ye damning something. Ye'd bestmake me understand that you wasn't damning _me_!"

"I sure wasn't, sir! But as for this government being the best, I want tosay--"

Lanigan's yelp broke in like an explosion. "Hold this Bullshevist, Peter!I want both hands free!"

"I wasn't saying anything against our government, Commander Lanigan! Not aword!" wailed the overseas man. "So help me!"

"I'm in a soothing frame of mind this night, " returned the ex-sergeant. "Ihave been having some good lessons in soothing from the mayor of Marion, God bless him! I was nigh making a fool of myself till he showed me thatthe soothing way is the best way. And I shall keep right on soothing. Butthis is a night when the plain truth and the word of man-to-man have gotto operate to prevent trouble! And I want the truth out o' ye, JeffTolson, or else ye'll be calling for toast, well soaked, in the hospitalin the morning!"

"I went up to one of them sissy slackers--"

"Mind the kind of a name ye stick on to a soldier of the government! Do yesee who's listening?" He grabbed his prisoner again and shook him. "Becareful of what you say as an American citizen in the hearing of rats likethis, Tolson! It encourages 'em. They think we mean it. Get the bile outof your system in a strictly family fuss! Spit out a lot you don't mean, if it's going to make you feel better! But first slam down the windows sothat the outsiders can't overhear. I'll see you later!"

"But I want you to get me right, Commander, " Tolson pleaded. "I went up toone of the boys to show him how to hold his gun and he banged me with thebutt of it!"

"He did!" Lanigan clicked his teeth and showed that he was having hardwork to control his own resentment. 

"I was only trying to be helpful. I tried to take his gun and show him. And he insulted an overseas veteran!"

Lanigan had himself in hand again. "Tried to take away his gun, you say!You in civics and he in uniform and on duty! Jeff, if it's that hard towake up and know that you're no longer a soldier, I reckon yourwrist-watch is acting too much like a reminder-string around a Jane'sfinger! Better hang it from the end of your nose. It's a wonder he didn'tgive you the bayonet!"

"The butt was aplenty, sir!"

"I can stand it better to be banged on the knob by a gun-butt by a goodAmerican than batted in the eye by this color on a Bullshevist!" assertedLanigan, waving the red necktie that he still retained in his clutch. Hegave the owner of it another push. "Along with you, Bill the Bomber. "

Tolson trailed. "But what are they trying to do up on Capitol Hill, sir?What does it all mean?"

"I don't know, " confessed the commander. He drove his way through thebystanders. "You see, boys, I have started in along the way of telling thetruth to-night. So I own up that I don't know! We're going to find outwhat it means!" He kept on toward the door of the hall with his prisoner. "I've arranged to have a man come down here and tell us what it means andtell us how to act. "

"Well, he'll know more than anybody else I have tackled on the subjectto-night, " said Tolson, sourly. "He's a wonder, if he does know!"

"He's All-Wool Morrison--and that's your answer, buddie, " retortedLanigan. And that answer did seem to suffice for Tolson. 

There were many men on the stairs leading up to the hall, and the elbowingthrong at the door of the auditorium furnished further evidence of theoverflowing nature of the gathering. 

"Gangway!" commanded Lanigan at the top of his voice. "Make way, there!I'm bringing something straight in my mouth and something crooked in mymit, and neither one of 'em will ye have till free passage is made to theplatform. "

The crowd's curiosity served effectively to clear that passage. 

Lanigan's captive went along, sullenly unresisting. There was noopportunity for rebellion in that mob that opened a narrow passagegrudgingly, only to pack together again in a solid mass. But certain menwhom Krylovensky passed or men who caught his eye by swift motions spatwhispers at him in a language that Lanigan did not understand. 

"Is it three cheers that your brother rattlesnakes are giving ye in thenatural hissing way of 'em?" inquired the captor. "They're a fine bunch!"

With his hand twisted tightly into the slack of the man's coat and thetorn shirt, the ex-sergeant forced the prisoner up the short stairs thatconducted to the platform; Demeter followed. 

Tobacco smoke streamed up in whirls from the banked faces that filled thehall from side to side, and the eddying clouds floated in strata above therows of heads. Lanigan peered sternly at the crowd through the haze. "HereI am back! And I'm thanking the good saints for the few mouthfuls of freshair I got outside and the news I got, and for this here I found andfetched along. I need him. I was on a jury once, in a murder case, andthey had the tool that done the job and the lawyers tagged it Exhibit A. This is it! He's got a name, but if I tried to say it, it would cramp myjaws and hold my mouth open so long that I'd get assifixiated with thissmoke. This is Bill the Bomber! Demeter, hold up the goods we found onhim!"

The post-adjutant obeyed the order. 

"Now, Bill the Bomber, " demanded Lanigan, "tell me and the bunch what'sthe big idea of the arsenal, in a peaceful American city?"

"Is it peaceful?" screamed the captive, at bay. "There are soldiersmarching with guns. There are men threatening and cursing! There are--"

"Hold right on--right where you are! Are you naturalized?"

"No!"

"Well, let me tell you, you red-gilled Bullshevist, that till you're avoting American citizen, our private and personal and strictly family rowsare none of your damn' business! All American citizens kindly applaud!"

He was answered by cheers, stamping feet, and clapping hands. 

"Contrary-minded?" he invited in the silence that followed. 

"Hiss a few hisses, you snakes!" he urged. "Or show those red flags you'recarrying in your pockets!"

There was no demonstration, either by act or by word. 

Lanigan pushed his captive to the rear of the platform and jolted him downinto a chair behind which, on the wall, was draped a large United Statesflag. "Set there and see if you can't absorb a little of the white andblue into your system, along with the red that's already there, " counseledthe patriot. "You're going to hear some man-talk in a little while, and Ihope 'twill do you good!"

A man in the audience rose to his feet when Lanigan marched back to thefront of the rostrum. 

"I am a voter here, yet I was born in another country. Will you allow meto ask a question, Commander Lanigan?"

"Sure! But let's start even on names. What's yours?"

"Otto Weisner!"

Lanigan made a grimace. "But even at that I'm going to keep my word and Icall on all present to back me up. "

"See here!" bawled a voice from a far corner. "Let that Hun wait! Howabout your word to us in another matter? Where's the mayor of Marion?"

"The mayor of Marion is on his way to this hall!" The soldier's face wasset into a grim expression and deep ridges lined his jaws. "I gave you allonce tonight his word to me that he'd stand up for us on Capitol Hill, whatever it is they're trying to put over. I got the hoot from you when Isaid it. You wouldn't take my word and I just told him so. Now he's comingdown here for himself! I say it. If some gent would like to hoot anotherhoot on that subject will he kindly step up here and hoot?" He doubled hisfists. 

There was no indication that anybody wanted to accept the invitation. 

"Very well, then!" proceeded Lanigan. "I'm in a soothing frame of mind, myself, and I hope you're all soothed, too. And so that we won't bewasting any time on a busy evening I'll state that the meeting is now openfor that question, Mister Weisner. Shoot!"

VI

THE MAN'S WORD OF THE MAYOR OF MARION

Commander Lanigan had constituted himself the presiding officer of theassemblage that had been gathered under no special auspices and by noformal call. It was a flocking together of those uneasy persons who hadbeen informing one another that they wanted to be shown! Mr. Lanigan'sunconventional methods in the chair were tolerated because he haddisplayed much alacrity in putting the mob in the way of securinginformation from such high authority as the mayor of Marion. ChairmanLanigan's compelling methods in pumping this time-filler kept up theinterest of the auditors. 

"I belong to der Socialist party, " stated Weisner. 

"We don't want no Boche speeches!" warned a voice. 

In his absorption in affairs, Lanigan was still hanging on to the capturedred necktie. He noted that fact and held the danger signal aloft. "I don'tapprove of this color at this time, " he remarked. "But when I have seen itwaved in times past I have known that it meant a blast going off or atrain coming on, and I have never taken foolish chances. Does theobjecting gent down there in the corner need any further instruction fromhere, or shall I come down and whisper in his ear?"

Silence assured him and again he ordered Mr. Weisner to ask his question. 

The querist ceased from showing deference to the volunteer in the chair;Weisner turned his back on Lanigan and addressed all in hearing, shakinghis fist over his head: "Who tells me dis vhat I don'd know? Does KarlTrimbach his seat haf in der State House vhere der Socialists haf electedhim?"

"If he has been elected, sure he'll have his seat, " declared Lanigan, loyally. "That's the way we do things in this country! Why shouldn't hehave his seat?"

"Den vhere--vhere is dot zertificate dot should show to Karl Trimbach dothe shall valk into der State House und sit on his seat? He don't get it. Why don'd dey send it?" Weisner bellowed his questions. He threshed hisarms wildly about him. 

"This is no time to be starting anything, Weisner! Don't stand there andbe a Dutch windmill--be an American citizen! Soothe yourself!"

Another gentleman arose. He was distinctly Hibernian. He wore an obtrusiveribbon-knot of green, white, and yellow, the colors of the flag of theIrish Republic. "Lanigan, ye may not be able to reply satisfact'rily toth' questions o' the sour-krauters, but when I ask ye whether or not theHon'rable Danyel O'Donnell, riprisent'thive-ilict, put in that high officebe th' votes o' th' Marion pathrits of a free Ireland, takes his sate, what does th' blood o' yer race say to me?"

Lanigan blinked and hesitated. He felt the sudden Celtic surging of anatural impulse to run with his kind, to swing the cudgel valiantly forthe cause, and to ask questions after the shindy was over. 

"You know th' principles o' th' Hon'rable O'Donnell, " insisted the speakerin loud tones. "Tis his intint to raise his voice in th' halls o' stateand shout ear-rly and late, 'Whativer it is ye're about, gents, it all maybe very well, but what will ye be doing for the cause o' free Ireland?'That's th' kind of a hero we're putting in th' State House en the hill. "

"Putting a pest there, ye mean!" returned Lanigan. 

"Is that the blood o' yer race speaking?"

"No, it's the common sense up here, " declared the commander, tapping hisknuckles against the side of his head. "Look, here, Mulcahy, my man!You're spouting about a subject that's too big for me to understand or youto explain. And that's why you're muddling yourself and mixing up theminds of others with your questions. I ask you no questions. I'm going totell you something--and it's so! If the kids in your family was down withthe measles, and the missus was all snarled up with the tickdoolooroo andyou wasn't feeling none too well yourself, what with a hold-over, a blackeye, and a lot o' bumps, what would you--Hold on! I say, I ask noquestions! I know the answer. If Tommy O'Rourke came howling and whoopinginto your back door and asked you to go out and shin up a tree and fetchdown his tomcat, ye'd tell Tommy to bounce along and mind his own matterstill ye'd settled your own--and if he didn't go you'd kick him out. "

"I'm discussing th' rights and wrongs of a suffering people. "

"And playing safe for yourself because the subject is so big--and puttingothers in wrong because they can't settle all the troubles of the universeoffhand to suit ye! My family is America, Mulcahy! It ought to be yours, first, last, and all the time. But we've got our own aches to mind, rightnow! And the way I'm putting it, a plain man can understand. If the tomcatdon't know enough to come down all by himself, leave him be up there tillthe doctor tells us we can be out and about. "

Weisner put his demand again and Mulcahy made the affair a vociferousduet; other men were on their feet, shouting. But a top sergeant has avoice of his own and a manner to go with the voice: Lanigan yelled thechorus into silence. 

While he was engaged in this undertaking a diversion at the door assistedhim. The crowd parted. Men shouted, pleading, "Make way for the mayor!"

Morrison came up the aisle toward the platform, Blanchard at his heels. 

There were cheers--plenty of them!

But sibilantly, steadily, ominously the derogatory hisses were threadedwith the frank clamor of welcome; hisses whose sources were concealed. 

The mayor ran up the steps of the platform and marched to Lanigan, doffingthe silk hat and extending his hand cordially. 

With his forearm the commander scrubbed off the sweat that was streamingdown into his eyes. "It's been like hauling a seventy-five into actionwith mules, Your Honor! For the love o' Mike, shoot!"

The hisses continued along with the applause when Stewart faced thethrong. 

Lanigan leaped off the platform, not bothering with the stairs. "I'm goingto wade through this grass, " he yelped. "God pity the rattlesnake Ilocate!"

A shrill voice from somewhere dared to taunt, "Pipe the dude!"

Morrison smiled. He had unbuttoned his topcoat, and his evening garb, inthat congress of the rough and ready, made him as conspicuous as a bird ofparadise in a rookery. "I seem to be double-crossed by my scenic effects, Blanchard, " he stated in an aside to the magnate, who had stepped upon theplatform because that elevation seemed safer than a position on the floor. "We must fix that! Furthermore, it's hot up here!" He pulled off histop-coat. He realized that the full display of his formal dress onlyaggravated the situation. In St. Ronan's mill he mingled with men in hisshirtsleeves. He turned and saw Nicolai Krylovensky in the chair whereLanigan had thrust him. There was no other chair on the platform. Stewarthastily laid the coat across the alien's knees. "Keep 'em out of the dirtfor me, will you, brother? I'm notional about good cloth!" He pushed hissilk hat into the man's hand and then he stripped off the claw-hammer andwhite waistcoat, piled them upon the overcoat; and whirled to face hisaudience. 

All eyes were engaged with the mayor. 

Krylovensky, unobserved, let the garments slip to the floor and droppedthe hat. 

"Now, boys, we'll get down to business together in an understanding way!What's it all about?" Stewart invited, cheerily. 

"Just a minute!" cried Lanigan, heading off all the possibilities thatwere threatening by a general powwow. "I've just been up against the bunchhere, Mister Mayor, and they're trying to turn it into acongress-of-nations debate, and it ain't nothing of the kind. And I knowyou're in a hurry, and we don't expect a speech!"

"You won't get one!" retorted the mayor, tartly. "I have dropped down heremerely in a business way to find out what's wanted of me as the executivehead of this city. "

"Your Honor, I have been preaching the notion of telling the truthto-night, and I'm going to come across with something about myself, "confessed Lanigan, manfully. "I've gone off half cocked twice to-day. I'vebeen thinking it over and I realize it. In your office I grabbed in on aword or two you said and took it for granted that you were going to liftthe whole load of the people's case up at the State House and stopanything being put over on the people, whatever it is the Big Boys areplanning. But you didn't promise me to do it. "

"I did not, Joe!"

"And I've been telling this gang that you did promise me and that I'd getyou down here to back up my word. I don't ask you to back up my lie. You're too square a proposition, Mayor Morrison!"

"After that man-talk, Joe, I've just naturally got to make a little of myown. And the boys can't help seeing that both you and I mean all right. Idid give you good reasons for jumping at conclusions as you say you did, Joe! Understand that, boys! But my head isn't swelled to the extent that Ibelieve I can settle everything. 

"Now that I'm down here I'll say this. I'll do everything I can, as mayorof Marion, to straighten things out to-night so that the people won't beleft guessing. Guessing starts gabble and gabble starts trouble! Don't doany more shouting about 'state steal, ' and don't allow others to shout. Most of us don't know what it means, anyway, and others don't care, solong as it gives 'em a chance to stir up riots and grab off something forthemselves under cover of the trouble. There are a lot of outsiders inthis country, standing ready to make just such plays! Don't let your earsbe scruffed by mischief-makers, boys. Let's have our city come throughwith a clean name! I'm going to do my part as best I can. But you've allgot to do yours--understand that!" He smacked his fist down into his palm. 

"Do you bromise me dot Karl Trimbach gets dot seat?" boomed Mr. Weisner. 

"The same question goes as to th' Hon'rable Danyel O'Donnell, " saidAdherent Mulcahy. 

"I cannot promise. "

Then sounded that voice of the unknown troublemaker, sneeringly shrill, the senseless, passion-provoking common, human fife of the mob spirit, persistently present and consistently cowardly in concealment. "Of courseyou don't promise anything to the people! Dudes stand together! Go backand dance!"

Lanigan began to claw a passage for himself. 

"Stand where you are, Joe!" commanded Stewart. "Don't flatter a fool bymaking any account of him!"

"Those kinds of fools are going to make trouble in this city before thenight is over, Your Honor!"

"That's the trouble with politics, " declared Mulcahy. "Ye can't get asquare promise in politics fr'm th' Big Boys!"

Morrison put up a monitory forefinger. 

"But you can get a square promise from me in business--and I can see thatit's time to give that promise and make it specific. That's the way abusiness contract must be drawn. Hear me, then! It's the business of thiscity to see that no man abuses its good name or its hospitality, no matterwhether he's a resident or comes here because it's the capital of thestate. And I'll see to it that the men up at the State House endunderstand that they must play fair for the good of all of us. You mustunderstand the same at this end. I'll take no sides in politics. The menwho are entitled to their seats in this legislature will have those seats. I'm only one man, boys! But one man who is perfectly honest and isdepending on the right will find the whole law of the land behind him--andwise men and good men have attended to the law. Will you take my word andlet it stand that way between us?"

A chorused yell of assent greeted him. 

"All right! It's a contract! Mind your end of it!"

He turned sharply from them and faced Krylovensky. The alien leaped up andkicked the mayor's garments to one side. 

"Say! See here, my friend!" expostulated Stewart. 

"Down with rulers!" screamed the man. "I'll be a martyr, but not ahat-rack!"

The mayor walked toward the frantic person. "I'm sorry! I wasthoughtless!"

"You and your kind think of nothing but yourselves. You try to make slavesof free citizens of the world!" Krylovensky had been buffeted and hadcontrolled himself. But the fires of his narrow fanaticism were nowwhirling in his brain; sitting there on high before the eyes of hisfellows, the men to whom he had been preaching the doctrines of sovietsovereignty--the supremacy of the people--he had just suffered what hisdistorted views held as the enormity of ignominy; he had been used as aclothes-tree for discarded garments. Used by a ruler!

When Morrison, not realizing that the man had become little short of amaniac, stooped to pick up the garments Krylovensky dove forward andstruck the mayor's face with open hand. "Now throw me to your dogs! I'lldie a martyr to my cause!" he squalled. 

The mayor snapped upright and laid restraining hands on the man who wasthreatening him with doubled fists. 

A roaring mob came milling toward the platform. 

"I'll be a martyr!" insisted the alien. 

"I can't humor you to that extent, " replied Morrison, in the tone of afather denying indulgence in the case of a wilful child. 

He got between the man and the mob. He held Krylovensky from him with onehand and put up the other protestingly, authoritatively. 

"No man that's a real man lets another man bang him in the face, " declaredLanigan with fury. 

"That's a nice point, to be argued later by us when things are quieter, Joe. Stand back!"

"I'm going to kill him even if you haven't got the grit to do it. " Laniganwas showing the bitter disappointment of a worshiper kicking among thefragments of a shattered idol. 

"I won't allow you to do that, Joe! A dead man can't answer questions. Stand back, all of you, I say!" He twisted the grip of his hand in theman's collar until Krylovensky ceased his struggles. 

"Do you work in this city?" asked the mayor. 

"He works in the Conawin, " shouted Lanigan. "And I shook him down thisevening for a gun, a knob-knocker, and a lot of red flags. "

Blanchard was backed against the big Stars and Stripes, apprehensivelyseeking refuge from the crowd massing on the platform. Morrison caught hiseye. "Seems to be one of your patriots, Blanchard! Shall I hand him overto you?"

"I never saw the renegade before. "

"I'm sorry you don't get into your mill the way I do into mine. I'd liketo know something about this gentleman who doesn't show any inclination tospeak for himself. "

"I'm not afraid to speak, " declared the captive, all cautiousness burnedout of him by the fires of his martyr zeal. "I'm an ambassador of thegrand and good Soviet Government of Russia. "

The mayor preserved his serenity. 

"Ah, I think I understand! One of the estimable gentlemen who have beencoming to us by the way of the Mexican border of late! When you picked upsuch a good command of our language, my friend, it's too bad you didn'tpick up a better understanding of our country. I haven't any time just nowto give you an idea of it, sir. I'll have a talk with you to-morrow. "

The mayor had seen Officer Rellihan at the door of the hall. As asatellite, Rellihan was constant in his attendance on his controllingluminary in public places, even though the luminary issued no specialorders to that effect; Morrison's intended visit to the hall had beenquickly advertised down-town. 

Stewart glanced about him and found Rellihan at his elbow. 

"Here's the honorable ambassador of Soviet Russia, Rellihan, " said hischief. "Take him along with you, keep harm from him on the way, and seethat he is well lodged for the night in a place where enemies can't get athim. "

"I know just the right place, Your Honor, " stated the policeman, pullinghis club from his belt and waving it to part the throng. 

Morrison broke in upon Lanigan's mumbled threats. "Mind your manners, Joe!"

"But he hit you!"

The mayor picked up his garments, one by one, inspected them, and dustedthem with his palm; then he pulled them on. The crowd gazed at him. 

"He hit you!" Lanigan insisted, bellicosely. "When a man hits me, I lickhim!"

"You're a good fighter, Joe, " agreed His Honor, running his forearm abouthis silk hat to smooth the nap. "But let me tell you something! Unless youput yourself in better shape there'll be a fellow some day that you'llwant to lick, and you won't be able to lick him, and you'll be almightysorry because you can't turn the trick. "

"Show me the feller, Mister Mayor!"

"Go look in the glass, Joe. "

"Lick myself--is that what you mean, sir?"

"Sure! If you can do it when it ought to be done, you'll have the right tofeel rather proud of yourself. "

He invited Blanchard with a side wag of his head and led the way from thehall. 

"Morrison, let me say this, " blurted the mill magnate, when they were ontheir way in the limousine. "By reason of this people-side-partner notionof yours, you have gone to work and got yourself into an infernal fix. Howdo you expect to make good that promise?"

"I suppose I did sound rather boastful, but I had to put it strong. Amealy-mouthed promise wouldn't hold them in line!"

"But that promise only encourages such muckers in the belief that theyhave a right to demand, to boss their betters, to call for accountings andconcessions. You have put the devil into 'em!"

"I hope not! Faith in a contract--that's what I tried to put into 'em. They'll wait and let me operate!"

"Operate! You're one man against the whole state government and you'redefying single-handed the political powers! You can't deliver the goods!That gang down-town will wait about so long and then 'twill be hell to payto-night!"

Morrison had found his pipe in his overcoat pocket. He was soothinghimself with a smoke on the way toward the Corson mansion. 

"But why worry so much when the night is still young?" he queried, placidly. 

VII

THE THIN CRUST OVER BOILING LAVA

Senator Corson, at the head of the receiving-line, attended strictly tothe task in hand as an urbane and assiduous host. 

Wonted by long political usage to estimate everything on the basis ofvotes for and against, he was entirely convinced, by the face of thereturns that evening, that the reception he was tendering was a grandsuccess, unanimously indorsed; he would have been immensely surprised tolearn that under his roof there was a bitterly incensed, furiouslyresentful minority that was voting "No!"

The "Yes!" was by the applausive, open, _viva voce_ vote of all those whofiled past him and shook his hand and thronged along toward the buffetthat was operated in _de luxe_ style by a metropolitan caterer's corps ofservants. 

The Senator's mansion was spacious and luxuriously appointed, and themillions from the products of his timber-land barony were lavishly behindhis hospitality. Consoled by the knowledge that Corson could well affordthe treat, his guests, after that well-understood quality in human nature, relished the hospitality more keenly. At the buffet all the plates werepiled high. In the smoking-room men took handfuls of the Senator's cigarsfrom the boxes. And the pleasantry connected with Governor LawrenceNorth's custom in campaigning was frequently heard. It was related ofNorth that he always thriftily passed his cigars by his own hand andcounseled the recipient: "Help yourself! Take all you want! Take two!"

The guests adopted the comfortable attitude that Corson had dropped downhome to Marion to pay a debt which he owed to his constituents, and theyall jumped in with alacrity to help him pay it. 

While the orchestra played and the ware of the buffet clattered, thejoyous voices of the overwhelming majority gave Senator Corson tounderstand that he was the idol of his people and the prop of the state. 

The minority kept her mouth closed and her teeth were set hard. 

The minority was racked by agony that extended from finger-tips toshoulder. 

The minority was distinctly groggy. 

This minority was compassed in the person of a single young and handsomematron who was Mrs. J. Warren Stanton in her home city Blue Book, andDoris in the family register of Father Silas Daunt, and "Dorrie" in thegood graces of Brother Coventry Daunt. 

In addition she was the close friend, the social mentor, the volunteerchaperon for Lana Corson, whose mother had become voicelessly and meeklythe mistress of the Corson mausoleum, as she had been meekly andunobtrusively the mistress of the Corson mansion. 

Miss Lana had suddenly observed warning symptoms in the case of Mrs. Stanton. 

Mrs. Stanton, according to a solicitous friend's best judgment, was nolonger assisting in the receiving-line; Mrs. Stanton needed assistance!

Therefore, sooner than the social code might have permitted in an affairof more rigorously formal character, Lana left the receiving job to herfather and the Governor and the aides, and rescued Mrs. Stanton andaccompanied the young matron to the sanctuary of a boudoir above-stairs. 

Mrs. Stanton extended to the tender touch of her maid a wilted hand, lifted by a stiffened arm, the raising of which pumped a groan from thelady. The white glove which incased the hand and arm was smutchedliberally in telltale fashion. 

"Pull it off, Hibbert! But careful! Don't pull off my fingers unless theyare very loose and beyond hope. But hurry! Let me know the worst as soonas possible. "

"I realize that the reception--" began Lana. 

"Reception!" Mrs. Stanton snapped her head around to survey her youthfulhostess. The flame on the matron's cheeks matched the fire in her tones. 

"Reception, say you? Lana Corson, don't you know the difference between areception and a political rally?"

"I'm sorry, Doris! But father simply must do this duty thing when thelegislature meets. The members expect it. It keeps up his fences, he says. It's politics!"

"I'm glad my father is a banker instead of a United States Senator. Ifthis is what a Senator has to do when he comes back to his home, I thinkhe'd better stay in Washington and send down a carload of food and stick aglove on the handle of the town pump and let his constituents operatethat! At any rate, the power wouldn't be wasted in a dry time!"

Lana surveyed her own hand. The glove was not immaculate any more, but itcovered a firm hand that was unweary. "Father has given me good advice. It's to shake the hand of the other chap, not let yours be shaken. "

"Those brutes gave me no chance!"

"I noticed that they were very enthusiastic, Doris. I'm afraid you're toohandsome!"

But that flattery did not placate Mrs. Stanton. "It's only a rout and arabble, Lana! The feminine element does not belong in it. My father dineshis gentlemen and accomplishes his objects. And I think you have becomeone of these political hypocrites! You actually looked as if you wereenjoying that performance down-stairs. "

"I was enjoying it, Doris! I was helping my father as best I could, and atthe same time I was meeting many of my old, true friends. I'm glad to behome again. " The girl was unaffectedly sincere in her statement. 

The glove was off and Mrs. Stanton was surveying her hand, wriggling thefingers tentatively. 

"And they all seemed so glad to see me that I'm a bit penitent, " Lana wenton. "I'm ashamed to own up to myself that I have allowed California andPalm Beach to coax me away from Marion these last two winters. I ought tohave come down here with father. I'm not talking like a politician now, Doris. Honestly, I'm stanch for old friends!"

"I trust you don't think I'm an ingrate in the case of my own old friends, Lana!" Mrs. Stanton, unappeased, was willing to take issue right then withanybody, on that topic. "But the main trouble with old friends is, theytake too many liberties. Your old friends certainly did take libertieswith my poor hand, and they took liberties with your own private businessin my hearing. "

"How--in what way?"

"I overheard persons say distinctly, over and over again, that one featureof this--no, I'll not muddle my own ideas of society functions by callingit a reception--they declared that your father proposes to announceto-night in his home town your engagement to Coventry. "

The question that she did not put into words she put into the searching, quizzical stare she gave Lana. 

"Ah!" remarked Miss Corson, revealing nothing either by tone orcountenance. 

"It looks to me as if you've been receiving other lessons from yourfather, outside of the hand-shaking art. You are about as non-committal asthe best of our politicians, Lana dear!"

For reply the Senator's daughter smiled. The smile was so ingenuous thatit ought to have disarmed the young matron of her petulance. 

But Mrs. Stanton went on with the sharp insistence of one who haddiscovered an opportunity and proposed to make the most of it. "Seeingthat the matter has come up in this way--quite by chance--" Mrs. Stantondid not even blink when she said it--"though I never would have presumedto speak of it to you, Lana, without good and sufficient provocation--Ithink that you and Coventry should have confided in me, first of all. Ofcourse, I know well enough how matters stand! I really believe I do! But Ithink I'm entitled to know, officially, to put it that way, as much asyour highly esteemed old friends here in Marion know. "

"Yes, " agreed Miss Corson. 

"But _first_, Lana dear! To know it first--as a sister should! I'm notblaming you! I realize that you met some of those aforesaid old, truefriends while you were out around the city to-day. One does dropconfidences almost without realizing how far one goes, when old friendsare met. I'm sure such reports as I overheard couldn't be made up out ofwhole cloth. "

Mrs. Stanton's air and tone were certainly provoking, but Miss Corson'scomposure was not ruffled. "Out of the knowledge that you profess inregard to old friends, Doris, you must realize that they are energetic andliberal guessers. " She turned toward the door. 

"Where are you going?"

"To my room for a fresh pair of gloves, dear. "

"Do you mean to tell me that you're going back for another turn amongthose jiu-jitsu experts?"

"We're to have dancing later. "

"For myself, I'd as soon dance with performing bears. I must be excused. I'll do anything in reason, but I have reached my limit!"

Lana walked back to her, both hands extended. "You have been a dear martyrto the cause of politics. But now you are going to be the queen of ourlittle festival. Listen, Doris! All the political buzzing bees will bethinning out, right soon. Those elderly gentlemen from the country whoshook hands with a good Grange grip--they'll be wanting to get plenty ofsleep so as to be wide awake to-morrow to hear the Governor's inauguraladdress. The other vigorous gentlemen who are so deeply in politics willbe hurrying back to their hotels for their caucuses, or whatever it isthey have to attend to in times like these. And the younger folks, whohave no politics on their minds, will stay and enjoy themselves. There aresome really dear folks in Marion!"

"I thank you for the information, " returned Mrs. Stanton, dryly. "It'simportant if true. But there's other information that's more important inmy estimation just now and you don't allow me the opportunity to thank youfor it. "

"I have been thinking, Doris! I really don't feel in the mood, when allthose friends are under my roof, to stand here and brand them asprevaricators. Mayn't we let the matter stand till later?"

"Until after it has been officially announced?" queried Mrs. Stanton, sarcastically. 

"I'm afraid that father's lessons have trained me better in politicalmethods than I have realized, " said Lana, meekly apologetic. "Because, right now, I'm obliged to run the risk of offending you, Doris, by quotinghim and making his usual statement my rule of conduct. "

"Well?"

"'Nothing can be officially declared until all the returns are in. '"

"What am I to understand from that?"

"It isn't so awfully clear, I know! But let's not talk any more about it. "

Lana had dropped her friend's hands. She took them again in her grasp andswung Mrs. Stanton's arms to and fro in girlish and frolicsome fashion. "Now go ahead and be your own jolly Doris Stanton! You're going to meetfolks who'll understand you and appreciate all your wit. One especiallyI'll name. I don't know why he's so late in coming, for he had a specialinvitation from my own mouth. He's the mayor of Marion!"

"What?" demanded Mrs. Stanton, irefully, pulling away from the girl whowas trying to coax back good nature. "Picking out another politician formy special consideration, after what I have been through?"

"Oh, he's not a politician, Doris dear! Father says he isn't one; he saysso himself and his party newspaper here in the city says regularly that heisn't, in a complimentary way, and the opposition paper says so in asneering way--and I suppose that makes the thing unanimous. He is one ofmy oldest friends; he was my hero when I was a little girl in school; heis tall and big and handsome and--"

Mrs. Stanton narrowed her eyes. 

She broke in impatiently on the panegyric. "I'm so thoroughly disgustedwith the ways of politics, Lana, that I draw the line at a speech ofnomination. You said you'd name him! Who is he?"

"Stewart Morrison. "

"I thought so!" Mrs. Stanton's tone was vastly significant. 

Lana flushed. The composure that she had been maintaining was losing itsserenity and her friend noted that fact and became more irritable. 

"My dear Lana, I gathered so much enlightenment from the twittering ofthose old friends of yours down-stairs that you'll not be obliged, Ithink, to break your most excellent rule of reticence in order to humor myimpertinent curiosity in this instance!"

"Don't be sarcastic with me, Doris! I don't find it as funny as whenyou're caustic with other folks. "

"There does seem to be a prevailing lack of humor in the affairs of thisevening, " acknowledged Mrs. Stanton. "We'll drop the subject, dear!"

"I don't like you to feel that I'm putting you to one side as my dearestfriend--not in anything. "

"If you haven't felt like being candid with me in a matter where I'dnaturally be vitally interested, I can hardly expect you to pour out yourheart about a dead-and-gone love-affair with a rustic up in these parts. Iunderstood from the chatter of your old friends that it _is_ dead andgone. I can congratulate you on that proof of your newer wisdom, Lana. Itshows that my counsels haven't been entirely wasted on you. "

"It was dead and gone before you began to counsel me, Doris. It's not amatter of withholding confidence from you. Why should I talk about suchthings to anybody?"

"Oh, a discreet display of scalp-locks decorates a boudoir and interestsone's friends, " vouchsafed the worldly matron. 

"Such confidences are atrocious!" Miss Corson displayed spirit. 

"Now both of us are getting peppery, dear Lana, and I always reserve thatprivilege exclusively for myself in all my friendly relations. I have tokeep a sharp edge on my tongue because folks expect me to perform thesocial taxidermy in my set, and it's only brutal and messy if done with adull tool. Run and get your gloves! But take your own time in returning tome. There are still two of my fingers that need a further period ofconvalescence. "

Mrs. Stanton promptly neglected her duties as a finger nurse the momentMiss Corson was out of the room. "Hibbert, ask one of the servants to findmy brother and tell him I want to see him here. He will undoubtedly belocated in some group where there is a rural gentleman displaying thelargest banner of beard. My brother has an insatiable mania for layingbets with sporting young men that he can fondle any set of luxuriantwhiskers without giving the wearer cause for offense. "

Coventry answered his sister's call with promptitude. 

"I'll keep you only a moment from your whisker-parterres, Cov! When you goback into that downstairs garden please give some of those beards a goodhard yank for my sake. "

But young Mr. Daunt was serious and rebuked her. "This isn't any larkwe're on up here, Dorrie! Dad needs to have everybody's good will and I'mdoing my little best on the side-lines for him. And he isn't tickled topieces by your quitting. It's a big project we're gunning through thislegislature!"

"It may be so! It probably is! But I'm not sacrificing four fingers, athumb, and a perfectly good arm for the cause and I'm not allowing publicaffairs to take my mind wholly off private matters. So here's at it! Areyou and Lana formally engaged?"

"Well, I must say you're not abrupt or anything of the sort!"

"Certain semi-coaxing methods haven't seemed to succeed, and therefore I'mshooting the well, as our oil friend Whitaker puts it!"

"Simply for the sake of keeping our affectionate brother-and-sisterrelations on the safe and approved plane, I'll say it's none of yourblamed business, " declared Coventry. "On the other hand, in a purelytolerant and friendly way, I'll say that Lana and I are proceedingagreeably, I think, and dad told me the other day that the Senator talkedas if the matrimonial bill might receive favorable consideration when dulyreported from committee--meaning Lana and myself and--"

"Gas!" broke in Mrs. Stanton. "I shot and I get only gas! I'm looking foroil! Is there an actual and formal engagement, I ask?"

"Oh, say!" expostulated her brother, registering disgust. "The motionpictures have spoiled that sort of thing. They have to propose bangoutright in the films because the fans can't be bothered by the nuances ofcourtship. But for a chap to get down on his knees these days in real lifewould make the girl laugh as loud as the fans would whoop if the hero inreel life stood on his head and popped the question. Nothing of that kindof formal stuff in my case, sis! Of course not!"

"There better be! You go ahead this very night and attend to it!"

"Where do you get your appointment as general manager of the matter, Dorrie? You certainly don't get it from me!"

"Leaving it to be inferred--"

"I leave nothing to be inferred, " declared her brother, righteouslyindignant. "Dorrie, you absolutely must get off that habit of carving yourown kin in order to keep up the edge of your tongue. I wouldn't as much asintimate it, by denying it, that you get your meddling commission fromLana. If this is all you wanted to talk about, I'll have to be going. Thisis my busy evening!"

"Just one moment! It's always the busiest man who has time to attend toone thing more! I'm assuming that you love Lana. "

"Conceded! You always did have a good eye in that line, Dorrie!"

"Then my advice, as an expert, ought to be respected. You go ahead and geta promise from Lana Corson. Then you'll have somebody working for yourinterests day and night. "

"Who?"

"Her New England conscience!"

Young Mr. Daunt gave his sister a long, searching, and sophisticatedstare. "I think I have a little the advantage of you, Dorrie. I met to-daythis Mr. Stewart Morrison you're speaking of!"

"I haven't spoken of him! I haven't mentioned his name!"

"Oh, didn't you?" purred the brother. "Then I must have anticipated whatyou were going to say, or else I read your mind for the name--and thatonly shows that the Daunt family's members are thoroughly _en rapport_, touse dad's favorite phrase when he's showing the strawberry mark on ideasand making the other fellow adopt 'em as his own children. And I haveheard how Lana and Morrison have been twice engaged and twice estranged. So, how about her New England conscience in the matter of a promise inlove?"

"As I understand it, the New England conscience grows up with thepossessor and comes of age and asserts itself. You can't expect an infantor juvenile conscience to boss and control like a grown-up conscience. Coventry, what kind of a man is Morrison?"

"A big, opinionated ramrod of a Scotchman who'd drive any girl to breakher engagement a dozen times if she had promised as often as that. "

Mrs. Stanton relaxed in her chair and sighed with relief. "Oh, from whatshe said about him--But no matter! I think you do know men very well, Cov!I'll do no more worrying where he's concerned. Forgive me for advising youso emphatically. "

"He'd boss any girl into breaking her engagement, " continued Coventry, with conviction. "Any dreaming, wondering, restless girl, curious to findout for herself and afraid of restraint. "

"I know the type. Impossible as husbands, " averred Mrs. Stanton, a causticand unwearying counselor of sex independence. 

"But there are some girls who grow up into real women, though you probablyhave hard work to believe that, " said her brother, equally caustic instating his opinions, "and they are waiting for the right man to comealong and take sole possession of them, body and soul and affairs--whenthey are women! Then it isn't bossing any more! It's love, glorified!Letting 'em have their own way would seem like neglect and indifference, and their hearts would be broken. They eat it up, sis, eat it up, thatkind of love!"

His sister leaped from her chair. "How anybody with an ounce of brains cantake stock in this caveman nonsense is more than I can understand!"

"It has nothing to do with brains, sis! It's in here!" He tapped hisfinger on his breast. "It was put in when the first heart startedbeating. "

"But you listen to reason! No woman wants a--"

He put his hand up and broke in on her furious remonstrance. "If I listento reason, sis, you'll have me against the ropes in thirty seconds. Iadmit that there's no reason why a woman should want it that way! Brainscan argue us right out of the notion. I won't argue. But I don't want youto think I'm keeping anything away from you that a sister ought to know. As my sister and as Lana's good friend, I'm sure you'll be glad to knowthat I love her with all my heart and I hope I haven't misunderstood herfeelings in regard to me. I don't want to be too complacent, but I thinkshe's still girl enough to welcome my kind of love and to take me for whatI am. "

He and his sister were thoroughly absorbed in their dialogue. Havingsummed up the situation in his final declaration, he turned hastily toleave the room and was assured, to his dismay, that Miss Corson had heardthe declaration; she was at the threshold, her lips apart; she was plainlybalancing a desire to flee against a more heroic determination to step inand ignore the situation and the words which had accompanied it. 

Young Mr. Daunt manfully did his best to get that situation out of thechancery of embarrassing silence. 

"Lana, the three of us are too good friends to allow this foozle to makeus feel altogether silly. Despite present appearances I don't go aroundmaking speeches on a certain subject. Nor will I lay it all on Dorrie bysaying, 'The woman tempted me and I fell. '"

"Yes, we may as well be sensible, " affirmed Mrs. Stanton. In spite of hermomentary embarrassment her countenance was displaying bland satisfaction. This was an occasion to be grasped. "I'll say right out frankly that Iconsider I'm one too many in this room just now!"

Lana retreated across the threshold. She was distinctly frightened. 

Young Mr. Daunt laughed and his merriment helped to relieve the situationstill more. "Oh, I say, Lana! This isn't a trap set by the Daunts. Youcome right in! I'm leaving!"

"I didn't mean to overhear, " the girl faltered. 

"You and I have nothing to apologize for--either of us! I take nothingback, but this is no kind of a time to go forward. I'd be taking advantageof your confusion. "

"Well, of all the mincing minuets!" blurted the young matron. "One wordwill settle it all. I tell you, I'm going!"

But Daunt rushed to the door, seized Lana's hands, and swung her into theroom. "This is a political night, and we'll go by the rules. The gentlemanhas introduced the bill and on motion of the lady it has been tabled. Butit will be taken from the table on a due and proper date and assigned atthe head of the calendar. I think that's the way the Senator would stateit. It ought to be good procedure. " He released her hands. 

"And speaking of the calendar, Lana, may I have a peep at yourdance-list?"

She gave him the engraved card. 

"All the waltzes for me, eh?" he queried, wistfully. "I note that you'refree. "

"One, please, Coventry--for now! No, please select some of the new dances. You know them all! Some of my Marion friends are old-fashioned and I musthumor them with the waltzes. " Her hands were trembling. She laughednervously. "I feel free to task your good nature. "

"Thank you, " he returned, gratefully, accepting the implied compliment shepaid him. He dabbed on his initials here and there and hurried away. 

Mrs. Stanton had plenty of impetuous zeal for all her quests, but she hadalso abundance of worldly tact. "One does get so tremendously interestedin friends and family, Lana! Affection makes nuisances of us so often! Butno more about it! I feel quite happy now. I'm even so kindly disposedtoward politics that I'm ready to go down and dance for the cause, whatever it is your father and mine are going after. These men inpolitics--they always seem to me to be like small boys building cardhouses. Piling up and puffing down! Putting in little tin men and pullingout little tin men. And to judge by the everlasting faultfinding, nobodyis ever satisfied by what is accomplished. "

Miss Corson plainly welcomed this consoling shift from an embarrassingtopic. And, in order to get as far from love as possible, she turned tobusiness. When she and her friend descended the broad stairway of themansion Lana was discoursing on the need of coaxing men of big commercialaffairs into politics. Her views were rather immature and her fervor was abit hysterical, but the subject was plainly more to her taste than that onwhich Mrs. Stanton had been dwelling. 

The crowd below them, as they stood for a moment on the landing, half-waydown the stairs, gave comforting evidence that it had thinned, accordingto Lana's prophecy. The receiving-line was broken. Senator Corson wassauntering here and there, saying a word to this one or that in moreintimate manner than his formal post in the line permitted. GovernorNorth, also released from conventional restrictions as a hand-shaker, wason his rounds and wagged his coattails and barked and growledemphatically. 

The word "Law, " oft repeated, fitted itself to his growls; when he barkedhe ejaculated, "Election statutes!"

"It's a pity your state is wasting such excellent material on the mere jobof Governor, Lana. What a perfectly wonderful warden he would make foryour state prison, " suggested Mrs. Stanton, sweetly. But she did notprovoke a reply from the girl and noted that Lana was frankly interestedin somebody else than the Governor. It was a new arrival; his busyexchange of greetings revealed that fact. 

"Ah! Your dilatory mayor of Marion!" said the matron, needing noidentification. 

Nor did Stewart require any word to indicate the whereabouts of thehostess of the Corson mansion. His eyes had been searching eagerly. Assoon as he saw Lana he broke away from the group of men who were engaginghim. The Governor accosted Morrison sharply, when the mayor hurried paston the way to the stairway. But again, within a few hours, Stewartslighted the chief executive of the state. 

"I am late, I fear, " he called to Lana, leaping up the stairs. "And aftermy solemn promise to come early! But you excused me this morning when Iwas obliged to attend to petty affairs. Same excuse this time! Do Ireceive the same pardon?"

The girl displayed greater ease in his presence at this second meeting. She received him placidly. There were no more of those disconcerting andhigh-flown forensics in her greeting. There was the winning candor of oldfriendship in her smile and he flushed boyishly in his frank delight. Shepresented him to Mrs. Stanton and that lady's modish coolness did notdampen his spirits, which had become plainly exuberant. In fact, he paidvery little attention to Mrs. Stanton. 

"It has got to you, Lana--this coming home again, hasn't it?" he demanded, with an unconventionality of tone and phraseology that caused themetropolitan matron to express her startled emotions by a blink. "I knewit would!"

"I am glad to be home, Stewart. But I have been tiring Mrs. Stanton by myenthusiasm on that subject, " was her suggestive move toward another topic. "You're in time for the dancing. That's the important feature of theevening. "

"Certainly!" he agreed. "May I be pardoned, Mrs. Stanton, for consultingmy hostess's card first?"

He secured Lana's program without waiting for the matron's indifferentpermission. 

"A waltz--two waltzes, anyway!" he declared. "They settle arrearages inyour accounts, Lana, for the two winters you have been away. And why notanother?" He was scribbling with the pencil. "It will settle the currentbill. "

"It is a business age, " murmured Mrs. Stanton, "and collections cannot belooked after too sharply. "

"Will you not permit me to go in debt to you, madam?" he asked. "I'll betruly obligated if you'll allow me to put my name on your card. "

"As a banker's daughter, I'll say that the references that have beensubmitted by Miss Corson in regard to your standing are excellent, " saidMrs. Stanton, with a significance meant for Lana's confusion. But whileshe was detaching the tassel from her girdle Governor North interrupted. He was standing on the stairs, just below the little group. 

"Excuse me for breaking in on the party, but I'm due at the State House. I'll bother you only a second, Morrison. Then you won't have a thing to doexcept be nice to the ladies. "

"I know I'll be excused by them for a few moments, Governor. " He startedto descend. His Excellency put up his hand. 

"We can attend to it right here, Mister Mayor!"

"But I have a word or two--"

"That's all I have!" was the blunt retort. "And I'm in a hurry. Have yougot 'em smoothed down, according to our understanding?"

"I have, I think! But whether they'll stay smooth depends on you, GovernorNorth!"

"And I can be depended on! I told you so at the office. " He turned away. 

"I think I ought to have a few words with you in private, however, "Morrison insisted. "That general understanding is all right. But I need toknow something specific. "

The Governor was well down the stairs; he trudged energetically, hiscoattails wagging in wide arcs. It was not premeditated insolence; it wasthe usual manner of Lawrence North when he did not desire an interviewprolonged to an extent that might commit him. "I'll be at the State Housein case there's any need of my attention to something specific. I'llattend to it over the telephone--over the telephone, understand!"

The diversion on the stairs had attracted a considerable audience andproduced a result that interfered further with Stewart's immediate socialplans. 

Senator Gorson came across the reception-hall, beckoning amiably, and thethree descended obediently. 

"Stewart, before you get too deep into the festivities with the girls, Iwant you to have a bit of a chat with Mr. Daunt. We arranged it, youknow. "

"But Stewart isn't up here to attend to business, father, " protested thedaughter, with a warmth that the subject of the controversy welcomed witha smile of gratitude. 

"There is an urgent reason why Mr. Daunt should have a few words withStewart to-night--before the legislature assembles. " The Senator assumedan air of mock autocratic dignity. "I command the obedience of mydaughter!" He saw the banker approaching. "I call on you, sir, to put downrebellion in your own family! These daughters of ours propose to spiritaway this young gentleman. "

"I'll keep you from the merrymaking only a few moments, Mayor Morrison, "apologized Daunt. "But I feel that it is quite essential for us to gettogether on that matter we mentioned in the forenoon. I'm sure that only afew words will put us thoroughly _en rapport_. "

Mrs. Stanton lifted her eyebrows. "That phrase means that father will dothe talking, Mister Mayor. I recommend that you go along with him. Youwon't have to do a thing except listen. You can come later and dance withus with all your energy unimpaired. "

"Yes!" urged Lana. "The waltzes will be waiting!"

"Use my den, Daunt! If I can get away from my gang, here, I'll run in onyou, " stated the Senator. He smacked his palm on Stewart's shoulder. "Iknow you always put business ahead of pleasure, though it may be hard todo it in this case, my boy! But after you and my friend Daunt get mattersall tied up snug you won't have a thing to do for the rest of the nightbut enjoy yourself and be nice to the girls--not another thing, Stewart. "

VIII

A ROD IN PICKLE

With great promptitude Attorney Despeaux fastened upon Blanchard, of theConawin, the moment the latter left the company of Mayor Morrison on thearrival of the twain at the Corson mansion; and Mr. Blanchard seemedalertly willing to break off his companionship with the passenger he hadbrought in his limousine. 

"What's that bull-headed fool been stirring up down-town?" demandedDespeaux when he had Blanchard safely to himself in a corner. 

"Have you heard something about it?"

"I was called on the 'phone a few minutes ago. "

"Who called you?"

"No matter! But hold on, Blanchard! I may as well tell you that I'm usinga part of our fund to have Morrison shadowed. I suppose the reason youwent along was to get a line on him. But it was imprudent. It looked likelending your countenance. "

Blanchard explained sullenly why he did accompany Morrison to the meeting. 

"Well, I'm glad you were there and heard him inflaming the mob, " admittedthe syndicate's lobbyist and lawyer. "I want to have Senator Corson fullyinformed on the point and it will come better from you than from a paiddetective. Give it to Corson, and give it to him strong!"

"I don't know that I can justly say that he was inflaming the mob, "demurred Blanchard. 

"But you've got to say it! You must make it appear that way! Blanchard, ithas come to a clinch and we must smash Morrison's credit in everydirection. I didn't realize till to-day that he is out to blow up thewhole works. Didn't he preach to you on the text of that infernalpeople-partner notion of his?"

"Yes! He's crazy!"

"The people own the moon, if you want to put it that way! But they can'tdo anything sensible with it, any more than they can with ownership of thestate's water-power. "

The Conawin magnate exhibited bewilderment. "Despeaux, I'm a business man. I suppose you lawyers go to work in a different way than we do inbusiness. But as I have read the propaganda you're putting out--as Iunderstand it--_you_ are shouting for the people's rights, too!"

"I am! Strongly! Right out open! I even preached on people's rights toMorrison this very day--and looked him right in that canny Scotch eye ofhis while I preached. I like to keep in good practice!"

"Then why is Morrison so dangerous, if he's only doing what you do?"inquired the business man, with an artlessness that the attorney greetedwith an oath. 

"Because the infernal ramrod means what he says, Blanchard!"

"But if you don't mean it--if you have put yourself on record--and ifyou're obliged to step up and honor the draft you've sanctioned--what'sgoing to happen in the showdown?"

Attorney Despeaux moderated his mordancy and became tolerantly patient inenlightening the ignorance of one of his employers. "The people are hungryfor some kind of fodder in this water-power proposition. I've been tellingall you power-owners so! We'll have to admit it, Blanchard! The time isplayed out when you can drive the people in this country. You've got to bea nice, kind shepherd and get their confidence and lead 'em. I'm ashepherd! See?" He patted himself on the breast. "There are two cribs!"

"You'll have to name 'em to me, Despeaux. I'm apt to be pretty dulloutside of matters in my own line. "

"I guess I'd do better to designate the chaps who are managing the cribs. "The two men were in a window embrasure. Despeaux pointed to one side ofthe niche. "Over there, behold Morrison and his 'storage and power' crowd, made up of pig-headed engineers and scientific experts who are thinkingonly of how much power can be developed for the people as proprietors;over here, the public utilities commission made up of safe men, judiciously appointed, tractable in politics, consistently on the side ofvested interests and right on the job to see to it that the state keepsits contracts with capital. I propose to be something of a shepherd andlead the people to the public utilities crib! And I'm going to show folksthat they'll be eating poison-ivy out of the Morrison crib--even if I haveto put the poison-ivy in there myself. This is no time to be squeamish, Blanchard! You've got to do your part in nailing a disturber like Morrisonto the cross. Speak like a business man and say that he is dangerous ingood business. We've got a Governor who is safe; we've got to have alegislature that will see to it that the committees are all right. Andthat's why we're standing no monkey business from any mob up on CapitolHill to-night! Down at that hall, so my man told me, Morrison talked as ifhe's going to take hold and run the state! Didn't he?"

"Well, one might draw some such conclusions, I suppose, by stretching hiswords!"

"Blanchard, you must stretch words when you talk to Senator Corson and toall others who need to be stirred up and can help us. If that wildScotchman butts into this plan he's inviting trouble, and we've got to seethat he gets it. He's got to be choked now or never! Don't have any mercy!Just look at it this way! Talk it this way! He's turning on his own, if hedoes what he threatens! He played the sneak, he, a mill-owner, getting onto that commission! And he proposes to shove in a report that will smotherdevelopment by outside capital. Play up the reason for his interest in thething along that line! A hog for himself! It's easy to turn publicsentiment by the right kind of talk! If I really start out to go the limitI can have him tarred and feathered as a chief conspirator, rigging ascheme to have our big industries knocked in the head. "

Despeaux spoke low, but his tone conveyed the malice and the menace of aman who had been nursing a grudge for a long time. "Two years ago hisnewspaper letters and his rant killed that Consolidated project, and I hada contingent fee of fifty thousand dollars at stake; as it was, I got onlya little old regular lobby fee and my expense money. And the power hasn'tbeen developed by the infernal, dear, protected people, has it?" hesneered. "If the Consolidated folks had been let alone and given theirfranchise, we'd now be marketing over our high-tension wires two millionsof horse-power in big centers two or three hundred miles from this state. "

"Well, I'm not so awfully strong, myself, for making a mere power stationof our own state, and letting outsiders ship our juice over the border. "

"But you ought to be devilish strong against a man who is proposing tohave the state break existing contracts, take back power rights andfranchises and make you simply a lessee of what you already own! You'vegot yours! Give the outsiders a show! It's all snarled up together, Blanchard, and you've got to kill him and his crowd and their whole mushy, socialistic scheme and eliminate him from the proposition. Then we can goahead and do something sensible in this state!" affirmed Mr. Despeaux, with the lustful ardor of one who foresaw the possibility of eliminating, also, the hateful word "contingent" in the case of fees. 

But Business-man Blanchard was displaying symptoms of worriment. 

The lawyer viewed with concern this evidence of backsliding, but hisattention was suddenly diverted from his companion; then Despeaux nudgedBlanchard and directed the latter's gaze by a thumb jerk. 

They saw Morrison hurry up the stairs to greet Lana Corson when sheappeared with her house guest. The attorney seemed to be vastly interestedin the scene. 

"I don't mean to scare you, " went on Despeaux, his manner milder. "I'm notplanning to commit murder or steal a state! It's Morrison right now! He'sthe one we're after! This whole thing may be taken care of in anotherway--so easily that it may make us smile. I've been keeping my eyes open, Blanchard--ears, too! Did you see Morrison rush to the Senator's daughter?A fellow can work himself into a terrible state of worry over the dear, unprotected people, when he has nothing else better to take up his mind. But after a Scotchman goes crazy over a girl--well, when the whole of 'emhold Poet Bobby Burns up as the type of their race, they know what they'retalking about!"

"I can hardly conceive of Morrison being a poet or relishing poetry or theways of a poet, " returned Blanchard, dryly. 

"And he probably has never read a line of it in his whole life, " agreedDespeaux. "But that isn't the point! You may think I've gone off on aqueer tack, all of a sudden, but I know human nature! That girl is backhere with a slick young fellow, and he's the pepper in a certain mess ofScotch broth that has been heated up all over again, if I'm any guesser. That girl has been living in Washington, Blanchard. It's a great school!I've been watching her shake hands. You saw her just now when she shookwith our friend, the mayor. That girl isn't down here on this trip simplyto see whether the care-takers have been looking after the Corson mansionin good shape, " opined the cynical Mr. Despeaux, having excellent personalreasons to distrust everybody else in the matter of motives. 

"That sort of a trick is beneath Senator Corson and his daughter. "

"Well, " drawled the lawyer, "that all depends how closely he and SilasDaunt are tied up in a common interest in this water-power question andother matters. I suspect everybody in this world. I go on that principle. It eases my mind about slipping something over on the other fellow when Iget the chance. I'm talking out pretty frankly, Blanchard, to a man whohas his money in the syndicate pool, as you have! But I play square withthe crowd I take money from, so long's I'm with 'em. The fee makes meyours to command, heart and soul! There's something--some one thing--thatcan control every man, according to his tastes. Stewart Morrison can becontrolled right now by that black-eyed Corson girl more effectually thanhe can by any other person or consideration on God's earth. I've known himever since he was a boy--I have watched the thing between 'em--and nowthat she's back here where he can see her, be near her, and be worried bythe sight of another fellow trailing her, he'll be doing more thinkingabout her than he will about the partner-people, as he calls that dream ofhis about something that isn't so! I wish I could know just how sly theSenator is! I wish I could get a line on what's underneath that girl'scurly topknot, " he said, fervently. 

Apparently absorbed by that speculation, Lawyer Despeaux again gave closeattention to the tableau on the landing presented by Lana, Mrs. Stanton, and Morrison. 

When Governor North marched up the stairs, said his vociferous say, andmarched down again Despeaux grunted his satisfaction. "That's the talk, old boy! Show him where he gets off!"

The manner in which Senator Corson handed Morrison over to Silas Dauntelicited further commendation from the lawyer. "He's being pulled intocamp smoothly and scientifically, Blanchard! The Senator is on to his job, but did you see Morrison's mug when he had to leave the girl?"

"I'll admit that it's the first time I ever saw him make up a face when hewas called on to tend to business!"

"The Senator is a wise old bird! He knows human nature down to the ground. He's got the right kind of a daughter to help him, and he's making heruseful. It's a case of shutting Morrison's mouth, and Corson is hep to theright play. I don't think the Senator needs any advice from us, but alittle of the proper kind of information about Morrison's latestdemfoolishness will make Corson understand that he needs to put some hotpep as well as sugar into his politeness. We'll get to him as soon as wecan. Make it strong, Blanchard, make it strong!"

As soon as opportunity offered, Blanchard did make it strong. He washarboring a pretty large-sized grudge of his own in the case of Morrison, and it was easy to put malice into the report he gave the Senator. 

"But hold on!" protested Corson. "You're making Stewart out to be aradical as red as any of them!"

"I can't help that, Senator, " retorted the millman. "He dragged me down tohis cursed meeting over my protest and he made a speech that put himselfin hand in glove with 'em. "

Corson pursed his lips and displayed the concern of a friend who had heardbad news regarding a favorite. "I always found the boy a bit inclined tomix high-flown notions in with the business practicality of his family. But I didn't realize that he was going so far wrong in his theories. That's the danger in permitting even one unsound doctrine to get into alevel-headed chap's apple-basket, gentlemen! First thing you know, it hasaffected all the fruit. I'm glad you told me. I'm not surprised that yourarguments have had no effect, Despeaux. He's naturally headstrong. Do youknow, these fellows with poetic, chivalrous natures are hard boys to bringto reason in certain practical matters?"

"I was just telling Despeaux that I never saw much poetry sentiment inStewart Morrison, " affirmed the millman. 

Senator Corson's condescending smile assured Mr. Blanchard that he was allwrong. "He was much in our family as a boy. Very sentimental if approachedfrom the right angle! Very! And I think this is a matter to be handledwholly by Stewart's closest friends. Sentiment has led him off on a wrongslant. He'll only fight harder if he's tackled by a man like you, Despeaux. That's the style of him. But in his case sentiment can be guidedby sentiment. And all for his best good! He mustn't run wild in thisfolly! I believe there's no one who can approach him with more tact thanmy daughter Lana. " Despeaux found an opportunity to dig his thumbsuggestively into Blanchard's side. "They have been extremely goodfriends, I believe, in boy-and-girl fashion; between us three oldtownsmen, I'll go as far as to say they were very much interested in eachother. But in the case of both of 'em their horizons are naturally widerthese days; however, first-love affairs, even if rather silly, are oftenthe basis for really sensible and enduring friendships. And friendshipmust handle this thing. We'll leave it to Lana. I'll speak to her. "

He went on his way toward the ballroom, pausing to chat with this or thatgroup of constituents. 

"There!" exclaimed the lawyer, relieving his high pressure by a vigorousexhalation of breath. "What did I tell you?"

"It's mighty kind and sensible of the Senator! Morrison is making a bigmistake and the way to handle him is by friendship. "

"Friendship hell!"

"Say, look here, Despeaux, I don't believe in spoiling my teeth by bitingevery coin that's handed to me in this world. "

"Are you as devilish green as you pretend to be, Blanchard? If you hadever hung around in Washington as I have, you'd have wisdom teeth growingso fast that they'd keep your jaws propped open like a country yap'sunless you kept 'em filed by biting all the coin of con! Now I know what'sin the Senator's dome and what's under his girl's topknot! But let's notargue about that. Let's take a look at the probabilities in regard to thewater-power matter--that's of more importance just now. I doubt that evenfriendship"--he dwelt satirically on the word--"can shut Morrison up onthe storage report that he will shove into the legislature. But we'regoing to have safe committees this year, thanks to the election laws andguns, and that report will be pocketed. Then if Morrison keeps still aboutmaking the dear people millionaires by having 'em peddle their puddles tothe highest bidders, capital can go ahead and do business in this state. Ithink his mouth is going to be effectively shut! The right operators areon the job!"

Despeaux took a peep at his watch. 

"Time slipped by while we were waiting to get at Corson. Daunt has hadhalf an hour for laying down the law to Morrison. And Daunt can do a wholelot of business in half an hour. "

"He'll only stir up Morrison's infernal scrapping spirit by laying downthe law, " objected Blanchard, sourly. 

Despeaux took both of the millman's coat lapels in his clutch. "He'll laydown in front of Morrison the prospect of the profits to be made by thedeal that is proposed. And if you had ever heard Silas Daunt talk profitsas a promoter you would reckon just as I'm reckoning, Blanchard--to seeour Scotch friend come out of that conference walking like the man whobroke the bank at Monte Carlo, instead of bobbing around astraddle of thatdamnation hobby-goat of his! Daunt can talk money in the same tone that aHoly Roller revivalist talks religion, Blanchard! And he makes converts, he sure does!"

A moment later the mayor of Marion strode across the reception-hall. 

Lawyer Despeaux, giving critical attention, was not ready to affirm thatMorrison's gait was that of a man who had broken a bank. But the manner inwhich he marched, shoulders back and chin up, and the dabs of color on hischeeks, would have suggested to a particularly observant person that themayor had broken something. He pushed past those who addressed him andwent on toward the ballroom, staring straight ahead; the music was pulsingin the ballroom; he seemed to be thoroughly entranced by the strains; atany rate, he was attending strictly to the business of going somewhere! Hepassed Senator Corson, who was returning to the reception-hall; the mayorgave his host only a nod. 

While the Senator stood and gazed at the precipitate young man, BankerDaunt, following on Morrison's trail, arrived in front of Corson. 

Lawyer Despeaux stepped from the window embrasure to get a good view andwas not at all reassured by Daunt's looks. The banker displayed none ofthe symptoms of a victor. There was more of choler than complacency in hisair. He hooked his arm inside the Senator's elbow and they went awaytogether. 

"Blanchard, " said the lawyer, after a period of pondering, "that infernalScotch idiot says that he isn't interested in politics and now he seems tohave put promoting in the same class. Our hope is that he's interested insomething else. Suppose we stroll along and see just how much interestedhe is. "

By the time they reached the ballroom Morrison was waltzing with Lana. 

He was distinctly another person from that tense, saturnine, defiant, brusk person who strode through the reception-hall. He was radiantly andboyishly happy. He was clasping the girl tenderly. He directed her stepsin a small circle outside the throng of dancers, and waltzed as slowly asthe tempo would allow. He was talking earnestly. 

"Look at him! There you have it!" whispered Despeaux, recovering hisconfidence. "Every man has his price--but it's a mistake to think that theprice must always be counted down in cash. Daunt didn't act as if he hadcaptured our friend. He's dancing to a girl's tune now. Corson willwhistle a jig when he gets ready and Morrison will dance to that tune, too!"

IX

MAKING IT A SQUARE BREAK

In the privacy of Senator Corson's study Mr. Daunt had allowed himself toraise his voice and express some decided opinions by the way of ventinghis emotions. 

In his heat he disregarded the amenities that should govern a guest in thepresence of his host. In fact, Mr. Daunt asserted that the host was partlyresponsible for the awkward position in which Mr. Daunt found himself. 

The Senator, whenever he was able to make himself heard, put in protesting"buts. " Mr. Daunt, riding his grievance wildly, hurdled every "but" andkept right on. "Confound it, Corson, I accepted him as your friend, asyour guest, as a gentleman under the roof of a mutual friend. Most of all, I accepted him as a safe and sane business man. I talked to him as I wouldto the gentlemen who put their feet under my table. I know how to becautious in the case of men I meet in places of business. But you bringthis man to your house and you put me next to him with the assurance thathe is all right--and I go ahead with him on that basis. I was perfectlyand entirely honest with him. I disregarded all the rules that govern mein ordinary business offices, " the banker added, too excited to appreciatethe grim humor flashed by the flint and the steel of his last, juxtaposedsentences. 

"You say you told him all your plans in full?" suggested Corson, referringto the outburst with which Daunt began his arraignment of the situation. 

"Of course I told him! You gave me no warning. I dealt with him, gentlemanwith gentleman, under your roof!"

"I didn't think it was necessary to counsel a man like you about theordinary prudence required in all business matters. "

"I had his word in his own office that he was heartily with me. You toldme he was as square as a brick when it came to his word. I went on thatbasis, Corson!"

"I'm sorry, " admitted the Senator. "I thought I knew Stewart through andthrough. But I haven't been keeping in touch as closely as I ought. I haveheard things this evening--" He hesitated. 

"You have heard things--and still you allowed me to go on and empty mybasket in front of him?"

"I heard 'em only after you were closeted here with him, Daunt. And Ican't believe it's as bad as it has been represented to me. And even as itstands, I think I know how to handle him. I have already taken steps tothat end. "

"How?"

"Please accept my say-so for the time being, Daunt! It isn't a matter tobe canvassed between us. "

"I suppose you learn that sort of reticence in politics, even in the caseof a friend, Corson, " growled the banker. "I wish I had taken a fewlessons from you before talking with one of your friends this evening. "

"Was it necessary for you to do so much talking before you got a line onhis opinions?"

"Confound it, Corson, with that face of his--with that candor in hiscountenance--he looks as good and reliable as a certified check--and inaddition I had your indorsement of him. "

"I felt that I had a right to indorse him. " The Senator showed spirit. "Daunt, I don't like to hear you condemn Stewart Morrison so utterly. "

"Not utterly! He has qualities of excellence! For instance, he's adamnation fine listener, " stated the disgusted banker. 

"But he couldn't have thrown down your whole proposition--he couldn't havedone that, after the prospects you held out to him, as you outlined themto me when we first discussed the matter, " Corson insisted. "Morrison hasa good business head on him. He comes of business stock. He has made a bigsuccess of his mill. He must be on the watch for more opportunities. Allof us are. "

"Well, here was the offer I made to him, seeing that he is a _friend_ ofyours, " said Banker Daunt, dilating his nostrils when he dwelt on the word"friend. " "I offered to double his own appraisal of his properties when wepay him in the preferred stock of the consolidation. I told him that hewould receive, like the others, an equal amount of common stock for abonus. I assured him that we would be able to pay dividends on the common. And he asked me particularly if I was certain that dividends would be paidon the common. I gave him that assurance as a financier who knows hiscard. " Daunt had been attempting to curb his passion and talk in abusiness man's tone while on the matter of figures. But he abandoned thestruggle to keep calm. He cracked his knuckles on the table and shouted:"But do you know--can you imagine what he said after I had twice assuredhim as to those dividends on common, replying to his repeated questions?Can you?"

"No, " admitted Corson, having reason to be considerably uncertain inregard to Stewart Morrison's newly developed notions about affairs ingeneral. 

"He told me I ought to be ashamed of myself--then he pulled out his watchand apologized for monopolizing me so long on a gay evening, hoped I wasenjoying it, and said he must hurry away and dance with Miss Corson. Whatdid he mean by saying that I ought to be ashamed of myself? What did hemean by that gratuitous insult to a man who had made him a generousproposition in straight business--to a guest under your roof, SenatorCorson?"

"By gad! I'll find out what it means!" snapped the Senator, pricked in hispride and in his sense of responsibility as a go-between. He pushed abutton in the row on his study table. "This new job as mayor seems to beplaying some sort of a devil's trick with Stewart. I'll admit, Daunt, thatI didn't relish some of the priggish preachment on politics mouthed by himin his office when we were there. But I didn't pay much attention--anymore than I did to his exaggerated flourish in the way he attended to citybusiness. The new brooms! You know!"

"Yes, I know!" The banker was sardonic. "I could overlook his display ofimportance when he neglected gentlemen in order to parade his tuppennymayor's business. I paid no attention to his vaporings on the waterquestion. I've heard plenty of franchise-owners talk that way for effect!He's an especially avaricious Scot, isn't he? Confound him! How much moreshall I offer him?"

"I'll admit that Stewart seems to be different these days in somerespects, but unless he has made a clean change of all his nature in thisshift of some of his ideas, you'd better not offer him any more!" warnedthe Senator. "I never detected any 'For Sale' sign on him!"

The Senator's secretary stepped into the study. 

"Find Mayor Morrison in the ballroom and tell him I want to see him here. "

"Corson, you're a United States Senator, " proceeded the banker when theman had departed, "and your position enables you to take a broad view ofbusiness in general. But naturally you're for your own state first ofall. "

"Certainly! Loyally so!"

"I think you thoroughly understand my play for consolidated development ofthe water-power here. Every single unit should be put at work for the goodof the country. Isn't that so?"

"Yes, decidedly. "

"To set up such arbitrary boundaries as state lines in these matters ofdevelopment is a narrow and selfish policy, " insisted Daunt. "It would belike the coal states refusing to sell their surplus to the country atlarge. If this Morrison proposes to play the bigoted demagogue in thematter, exciting the people to attempt impractical control that willparalyze the whole proposition, he must be stepped on. You can show dueregard for the honor and the prosperity of your own state, but as astatesman, working for the general welfare of the country at large, you'vegot to take a broader view than his. "

"I do. I can make Stewart understand. "

Daunt paced up and down the room, easing his turgid neck against a dampcollar. The Senator pondered. 

The secretary, after a time, tapped and entered. 

"Mayor Morrison is not in the ballroom, sir. And I could not find him. "

"You should have inquired of Miss Corson. "

"I could not find Miss Corson. "

The Senator started for the door. He turned and went back to Daunt. "It'sall right! I gave her a bit of a commission. It's in regard to Morrison. She seems to be attending to it faithfully. Be easy! I'll bring him. "

The father went straight to the library. He knew the resources of his ownmansion in the matter of nooks for a tete-a-tete interview; now he wasparticularly assisted by remembrance of Stewart's habits in the old days. He found his daughter and the mayor of Marion cozily ensconced among thecushions of a deep window-seat. 

Stewart was listening intently to the girl, his chin on his knuckles, hiselbow propped on his knee. His forehead was puckered; he was gazing at herwith intent seriousness. 

"Senator Corson, " warned the girl, "we are in executive session. "

"I see! I understand! But I need Stewart urgently for a few moments. "

"I surrendered him willingly a little while ago. But this conference mustnot be interrupted, sir!"

"Certainly not, Senator Corson!" asserted Stewart, with a decisive snap inhis tone. "We have a great deal of ground to go over. "

"I'll allow you plenty of time--but a little later. There is a smallmatter to be set straight. 'Twill take but a few moments. "

"It's undoubtedly either business or politics, sir, " declared Lana, with afine assumption of parliamentary dignity. "But I have the floor forconcerns of my own, and I'll not cede any of my time. "

"It is hardly business or politics, " returned the Senator, gravely. "Itconcerns a matter of courtesy between guests in my home, and I'm anxiousto have the thing straightened out at once. I beg of you, Stewart!"

The mayor rose promptly. 

"I suppose I must consider it a question of privilege and yield, "consented Lana, still carrying on her little play of procedure. "But do Ihave your solemn promise, Senator Corson, that this gentleman will bereturned to me by you at the earliest possible moment?"

"I promise. "

"And I want your promise that you will hurry back, " said the girl, addressing Stewart. "I'll wait right here!"

"But, Lana, remember your duties to our guests, " protested her father. 

"I have been fulfilling them ever since the reception-line was formed. "She waved her hand to draw their attention to the distant music. "Theguests are having a gorgeous time all by themselves. I'll be waitinghere, " she warned. "Remember, please, both of you that I am waiting. Thatought to hurry your settlement of that other matter you speak of. "

"I'll waste no time!" Morrison assured her. He marched away with theSenator. 

In the study Corson took his stand between his two guests. Daunt wasbristling; Morrison displayed no emotion of any sort. 

"Mr. Daunt, I think you'd better state your grievance, as you feel it, sothat Mr. Morrison can assure both of us that it arises from amisunderstanding. "

The banker took advantage of that opportunity with great alacrity. "Nowthat Senator Corson is present--now that we have a broad-minded referee, Mr. Morrison, I propose to go over that matter of business. "

"Exactly on the same lines?" inquired Stewart, mildly. 

"Exactly! And for obvious reasons--so that Corson may understand just howmuch your attitude hurt my feelings. "

"Pardon me, Mr. Daunt. I have no time to listen to the repetition. It willgain you nothing from me. My mind remains the same. And Miss Corson iswaiting for me. I have promised to return to her as soon as possible. "

"But it will take only a little while to go over the matter, " pleadedCorson. 

"It will be time wasted on a repetition, sir. I have no right to keep MissCorson waiting, on such an excuse. "

"You give me an almighty poor excuse for unmannerly treatment of mybusiness, Morrison, " Daunt stated, with increasing ire. 

"I really must agree in that, " chided the Senator. 

"Sir, you gave your daughter the same promise for yourself, " declaredStewart. 

"Now let's not be silly, Stewart. Lana was playing! You can go right onwith her from where you left off. "

"Perhaps!" admitted the mayor. "I hope so, at any rate. But I don'tpropose to break my promise. " He added in his own mind that he did notintend to allow a certain topic between him and Lana Corson to get coldwhile he was being bullyragged by two elderly gentlemen in that study. 

"By the gods! you'll have to talk turkey to me on one point!" assertedDaunt, his veneer of dignity cracking wide and showing the coarser grainof his nature. "I made you a square business proposition and you insultedme--under the roof of a gentleman who had vouched for both of us. "

"Thank you! Now we are not retracing our steps, as you threatened to do. We go on from where we left off. Therefore, I can give you a few moments, sir. What insult did I offer you?"

"You told me that I ought to be ashamed of myself. "

"That was not an insult, Mr. Daunt. I intended it to be merely a frankexpression of opinion. Just a moment, please!" he urged, breaking in onviolent language. He brought his thumb and forefinger together to make acircle and poised his hand over his head. "I don't wear one of these. Ihave no right to wear one. Halo, I mean! I'm no prig or preacher--atleast, I don't mean to be. But when I talk business I intend to talk itstraight and use few words--and those words may sound rather blunt, sometimes. Just a moment, I say!"

He leaned over the table and struck a resounding blow on it with hisknuckles. "This is a nutshell proposition and we'll keep it in smallcompass. You gave me a layout of your proposed stock issue. No matter whathas been done by the best of big financiers, no matter what is being doneor what is proposed to be done, in this particular case your consolidationmeans that you've got to mulct the people to pay unreasonably high chargeson stock. It isn't a square deal. My property was developed on real money. I know what it pays and ought to pay. I won't put it into a scheme thatwill oblige every consumer of electricity to help pay dividends onimaginary money. And if you're seriously attempting to put over anyconsolidation of that sort on our people, Mr. Daunt, I repeat that youought to be ashamed of yourself. "

"And now you have heard him with your own ears, " clamored the banker. "What do you say to that, Mr. Corson?"

"All capitalization entails a fair compromise--values to be considered inthe light of new development, " said the Senator. "Let's discuss theproposition, Stewart. "

"Discussion will only snarl us up. I'm stating the principle. You can'tcompromise principle! I refuse to discuss. "

"Have you gone crazy over this protection-of-the-people idea?" demandedCorson, with heat. 

"Maybe so! I'm not sure. I may be a little muddled. But I see a principleahead and I'm going straight at it, even though I may tread on some toes. I believe that the opinion doesn't hold good, any longer, as a matter ofright, that because a man has secured a franchise, and his charter permitshim to build a dam across a river or the mouth of a lake, he is therebyentitled to all the power and control and profit he can get from thatriver or lake without return in direct payment on that power to the peopleof the state. We know it's by constitutional law that the people own theriver and the lake. I'm putting in a report on this whole matter to theincoming legislature, Senator Corson. "

"Good Heavens! Morrison, you're not advocating the soviet doctrine thatthe state can break existing contracts, are you?" shouted the Senator. 

"I take the stand that charters do not grant the right for operators ofwater-power to charge anything their greed prompts 'em to charge onballooned stock. I assert that charters are fractured when operatorsflagrantly abuse the public that way! I'm going to propose a legislativebill that will oblige water-power corporations to submit in public reportsour state engineers' figures on actual honest profit-earning valuation; topublish complete lists of all the men who own stock so that we may knowthe interests and the persons who are secretly behind the corporations. "

Corson displayed instant perturbation. 

"Such publication can be twisted to injure honest investors. It can beused politically by a man's enemies. Stewart, I am heavily interestedfinancially in Daunt's syndicate, because I believe in developing ourgrand old state. I bring this personal matter to your attention so thatyou may see how this general windmill-tilting is going to affect yourfriends. "

"I'm for our state, too, sir! And I'll mention a personal matter that'sclose to me, seeing that you have broached the subject. St. Ronan's millis responsible for more than two hundred good homes in the city of Marion, built, owned, and occupied by our workers. And in order to clean up amillion profit for myself, I don't propose to go into a syndicate that maydecide to ship power out of this state and empty those homes. "

"You are leaping at insane conclusions, " roared Daunt. He shook his fingerunder Morrison's nose. 

"I'll admit that I have arrived at some rather extreme conclusions, sir, "admitted Stewart, putting his threatened nose a little nearer Daunt'sfinger. "I based the conclusions on your own statement to me that youproposed to make my syndicate holdings more valuable by a legislativemeasure that would permit the consolidation to take over poles and wiresof existing companies or else run wires into communities in case theexisting companies would not sell. "

"That's only the basic principle of business competition for the good ofthe consuming public. Competition is the demand, the right of the people, "declared Daunt. 

"I'm a bit skeptical--still basing my opinion on your own statements as tocommon-stock dividends--as to the price per kilowatt after competitorsshall have been sandbagged according to that legislative measure, " drawledthe mayor. He turned to the Senator. "You see, sir, your guest and myselfare still a good ways apart in our business ideas!"

"We'll drop business--drop it right where it is, " said the Senator, curtly. "Mr. Daunt has tried to meet you more than half-way in business, in my house, taking my indorsement of you. When I recommended you I wasnot aware that you had been making radical speeches to a down-town mob. Iam shocked by the change in you, Stewart. Have you any explanation to giveme?"

"I'm afraid it would take too long to go over it now in a way to make youunderstand, sir. I don't want to spoil my case by leaving you halfinformed. Mr. Daunt and I have reached an understanding. Pardon me, but Iinsist that I must keep my promise to Miss Corson. "

The father did not welcome that announcement. "I trust that theunderstanding you mention includes the obligation to forget all that Mr. Daunt has said under my roof this evening. "

"I have never betrayed confidences in my personal relations with any man, Senator Corson, " returned Morrison. 

"Then your honor naturally suggests your course in this peculiarsituation. "

"Let's not stop to split hairs of honor! What do you expect me to do?"demanded Morrison, bruskly business-like. 

"I'll tell you what I expect, " volunteered Daunt. "You have possession offacts----"

"I did not solicit them, sir. I was practically forced into an interviewwith you when I much rather would have been enjoying myself in theballroom. "

"Nevertheless, you have the facts. Under the circumstances you have noright to them. I expect you to show a gentleman's consideration and keepcarefully away from my affairs. "

"I, also, must ask that much, as your mutual host, " put in Corson. 

"Gentlemen, " declared Stewart, setting back his shoulders, "by allowingmyself to stretch what you term 'honor' to that fine point I would be heldup in a campaign I have started--prevented from going on with my work, simply because Mr. Silas Daunt is among the men I'm fighting. I'm exactlywhere I was before Mr. Daunt talked to me. I propose to lick a water-powermonopoly in this state if it's in my humble power to do it. If you stay inthat crowd, Mr. Daunt, you've got to take your chances along with the restof 'em. "

"Stewart, your position is outrageous, " blazed Corson. "You're not onlythrowing away a wonderful business opportunity on lines wholly approved bygeneral usage--simply to indulge an impractical whim for which you'll getno thanks--taking a nonsensical stand for a mere dream in the way ofpublic ownership--but you're insulting me, myself, by the inference thatmay be drawn. "

"I don't understand, sir. "

"Well, then, understand!" said the Senator, carried far by hisindignation. "You know how I made my fortune!"

"I do!"

"Was I not justified in buying in all the public timber-lands at the goingprice?"

"Yes, seeing that the people of the state were fools enough to stay asleepand let lands go for a dollar or so an acre--lands to-day worth thousandsof dollars an acre for the timber on 'em!"

"I paid the price that was asked. That's as far as a business man isexpected to go. "

"Certainly, Senator. I'm glad for you. But, I repeat, the people wereasleep! Now I'm going to wake 'em up to guard their last greatheritage--the water-power that they still own! I'll keep 'em awake, ifI've got strength enough in this arm to keep on drumming and breath enoughto keep the old trumpet sounding!"

"The corporations in this state are organized, they will protect theircharters, they will make you let go of your wild scheme, " bellowed thebanker. "By the jumped-up Jehoshaphat, they will make you let go, Morrison! By the great--"

"Hush!" pleaded their host. "They can hear outside. No profanity!"

Stewart had started toward the door; he paused for a moment when he hadhis hand on the knob. "We will not let go!" he said, calmly. "We won't letgo--and this is not profanity, Senator Corson--we won't let go of as muchas one dam-site!"

X

A SENATOR SIZES UP A FOE

After Stewart had closed the door behind himself Senator Corson rosehastily. For a few moments he surveyed the panels of the oaken portal withthe intentness of one who was studying a problem on a printed page. Then, plainly, his thoughts went traveling beyond the closed door. But heappeared to be receiving no satisfaction from his scrutiny or from histhoughts. He scowled and muttered. 

He stared into the palms of his soiled gloves; the suggestion they offereddid not improve his temper. He ripped them from his hands. "What themischief ails 'em, down here? They're all more or less slippery, Daunt!I've been sensing it all the evening! I feel as if I'd been handlingeels. "

Banker Daunt was calming himself by a patrol of the room. 

"I can view matters like a statesman when I'm in the Senate Chamber, "Corson asserted, "but down here at home these days I can't see the foreston account of the trees! I don't know what tree to climb first, Daunt, Iswear I don't! What with North getting the party into this scrape it's in, and playing his sharp politics, and this power question fight and--and--"

He gazed at the door again. It now suggested a definite course ofprocedure, apparently. He crumpled his gloves into a ball and threw themon the table. There was a hint in that action; the Senator was showing hisdetermination to handle matters without gloves for the rest of theevening. "There's one thing about it, Daunt, a man can't do his best inpublic concerns till he has freed his mind of his private troubles. Youwait here. I'll be right back. "

"Where are you going, Senator?"

"I'm going to regain my self-respect! I'm going to assert myself as masterof my own home. I'm going to tell Stewart Morrison that I have businesswith him, and that I'll attend to it in a strictly business office, later, where he can't insult my friends and abuse my hospitality!"

"Wait a minute! I've had an acute attack of it, too, this evening--thesame ailment, but I'm getting over it. Don't lose your head and yourtemper, both at the same time. You're not in the right trim just now to goagainst that bullhead. Let's estimate him squarely. That's always my planin business. " Mr. Daunt plucked a cigar from a box on the table andlighted up leisurely, soothing himself into a matter-of-fact mood. Corsonwaited with impatience, but his politician's caution began to tug on thebits, moderating the rush of his passion, and he took a cigar for himself. 

"Outside of this petty mayor business, does Morrison cut any figure--haveany special power in state politics?" the banker asked. 

"Not a particle--not as a politician. He doesn't know the A B C's of thegame. "

"How much influence can he wield as an agitator, as he threatens tobecome?"

Corson's declaration was less emphatic. "We're conservative, the mass ofus, in these parts. Starting trouble isn't wielding influence, Daunt. He'll be going up against the political machine that has always handledthis state safely and sanely--and we know what to do with trouble-makers. "

"This communistic stand of his certainly discredits him with thecorporations, also. Despeaux has been doing good work, and practically allof 'em have come over to the Consolidated camp. Of course, Morrison isantagonizing the banking interests, too. Is he a heavy borrower?"

"He doesn't borrow. He works on his own capital. St. Ronan's is free andclear, " admitted the Senator, crossly. 

"That's too bad! Calling loans is always effective in improving aradical's opinions. Then this friend, whom you have held up to me as soimportant in our plans----"

"I did consider him important, Daunt! I do now. I know him. I have seenhim go after things, ever since he was a boy. That storage-commissionscheme is his own device and, as the head of it, he occupies a strategicposition. "

"But it's only a scheme; he has no actual organization of the peoplebehind it. "

"Confound it! I'm afraid he will have!"

"It's an impractical dream--trying to establish such shadowy ownership ofwhat vested capital under private control must naturally possess anddevelop. We have sound business on our side. "

"It may not seem so much like a dream after he puts that report into thelegislature, " complained the Senator. "I tell you, I know StewartMorrison. He indulges in visions, but he'll back this particular one upwith so many facts and figures that it will make a treasury report looklike a ghost-story by comparison. Talk about sound business! That'sMorrison's other name!"

"What's going to be done with that report, Corson?"

The Senator hesitated a few moments. 

"Understand that I'm no kin of old Captain Teach, the buccaneer, either inpolitics or business, Daunt. But I'm not fool enough to believe that themillennium has arrived in this world, even if the battle of Armageddon hasbeen fought, as the parsons are preaching. We still must deal with humanconditions. The tree is full of good ideas, I'll admit. But we've got tolet 'em ripen. Eat 'em now--and it's a case of the gripes for business andpolitics, both. Therefore"--the Senator paused and squinted at the end ofhis cigar. "Well, Daunt, we'll have to apply a little common sense toconditions, even though the opposition may squeal. That ownership of thewater-power by the people isn't ripe. The legislative committee willpocket Morrison's report, or will refer the thing to the public utilitiescommission. "

"Both plans meaning the same thing?"

"I won't put it as coarsely as that. It only means handling the situationwith discretion. Discretion by those in power is going to save us a lot oftrouble in times like these. "

"You are sure of the right legislative committee, are you?"

"Certainly! North is on the job up at the State House. I'll admit that heisn't tactful. He's very old-fashioned in his political ideas. But hedoesn't mind clamor and criticism, and he isn't afraid of the devilhimself. Between you and me, I think, " continued the Senator, judicially, "that North is skating pretty near the edge this time. I would not haveallowed him to go so far if I had been in better touch with conditionsdown here. But it's too late to modify his plans much at this hour. Hemust bull the thing through as he's going. I can undo the mischief to theparty by the selection of a smooth diplomat for the gubernatorialnomination next year. But jumping back to the main subject--StewartMorrison! Seeing what he is, in the water-power matter, I hoped I couldsmooth things by your getting next to him. I'm sorry you have been so muchannoyed, Daunt! He may make it uncomfortable by his mouth, but he cannotcontrol anything by direct political influence. Absolutely not!" TheSenator was recovering his confidence in himself as a leader; he startedup from his chair and stamped down an emphatic foot. "He is a nonentity inthat direction. Politics will handle the thing! The legislature will beall right! The situation on Capitol Hill is safe. However, I think I'llpass a word or two with North!"

He went to the wall of the study, slipped aside a small panel, and liftedout a telephone instrument. "A little precaution I've held over from theold days, " Corson informed his guest, with a smile. "A private line to theExecutive Chamber. "

From where he sat Daunt could hear the Governor's voice. The tones raspedand rattled and jangled in the receiver, which, for the sake of hiseardrum, Senator Corson held away from his head. The puckers on hiscountenance indicated that he was annoyed, both by the news and by thediscordant violence of its delivery. 

"But it's not as threatening as all that! It can't be!" the listener keptinsisting. 

"Well, I'll come up, " he promised, at last. "I'll come, but I think you'reover-anxious, North!"

There was a sound as if somebody were banging on a tin pan at the otherend of the line; His Excellency had merely put more vigor into his voice. 

"I think--I'm quite sure that he's still here--in my house, " Corsonreplied. "Yes--yes--I certainly will!" He hung up. 

"You seemed to think, Daunt, that I didn't have a good and a sufficientreason for saying a few words to Morrison when I started to hunt him up afew minutes ago. However, this time you'll have to excuse me. I'm going tohim. "

"But you're not intending to make him of any especial importance inaffairs, are you? You said he could be ignored. "

"Yes! But I don't propose to ignore his efforts to stir up the mob spiritin a city of which he happens to be mayor. He has been up to thatmischief! I have heard straight reports from various sources this evening. The Governor has been posted and he is very emphatic on the point. " Corsonrubbed the ear that was still reminding him of that emphasis. 

"That's the trouble with men like Morrison, when they begin to talkpeople's rights these days, Senator! They go up in the air and jump allthe way over into Bolshevism. I'm sorry now because I counseled you tosmooth your temper. Go at him. I'll sit here and finish my smoke. "

At the head of the broad staircase Senator Corson came upon Mrs. Stantonand Coventry Daunt. 

They wore expressions of bewilderment that would have fitted thecountenances of explorers who had missed their quest and had lost theirreckoning. 

Mrs. Stanton put out her fan, and the striding father halted at the politebarrier with a greeting, but evinced anxiety to be on the way. 

"I'm so glad to see you, Senator Corson!" This with delight. "But isn'tLana with you?" this with anxiety. "I mean, hasn't she been with you?"

"My dance contracts with Miss Corson have been shot quite all to pieces, "said Coventry. 

"I have searched everywhere for her--I think I have, " supplemented thesister. "But we guessed she must be with you, and we didn't venture tointrude. "

"And you are sure she is not in the ballroom?"

"Absolutely!" Young Mr. Daunt plainly knew what he was talking about. 

"Coventry, if you and Mrs. Stanton will go there and wait a few moments, Iam positive that Lana will come to you very promptly!"

Senator Corson also seemed to know what he was talking about!

XI

FLAREBACKS IN THE CASE OF LOVE AND A MOB

Again was Stewart a close listener, his chin resting on his knuckles, hisserious eyes searching Lana's face while she talked. 

A cozy harbor was afforded by the bay of the great window in the library. When Stewart had returned to the girl he noticed that she had provided theharbor with a breakwater--a tall Japanese screen; waiting there she hadfound the room draughty, she informed him. 

He was placid when he returned. His demeanor was so untroubled and his airso eagerly invited her to go on from where she had left off that she didnot bother her mind about the errand which had called him away. 

"I'm really glad because we adjourned the executive session for a recess, "she confided. "I've had a chance to think over what I was saying to you, Stewart. While I talked I found myself getting a bit hysterical. Irealized that I was presumptuous, but I couldn't seem to stop. But I havebeen going over it in my mind and I'm glad now that my feelings did carryme away. Friendship has a right to be impetuous on some occasions. I nevertried to advise you in the old days. You wouldn't have listened, anyway. "

"I've always been glad to listen to you, " he corrected. 

"But it makes a friend so provoked to have one listen and then go aheadand do just as one likes. I want to ask you--while you have been away fromme have you been reflecting on what I said?"

He stammered a bit, and there was not absolute candor in his eyes. "Totell the truth, Lana, I allowed myself to be taken up considerably withother matters. But I did remember my promise to hurry back to you, justthe minute I could break away, " he added, apologetically. 

"I'm a little disappointed in you, just the same, Stewart! I've beenhoping that you were putting your mind on what I said to you. I was hopingthat when you came back----"

"Well, go on, Lana!" he prompted, gently, when she paused. 

"It's so hard for me to say it so it will sound as I mean it, " shelamented. "To make my interest appear exactly what it is. To find thewords to fit my thoughts just now! I know what they're saying about methese days in Marion. I know our folks so well! I don't need to hear thewords; I have been studying their faces this evening. You, also, know whatthey're saying, Stewart!"

He confined his assent to a significant nod; Jeanie MacDougal's few wordson the subject had been, for him, a comprehensive summary of the generalgossip. 

"When I was speechifying to you in St. Ronan's office you thought I hadcome back here filled with airs and lofty notions. I knew how you felt!"

He shook his head and allowed the extent of his negation to be limited tothat! "I'll tell you how I felt--some time--but now I'll listen to you. "

"I was putting all that on for show, Stewart! I felt so--so--I don't know!Embarrassed, perhaps! And I felt that you--" her color deepened then intrue embarrassment. "And--and--they were all there!" It was naïveconfession, and he smiled. 

"So I said to my wee mither, Lana, by way of setting her right as tomeddlesome tongues. "

"I am sincere and honest still, Stewart, where my real friends areconcerned. I've just complained because I can't find words to express mythoughts to you. Well, I never was at a loss when we were boy and girltogether. " She paused and they heard the sound of music. 

"There's a frilly style of talk that belongs with that--down there, " shewent on. There was a hint of contempt in her gesture. "But you and I usedto get along better--or worse--with plain speech. " The flash of a smile ofher own softened her _moue_. 

"I make it serve me well in my affairs, " agreed Morrison. 

"Do you think I'm airy and notional and stuck up?"

"No!"

"Do you think I'm posing as a know-it-all because I have been about in theworld and have seen and heard?"

"No!"

"But you do think I'm broader and wiser and more open-minded and havebetter judgment on matters in general than I had when I was penned up herein Marion, don't you?"

"Yes!"

"Stewart, you're not helping me much, staring at me and popping those noesand yesses at me! You make me feel like--but, honestly, I'm not! I don'tintend to seem like that!"

"Eh?"

"Why, like an opinionated lecturer, laying down the law of conduct to you!I don't mean to do all the talking. "

"You'd better, Lana--for the present, " he advised, seriously; "If you havesomething to say to me, take care and not let me get started on what Iwant to say to you. "

She flushed. She drew away from him slightly. In her apprehensiveness shehurried on for her own protection. "I hoped you were coming back just now, Stewart, and put out your hand to me as your friend, a good pal who hadgiven sensible advice, and say to me, 'Lana, you have used your wits togood advantage while you have been out and about in the world, and yoursuggestions to me are all right. ' Aren't you going to say so, Stewart?"

"As I understand it, putting all you said to me awhile back in that plainlanguage we have agreed on, you tell me that I'm missing my opportunities, have gone to sleep down here in Marion, am allowing myself to beeverlastingly tied up by petty business details that keep me away fromreal enjoyment of a bigger and better life, and that there's not the leastneed of my spending my best years in that fashion. "

"You state it bluntly, but that is the gist of it!"

"Yes, I was blunt. I'm going to be even more blunt! What do I get out ofthis prospective, bigger life, Lana?" He drew a deep breath. "Do Iget--you?"

"Stewart, hush! Wait!" He had spread his hands to her appealingly. "I amtalking to you as your friend--I'm talking of your business, your outlook. I must say something further to you!"

He set as firm a grip on his emotions as he had on his anger earlier inthe evening when Krylovensky's hand had dealt him a blow. Her demeanor hadthrust him away effectually. The fire died in his eyes. "Go on, Lana! Ihave promised to allow you to have your say. And, once I start, only a'Yes!' can stop me. "

She displayed additional apprehension and plunged into a strictlycommercial topic with desperate directness. "I'm positive that you have nofurther need of making yourself a slave to details of business. I knowthat you can be free to devote yourself to the higher things that areworthy of your real self and your talents, Stewart. Father says thatthrough Mr. Daunt there will come to you the grandest opportunity of yourlife. I suppose that's what Mr. Daunt explained to you when you were withhim this evening. Even though you may not consider me wise in men'sbusiness affairs, Stewart, you must admit that my father and Mr. Dauntknow. You haven't any silly notions, have you? You're ready to seize everyopportunity to make a grand success in business, the way the great men do, aren't you?"

There was a very different light in Morrison's eyes than had flamed inthem a few moments before. He stared at her appraisingly, wonderingly. Hisdemanding survey of her was disconcerting, but his somberness was that ofdisappointment rather than of any distrust. 

"Has your father asked you to talk to me on the subject of that business?"

She did not reply promptly. But his challenge was too direct. 

"I confess that father did intimate that there'd be no need of mentioninghim in the matter. "

"He asked you to talk to me, then?"

"Yes, Stewart!"

"And I thought you were talking only for yourself when you begged me tostep up into that broader life!" His voice trembled. She did not appear tounderstand his emotion. 

"But I _am_ talking for myself, " protested the girl. 

"You're talking only your father's views, his plans, his ambition, hisscheme of life--talking Daunt's project for his own selfish ends!"

"I don't understand!"

"I hope you don't! For the sake of my love for you, I hope so!" He wasstriving to control himself. "In the name of what we have been to eachother in days past, I hope you are not their--that you don't realize theyare making you a----But I can't say it! I want proof from you now by wordo' mouth! I don't want any more prattle of business! I want you to show methat you are talking for yourself. Lana Corson, say to me some word fromyour own heart--something for me alone--something from old times--to provethat you are what I want you to be! I love you. You are mine! I don'tbelieve their gossip. I have never given you up. I've been waitingpatiently for you to come back to me. Can't you go back to the oldtimes--and speak from your own soul?"

The intensity of his appeal carried her along in the rush of his emotion. "Stewart, I have been speaking for myself, as best I knew how! I'm back tothe old times! If you need further words from me, you shall have them. "

Senator Corson stepped around the end of the screen. "You will postponeany further words to Mr. Morrison! I have some words of my own for him!Lana, Coventry Daunt is waiting for you in the ballroom and I have toldhim that you will be there at once. "

"Mr. Daunt must continue to wait, father. I have something to tellStewart, and you must allow me to say it--say it to him, alone. "

"You shall never speak another word to him on any subject with mypermission. I have been listening and--"

"Father, do you confess that you have been eavesdropping?"

"My present code of manners is perfectly suited to the tactics of thisfellow who has flouted me and insulted an honored guest under my roof thisevening. Morrison, leave the house!"

"He shall stay at the request of his hostess, " declared the girl, defiantly. 

"On with you to your guests--that's where your hostess duties are!" Corsonreached to take her arm. 

Stewart hastily raised Lana's hand and bent over it. "I am indebted to youfor a charming evening. " He stood erect and his demeanor of manlysincerity removed every suggestion of sarcasm from the conventional phrasehe had spoken quietly. "The charm, Senator Corson, has outweighed all theunpleasantness. "

When he turned to retire Corson halted him with a curt word. 

"Lana, I command you to go and join your partner. "

But Miss Corson persisted in her rebelliousness. She did not relish theominous threat that she perceived in the situation. "I shall stay with youtill you're in a better state of temper, father. "

"You'll hear nothing to this man's credit if you do stay, " said theSenator, acridly. "I have just talked on the 'phone with the Governor, Mayor Morrison. He asked me to notify you that your mob which you havestirred up in your own city, by your devilish speeches this evening, isevidently on the war-path. He, expects you to undo the mischief, seeingthat your tongue is the guilty party!"

Lana turned startled gaze from her father to Morrison; amazement struggledwith her indignation. Her amazement was deepened by the mayor's mildrejoinder. 

"Very well, Senator. I have an excellent understanding with that mob. "

"Making speeches to a mob!" Lana gasped. "I'll not allow even my father tosay that about you, Stewart, and leave it undisputed. "

"Your father is angry just now, Lana! Any discussion will provoke furtherunpleasantness!"

"Confound you! Don't you dare to insult me by your condescending airs, "thundered Corson. "You have your orders. Go and mix with your rabble andcontinue that understanding with 'em, if you can make 'em understand thatlaw and order must prevail in this city to-night. "

The library was in a wing of the mansion, far from the street, and thethree persons behind the screen had been entirely absorbed in theirtroubled affairs. They had heard none of the sounds from the street. 

Somebody began to call in the corridor outside the library. The voicesounded above the music from the ballroom, and quavered with anxiousentreaty as it demanded, over and over: "Senator Corson! Where are you, Senator Corson?"

"Here!" replied the Senator. 

The secretary rushed in. "There's a mob outside, sir! A threatening mob!"

"Ah! Morrison, your friends are looking you up!"

"They are radicals--anarchists. They must be!" panted the messenger. "Theyare yelling: 'Down with the capitalists! Down with the aristocrats!' Iordered the shades pulled. The men seemed to be excited by looking inthrough the windows at the dancers in the ballroom!"

"There'll be no trouble. I'll answer for that, " promised the Mayor, marching away. 

Before he reached the door the crash of splintered glass, the screams ofwomen and shouts of men; drowned the music. 

Stewart went leaping down the stairs. When he reached the ballroom hefound the frightened guests massed against the wall, as far from thewindows as they could crowd. A wild battle of some sort was going onoutside in the night, so oaths and cries and the grim thudding ofbattering fists revealed. 

Before Stewart could reach a window--one of those from which the glass hadbeen broken--Commander Lanigan came through the aperture with a rush, skating to a standstill along the polished floor. Blood was on his hands. His sleeves hung in ribbons. In that scene of suspended gaiety he was aparticularly grisly interloper. 

"They sneaked it over on us, Mister Mayor!" he yelled. "I got a tip androuted out the Legion boys and chased 'em, but the dirty, Bullshevistsbeat us to it up the hill. But we've got 'em licked!"

"Keep 'em licked for the rest of the night, " Morrison suggested. "I'll bedown-town with you, right away!"

But Lanigan, in his raging excitement, was not amenable to hints ororders, nor was he cautious in his revelations. "We can handle thingsdown-town, Your Honor! What we want to know is, what about up-town--up onCapitol Hill?"

"You've had my promise of what I'll do. And I'll do it!"

Senator Corson and his daughter had arrived in the ballroom. The Senatorwas promptly and intensely interested in this cocksure declaration byMorrison. 

"Your promise is the same as hard cash for me and the level-headed ones, "retorted Commander Lanigan. "But whether it's the Northern Lights in theskies or plain hellishness in folks or somebody underneath stirring andstirring trouble and starting lies, I don't know! Lots of good boys havestopped being level-headed! I'll hold the gang down if I can, sir. Butwhat I want to know is, can we depend on you to tend to Capitol Hill? Areyou still on the job? Can I tell 'em that you're still on the job?"

"You can tell 'em all that I'm on the job from now till morning, " shoutedthe mayor. He was heard by the men outside. They gave his declaration ahowl of approval. 

"The people will be protected, " shouted an unseen admirer. 

Stewart hurried to Senator Corson and was not daunted by that gentleman'sblazing countenance. 

"I'm sorry, sir. This seems to be a flareback of some sort. I'll havepolice on guard at once!"

"You'll protect the people, eh? There's a flatterer in your mob, Morrison!You can't even give window-glass in this city suitable protection--a mayorlike you! I'll have none of your soviet police around my premises. " Heturned to his secretary. "Call the adjutant-general at the State House andtell him to send a detachment of troops here. "

"I trust they'll co-operate well with the police I shall send, " stated theMayor, stiffly. He hastened from the room. 

When Stewart had donned hat and overcoat and was about to leave themansion by the main door, Lana stepped in front of him. "Stewart, you muststop for a moment--you must deny it, what father has been saying to meabout you just now!"

"Your father is angry--and in anger a man says a whole lot that he doesn'tmean. I'm in a hurry--and a man in a hurry spoils anything he tries totell. We must let it wait, Lana. "

"But if you go on--go on as you're going--crushing Mr. Daunt'splans--spoiling your own grand prospects--antagonizing my father--payingno heed to my advice!" The girl's sentences were galloping breathlessly. 

"We'll have time to talk it over, Lana!"

"What! Talk it over after you have been reckless enough to spoileverything? You must stand with your friends, I tell you! Father is wiserthan you! Isn't he right?"

"I--I guess he thinks he is--but I can't talk about it. " He was backingtoward the door. 

"You must know what it means--for us two--if you go headlong against him. I stand stanchly for my father--always!"

"I reckon you'll have to be sort of loyal to your father--but I can't talkabout it! Not now!" he repeated. He was uncomfortably aware that he had nowords to fit the case. 

"But if you don't stand with him, you're in with the rabble--the rabble, "she declared, indignantly. "He says you are! Stewart, I know you won'tinsult his wisdom and deny my prayer to you! Only a few moments ago I wasready----But I cannot say those words to you unless----You understand!"

This interview had been permitted only because Senator Corson's attentionhad been absorbed by Mrs. Stanton's hysterical questions. But the lady'sfears did not affect her eyesight. She had noted Lana's departure and shecaught a glimpse of the mayor when he strode past the ballroom door withhis hat in his hand. 

"Yes, I'll be calm, Senator! I'm sure that we'll be perfectly protected. Lana followed the mayor just now, and I suppose she is insisting on adouble detail of police. "

The Senator promptly followed, too, to find out more exactly what Lana wasinsisting on. 

"Haven't you joined your rabble yet, Morrison?" Corson queried, insolently, when he came upon the two. 

"I'm going, sir--going right along!"

Lana set her hands together, the fingers interlaced so tightly that theflesh was as white as her cheeks. "'Your rabble!' Stewart! Oh! Oh!" Inspite of her thinly veiled threat of a few moments ago, there was piteousprotest in her face and voice. 

"According to suggestions from all quarters, I don't seem to fit any otherkind of society just now, " he replied, ruefully. He marched out into thenight. 

"Call my car, " Senator Corson directed a servant. 

In the reception-hall he encountered Silas Daunt, "Slip on your hat andcoat. Come along with me to the State House. I'll show you how practicalpolitics can settle a rumpus, after a visionary has tumbled down on hisjob!"

XII

RIFLES RULE IN THE PEOPLE'S HOUSE

At eleven o'clock Adj. -Gen. Amos Totten set up the cinch of his sword-beltby a couple of holes and began another tour of inspection of the StateHouse. He considered that the parlous situation in state affairs demandedfull dress. During the evening he had been going on his rounds athalf-hour intervals. On each trip he had been much pleased by the strict, martial discipline and alertness displayed by his guardsmen. The alertnesswas especially noticeable; every soldier was tautly at 'tention when theboss warrior hove in sight. General Totten was portly and came down hardon his heels with an elderly man's slumping gait, and his sword clatteredloudly and his movements were as well advertised as those of a belled catin a country kitchen. 

In the interims, between the tours of General Totten, Captain DannySweetsir did his best to keep his company up to duty pitch. But he wasobliged to admit to himself that the boys were not taking the thing asseriously as soldiers should. 

Squads were scattered all over the lower part of the great building, guarding the various entrances. While Captain Sweetsir was lecturing thetolerant listeners of one squad, he was irritably aware that the boys ofthe squads that were not under espionage were doing nigh about everythingthat a soldier on duty should not do, their diversions limited only bytheir lack of resources. 

Therefore, when General Totten complimented him at eleven o'clock, CaptainSweetsir had no trouble at all in disguising his gratification and inassuming the approved, sour demeanor of military gravity. Even then hisears, sharpened by his indignation, caught the clicking of dice on tiles. 

"Of course, there will be no actual trouble tonight, " said the general, removing his cap and stroking his bald head complacently. "I have assuredthe boys that there will be no trouble. But this experience is excellentmilitary training for them, and I'm pleased to note that they'rethoroughly on the _qui vive_. "

Captain Sweetsir, on his own part, did not apprehend trouble, either, butthe A. -G. 's bland and unconscious encouragement of laxity was distinctlyirritating, "Excuse me, sir, but I have been telling 'em right along thatthere will be a rumpus. I was trying to key 'em up!"

"Remember that you're a citizen as well as a soldier!" The general rebukedhis subaltern sternly. "Don't defame the fair name of your city and state, sir! The guard has been called out by His Excellency, theCommander-in-Chief, merely as a precaution. The presence of troops in theState House--their mere presence here--has cleared the whole situation. Mayor Morrison agrees with me perfectly on that point. "

"He does?" demanded the captain, eagerly, showing relief. "Why, I wasafraid--" He checked himself. 

"Of what, sir?"

"He didn't look like giving three cheers when I told him in the milloffice that we had been ordered out. "

"Mayor Morrison called me on the telephone in the middle of the day and Iexplained to him why it was thought necessary to have the State Houseguarded. "

"And what did he say?" urged the captain, still more eagerly. Again hecaught himself. He saluted. "I beg your pardon, General Totten. I have noright to put questions to my superior officer. "

But General Totten was not a military martinet. He was an amiablegentleman from civil life, strong with the proletariat because he had beenthrough the chairs in many fraternal organizations and, therefore, handyin politics; and he was strong with the Governor on account of anotherfraternal tie--his sister was the Governor's wife. General Totten, as aprofessional mixer, enjoyed a chat. 

"That's all right, Captain! What did the mayor say, you ask? Hecourteously made no comment. Official tact! He is well gifted in thatline. His manner spoke for him--signified his complete agreement. He wascordially polite! Very!"

The general put on his cap and slanted it at a jaunty angle. "And he stillapproves. Is very grateful for the manner in which I'm handling thesituation. He called me only a few minutes ago. From his residence! Iinformed him that all was serene on Capitol Hill. "

"And what did he say when he called you this time?"

"Nothing! Oh, nothing by way of criticism! Distinctly affable!"

Captain Sweetsir did not display the enthusiasm that General Totten seemedto expect. 

"Let's see, Captain! You are employed by him?"

"Not quite that way! I'm a mill student--learning the wool business at St. Ronan's. "

"Aren't you and Mayor Morrison friendly?"

"Oh yes! Certainly, sir! But--" Captain Sweetsir appeared to be havingmuch difficulty in completing his sentences, now that Stewart Morrison hadbecome the topic of conversation. 

"But what?"

"He didn't say anything, you tell me?"

"His cordiality spoke louder than words. And, of course, I was glad tomeet him half-way. I have invited him to call at the State House, if hecares to do so, though the hour is late. And now I come to the matter ofmy business with you, Captain Sweetsir, " stated the general, putting adegree of official sanction on his garrulity in the case of thissubordinate. "If Mayor Morrison does come to the State House to-night, byany chance, you may admit him. "

"Did he say anything about coming?"

"Mayor Morrison understands that I am handling everything so tactfullythat an official visit by him might be considered a reflection on mycapability. His politeness equals mine, Captain. Undoubtedly he will nottrouble to come. If he should happen to call unofficially you will pleasesee to it that politeness governs. "

"Yes, sir! But the other orders hold good, do they, politeness or nopoliteness?"

"For mobs and meddling politicians, certainly! I put them all in the sameclass in a time like this. "

General Totten clucked a stuffy chuckle and clanked on his official way. 

Captain Sweetsir heard a sound that was as fully exasperating as the clickof dice; somebody, somewhere in the dimly lighted rotunda, was snoring. Hehad previously found sluggards asleep on settees; he went in search of thelatest offender. But his thoughts were occupied principally by reflectionon that peculiar reticence of the Morrison of St. Ronan's; Mill-studentSweetsir was assailed by doubts of the correctness of General Totten'scomfortable conclusions. Mr. Sweetsir, in the line of business, had hadopportunity on previous occasions to observe the reaction of theMorrison's reticence. 

The adjutant-general did not bother with the elevator. He marched up themiddle of the grand stairway. 

The State House was only partially illuminated with discreet stint oflights. All the outside incandescents of dome, _porte-cochère_, andvestibules had been extinguished. The inside lights were limited to thosein the corridors and the lobbies. The great building on Capitol Hillseemed like a cowardly giant, clumsily intent on being inconspicuous. 

General Totten did not harmonize with the hush. He was distinctly an. Ambulatory noise in the corridor which led to the executive department. Hewas announced informally, therefore, to His Excellency. There was no wayof announcing oneself formally to the Governor at that hour, except byrapping on the door of the private chamber. The reception-room was empty, the private secretary was not on duty, the messenger of the Governor andof the Executive Council had been informed by Governor North that hisservices would not be required for the rest of the evening. 

Being both adjutant-general and brother-in-law, Totten did not bother toknock. 

The Governor was at his broad table in the center of the room; the bigchandelier above the table was ablaze, and the shadows of the grooves onNorth's face were accentuated. He was staring at the opening door with anexpectancy that had been fully apprised as to the caller's identity, andhe was not cordial. "You make a devilish noise lugging that meat-cleaveraround, Amos. What's the use of all the full-dress nonsense?"

"Official example _and_"--the general bore down hard on theconjunction--"the absolute necessity of a civilian officer getting intouniform when he exercises authority. I know human nature!"

"All right! Maybe you do. But don't trip yourself up with that sword andfall down and break your neck, " advised the Governor, satiricallysolicitous as one of the family. "Anything stirring down-stairs?"

"The situation is being handled perfectly. Everybody alert. It's wonderfultraining for the guards. "

"I haven't liked the sound of reports from the city. Has any news come toyou lately?"

"Nothing of special importance. Only a little disturbance, or the threatof one, in the vicinity of Senator Corson's residence. His secretarycalled up. I sent a few boys down there. "

"A disturbance?" barked North. 

"I didn't quite gather the details. The man ran his words together. "General Totten helped himself to one of his brother-in-law's cigars. 

"This sounds serious. Why the infernal blazes don't you wake up?"

"An officer commanding troops mustn't be thrown off his poise by everyflurry. What would happen if I didn't keep my head?"

"When was this?"

"Oh, maybe half an hour ago, " replied the adjutant-general, with martialindifference to any mere rumblings of popular discontent. 

"That's probably the reason why Corson hasn't got along yet. I'm expectinghim. I sent for him. " North twitched his nose; his eye-glasses dropped offand dangled at the end of their cord. "I have sent explicit orders toMayor Morrison to tend to that mob that he has been coddling. He's letting'em get away from him, if what you say is so. "

"Oh, the mayor and I are in perfect accord and are handling the situation. I have just been talking with him on the telephone. " Totten settled hiscigar into the corner of his mouth. 

"Where is he?"

"At his residence! Showing that he isn't any more worried than I am. "

"Well, if he has got the thing in hand again, I hope he'll stay at hisresidence. If reports are anything to go by, he didn't help matters bygoing down-town and making speeches to that rabble. "

"Politeness wins in the long run, Lawrence, whether you're talking to themob or the masters. I make it my principle in life. Tact and diplomacy. Harmony and--"

"Hell and repeat!" stormed North. "You and Morrison are not taking thisthing the way you ought to! In accord, say you! He is torching 'em up andyou are grinning while the fire burns! Fine team-work! Amos, you get inaccord with me and my orders. You keep away from Morrison till I can makesure that he stands clean in his party loyalty. "

His Excellency was stuttering in his wrath and the general determined tobe discreetly silent as to his recent tender of politeness to Morrisonthrough the captain of the guards. Furthermore, Totten's self-complacencyassured him that the mayor of Marion was leaving the affairs on CapitolHill in the hands of the accredited commander on Capitol Hill. 

Governor North pulled open a drawer of the table. He threw a bunch of keysto his brother-in-law. "I had the messenger leave these with me. Lock upall the doors of the Council Chamber. Leave only my private doorunlocked. "

The adjutant-general caught the keys. "But you certainly don't expect anytrouble up here, with my guards--"

"It's plenty enough of a job for a cat to watch one rat-hole! Lock up, Itell you!"

XIII

THE LINE-UP FORMS IN THE PEOPLE'S HOUSE

While General Totten was bruising his dignity in the menial work of aturnkey, Governor North received two visitors. They were furred gentlemenwho entered abruptly by the private door--the before-mentionedrat-hole--but the waiting cat did not pounce. On the contrary, one of thefurred intruders did the pouncing. It was Senator Corson and he wasfuriously angry. 

"What kind of a damnable fool has been giving off orders to thosesoldiers? I have been tramping around outside this State House from doorto door, held up everywhere and insulted by those young whelps. "

"I don't see how that could happen, " protested the Governor. 

"Who gave off such orders?"

"There were no orders, not in your case. I didn't think it was necessaryto specify anything in regard to you, Senator. Do you mean to tell me thatthere's a man down there who didn't recognize you--who refused to allowyou to pass without question?"

"They all know me! Of course they know me. And that's the whole trouble. They made that the reason why they wouldn't let me in here. "

"How in the devil's name could that be?" The Governor's anger thatpromised punishment for the offenders served Senator Corson in lieu ofapology. 

"I was informed that there were strict orders not to admit politicians. According to those lunkheads at the doors I came under thatclassification. " The Senator threw off his coat. "And Daunt, here, waspenalized on account of the company he was keeping. Find out who gavethose orders. "

General Totten had locked the doors and was nervously jangling the keys. 

"Amos, what kind of a fool have you been making yourself with yourorders?" the Governor demanded. 

"I--I think some instructions of mine in regard to admitting any of thosepersons whose seats are in dispute--probably those orders weremisconstrued. My guards are very zealous--very alert, " affirmed theadjutant-general, putting as good a face on the matter as was possible. Hefully realized that this was no time to mention that exception in favor ofMayor Morrison, or to explain that he had intended to have CaptainSweetsir accept humorously instead of literally the more recent statementabout politicians. 

"There are two of those alert patriots who have had their zeal dulled forthe time being, " stated the Senator, showing his teeth with a grim smile. "I stood the impertinence as long as I could and then I cuffed the ears ofthe fools and walked in. "

"We did issue strict instructions, as Amos has intimated, " the Governorpleaded. "Some of those Socialists and Progressives who are claiming theirseats have hired counsel and they proposed to force their way into theHouse and Senate chambers and make a test case, inviting forcibleexpulsion. I'm reckoning that my plan of forcible exclusion leaves us incleaner shape. "

"I'm not sure just how clean the whole thing is going to leave us, North. "The Senator tossed his coat upon a huge divan at one side of the chamberand invited Daunt to dispose of his own coat in like fashion. Corson cameto the table and sat sidewise on one corner of it. "You know how I feelabout your pressing the election statutes to the extent you have. Butwe've got the old nag right in the middle of the river, and we've got toattend to swimming instead of swapping. I think, in spite of all theirhowling, the other crowd will take their medicine, as the courts hand itto them, when the election cases go up for adjudication. But there's agang in every community that always takes advantage of any signs of amix-up in high authority. My house got merry hell from a mob a littlewhile ago. There's no political significance in the matter, however!"

The Governor queried anxiously for details and Corson gave them. Hebitterly arraigned Morrison's stand. 

North came to his feet and banged his fist on the table. "What? Take thatattitude toward a mob in his own city? Strike hands with a ringleader of ariot--do it under a violated roof? Do it after what he promised me in theway of co-operation for law and order? Has he completely lost his mind, Senator Corson?"

"I think so, " stated the Senator, with sardonic venom. "I'll admit thatthe thing isn't exactly clear to me--what he's trying to do--what he'sthinking. A crazy man's actions and whims seldom are understandable by asane man. But, so I gather, after showing us, as he has this evening, asample of his work in running municipal government, he now proposes totake full charge of state matters. "

"What?" yelled the Governor. 

"Yes! Promised the ringleader of the mob to come up here and runeverything on Capitol Hill. In behalf of the people--as the people'sprotector!" The Senator's irony rasped like a file on metal. 

Banker Daunt was provoked to add his evidence. "It's exactly as my friendCorson says, Governor. I have been hearing some fine soviet doctrines fromthe mouth of Morrison this evening. Not at all stingy about giving hishelp to all those who need it! Gave his pledge of assistance to the fellowin the ballroom, as Corson says. Understood him to say that he is comingup here to help you, too!"

"I rather expected to find him here, " pursued the Senator. "He went awayin a great hurry to go somewhere. But after my experience with your alertsoldiers down-stairs, Totten, I'm afraid our generous savior is going tobe bothered about getting in. "

The adjutant-general pulled off his cap and scrubbed his palm nervouslyover the glossy surface that was revealed. 

"You might give some special orders to admit him, " suggested Corson. "He'll be a great help in an emergency. "

"This settles it with me as to Morrison and his conception of law andorder, " affirmed Governor North. "I have been depending on him to handlehis city. I'd as soon depend on Lenin and the kind of government he'srunning in Russia. "

"According to the samples furnished by both, I think Lenin would rankhigher as help, " said the Senator. "At least he has shown that he knowshow to handle a mob. But we may as well calm down, North, and attend toour own business. We are making altogether too much account of a sillynincompoop. Daunt and I let our feelings get away from us this evening onthe same subject. But we woke up promptly. Morrison was in a position tohelp his friends and to amount to something as an aid in that line. Nowthat he is running with the rabble, for some purpose of his own, he can beignored. He amounts to nothing--to that!" He snapped a derogatory fingerinto his palm. "We can handle that rabble, Morrison included. " He turnedto the adjutant-general. "Your men seem to be alert enough in keeping outgentlemen who ought to be let in. Do you think you can depend on them tokeep out real intruders?"

"Oh yes!" faltered Totten, absent-mindedly. He was trying to clear histroubled thoughts in regard to the matter of Morrison, who was nowpresented in a light where politeness might not be allowed to govern thesituation. 

"Have they been put to any test of their courage and reliability? Havethey been up against any actual threats from the outside, this evening?"

"No, but I can depend on them to the limit, Senator Corson. I have been onregular tours of inspection. They are a cool and nervy set of young menand I have impressed on them a sense of what a soldier on duty should be. "

"Very well, Totten! Nevertheless, let us hope that the mob fools have gonehome to bed, including our friend Morrison. He needs his sleep; I believehe still follows the family rule of being in his mill at seven in themorning. He's a good millman, even if he isn't much of a politician. "

"And I don't look for any trouble, anyway, " declared General Totten, adding in his thoughts, for his further consolation, the assurance that, at half past eleven, so the clock on the wall revealed to his gaze, suchan early riser as Morrison must be abed and asleep; therefore, theexception for the sake of politeness did not threaten to complicateaffairs!

But at that instant something else did threaten. 

Through the arches and corridors of the State House rang the sounds oftumult, breaking on the hush with terrifying suddenness. One voice, shouting with frenzied violence, prefaced the general uproar; there wasthe crashing of shattered wood. 

The rifles barked angrily. 

"My God, North! I've been afraid of it!" Corson lamented. "You havecrowded 'em too hard!"

"I'm going by the law, Corson! The election law! The statute law! And theriot laws of this state! The law says a mob must be put down!"

An immediate and reassuring silence suggested that the law had prevailedand that a mob had been put down in this instance. Corson, whose face waswhite and whose eyes were distended, voiced that conviction. "If a ganghad been able to get in they'd be howling their heads off. But it wasquick over!"

The men in the Executive Chamber stood in their tracks and exchangedtroubled glances in silence. 

"Amos, what are you waiting for?" demanded His Excellency. 

"For a report--an official report on the matter, " mumbled theadjutant-general, steadying his trembling hands by shoving them inside hissword-belt. 

"Go down and find out what it all means. "

"I can save time by telephoning to the watchman's room, " demurred Totten. 

"Incidentally saving your skin!" the Governor rapped back. "But I don'tcare how you get the information, if only you get it and get it sudden!"

Totten went to the house telephone in the private secretary's room andcalled and waited; he called again and waited. 

"Nobody is on his job in this State House tonight!" His Excellency's fearshad wire-edged his temper. "By gad! you go down there and tend to yours, as I have told you to do, Amos, or I'll take that sword and race you alongthe corridor on the point of it!"

"We must be informed on what this means, " insisted the Senator. 

There was a rap on the private door. Again the men in the ExecutiveChamber swapped uneasy glances. Corson's demeanor invited the Governor toassume the responsibility. His Excellency was manifestly shirking. Helooked over his shoulder in the direction of the fireplace, as if he feltan impulse to arm himself with the ornamental poker and tongs. 

"May I come in?" The voice was that of the mayor of Marion. The voice wasdeprecatory. 

"Come in!" invited North. 

Morrison entered. He greeted them with a wide smile that did not fit theseriousness of the situation, as they viewed it. There was humor behindthe smile; it suggested suppressed hilarity; it hinted that he hadsomething funny to tell them. 

But their grim countenances did not encourage him. 

"If I am intruding on important business----"

"Shut the door behind you! What is it? What happened?" demanded North. 

Before shutting the door Morrison reached into the gloom behind him andpulled in a soldier. 

Stewart had put off his evening garb. He wore a business suit of theshaggy gray mixture that was one of the staples among the products of St. Ronan's mill. His matter-of-fact attire was not the only element that sethim out in sharp contrast among the claw-hammers and uniforms in the room;he was bubbling with undisguised merriment; Corson, Daunt, and theGovernor were sullenly anxious; even the young soldier looked flusteredand frightened. 

"I have brought along Paul Duchesne so that you may have it from his ownmouth! Go ahead, Duchesne! Let 'em in on the joke! Gentlemen, get readyfor a laugh!" Stewart set an example for them by a suggestive chuckle. 

"Your arrival in the State House seems to have been attended byconsiderable of a demonstration, " commented Senator Corson, recoveringhimself sufficiently to indulge in his animosity. "Judging from yoursuccess in starting other riots this evening, I ought to have guessed thatyou were in the neighborhood. "

"My arrival had nothing whatever to do with the demonstration, Senator. Goon, Duchesne!"

"I jomped myself, " stammered the soldier, a particularly crestfallenCanuck. 

"I see you don't grasp the idea, " Morrison hastened to put in. "We mustn'thave the flavor of the joke spoiled. I know Paul, here. He works in mymill. He has a little affliction that's rather common among FrenchCanadians. He's a jumper. " He suddenly clapped the youth on the shoulderand yelled "Hi!" so loudly that all the auditors leaped in trepidation. The soldier leaped the highest, flung his arms about wildly, and let out aresounding yelp. 

"That's the idea!" explained Stewart. "A congenital nervous trouble. Jumpers, they are called!"

"What the devil is this all about?" raged the Governor. 

"Tell 'em, Paul. Hurry up!"

"I gone off on de nap on a settee, " muttered Duchesne, twisting hisfingers together. 

General Totten winced. 

"Dere ban whole lot o' dem gone off on de nap, too, " asserted the guard, offering defense for himself. 

"By way of showing alertness, Totten!" growled the Senator. 

"So I ban dream somet'ing! Ba gar! I dream dat t'ree or two bobcat hecome--"

"Never mind the details of the dream, Paul!" interposed Morrison. "Thesegentlemen have business! Get 'em to the laugh, quick!"

"Ma big button on ma belt she caught on de crack between de slat of datsettee. And when I fight all dat bobcat dat jomp on maself, ba gee! it wasde settee dat fall on me and I fight dat all over de floor. Dat's all! Ohyes! Dey all wake up and shoot!"

"And nobody hurt!" stated Morrison. He gazed at the sour faces of thelisteners. "Great Scott! Doesn't Duchesne's battle to the death with asettee get even a grin? What's the matter with all of you?"

"We seem to be quite all right--in our normal senses, " returned theSenator, icily. "I believe there are persons who gibber and giggle atmishaps to others--but I also believe that such a peculiar sense of humoris confined largely to institutions for the refuge of the feeble-minded. "

"You may go back to your nap, Duchesne!" The mayor turned on the soldierand spoke sharply. He followed the young man to the door and closed itbehind Duchesne. 

He marched across the chamber and faced the surly Governor. "I brought theboy here, Your Excellency, so that you might get the thing straight. Ihope you believe him, even if you don't take much stock in me!" Morrison'sface matched the others in gravity. There was an incisive snap in histone. "I happened to be in the rotunda when the--"

"How did you happen to be in the rotunda, sir--past the guards?"

"I walked in. "

"By whose permission?"

"Why, I reckoned it must have been yours, " returned Stewart, calmly. 

"I gave no such permission. "

"Well, at any rate, I was informed by the guards that a special exceptionhad been made in my case. Furthermore, Governor North, you told me thisevening that if I needed any specific information I could find you at theState House. "

"By telephone, sir! By telephone! I distinctly stipulated that!"

"I'm sorry! I was considerably engrossed by other matters just then. Perhaps I didn't get you straight. However, telephone conferences are aptto be unsatisfactory for both parties. I'm glad I came up. I assure youit's no personal inconvenience to me, sir!"

"There's a fine system of military guard here, and a fine bunch to enforceit. That's what I've got on my mind to say!" whipped out the Senator. "Ifone man and a settee can show up your soldiers in that fashion, Totten, what will a real affair do to them?"

"Nobody sent for you, Mayor Morrison. Nobody understands why you're here, "stated Governor North. "You're not needed. "

The intruder hesitated for a few moments. His eyes found no welcome in anyof the faces in the Executive Chamber. He swapped a whimsical smile fortheir frowns. 

"Well, at all events, I'm here, " he said, mildly. 

He was carrying his overcoat on his arm, his hat in his hand. He wentacross the room and laid the garment carefully on the divan, smoothing itsfolds. His manner indicated that he felt that the coat might be lyingthere for some little time, and consideration for good cloth was ingrainedin a Morrison. 

XIV

THE IMPENDING SHAME OF A STATE

Morrison, returning from the shadows, standing in the light-flood from thegreat chandelier, confronted three men who were making no effort todisguise their angry hostility. 

The adjutant-general, nervously neutral, dreading incautious words thatwould reveal his unfortunate policy of politeness, tiptoed to the tableand laid there the bunch of keys. "I'm needed officially down-stairs, YourExcellency!"

"By Judas! I should think you were!"

Stewart placed a restraining hand on Totten's arm. "I beg your pardon, Governor, but we need the adjutant-general of the state in ourconference. "

"Conference about _what_?"

"About the situation that's developing outside, sir. "

"I'm principally interested in the situation that has developed inside. Injust what capacity do you appear here?"

There was offensive challenge in every intonation of North's voice. Hiseyes protruded, purple circlets made his cheek-bones look like littleknobs, he shoved forward his eye-glasses as far as the cord permitted andwaggled them with a hand that trembled. 

Morrison's good humor continued; his calmness was giving him a distinctadvantage, and North, still shaken by the panic of a few moments before, was forced farther off his poise by realization of that advantage. 

"Allow me to be present simply as an unprejudiced constituent of yours, Governor North. "

"Judging from all reports, I'm not sure whether you are a constituent ornot. I'm considerably doubtful about your politics, Morrison. "

"I hope you don't intend to read me out of the party, sir! But if thatquestion is in doubt, please permit me to be here as the mayor of the cityof Marion. There's no doubt about my being that!"

"Let me remind you that this is the State House, not City Hall. "

"But tolerate me for a few minutes! I beg of you, sir! Both of us aresworn executives!"

"Your duties lie where you belong--down in your city. This is the StateHouse, I repeat!"

"Do you absolutely refuse to give me a courteous hearing?"

"Under the circumstances, after your actions this evening, after yourpublic alliance with the mob and your boasts of what you were coming uphere to do, I'm taking no chances on you. You're only an intruder. Again, this is the State House!"

Morrison dropped his deference. He shot out a forefinger that was just asemphatic as the Governor's eye-glasses. "I accept your declaration as towhat this place is! It is the State House. It is the Big House of thePeople. I'm a joint owner in it. I'm here on my own ground as a citizen, as a taxpayer in this state. I have personal business here. Let me informyou, Governor North, that I'm going to stay until I finish that business. "

"That poppycock kind of reasoning would allow every mob-mucker in thisstate to rampage through here at his own sweet will. General Totten, calla corporal and his squad. Put this man out. "

Senator Corson grunted his indorsement and went to a chair and sat down. His Excellency was pursuing his familiar tactics in an emergency--therough tactics that were characteristic of him. In this case Senator Corsonapproved and allowed the Governor to boss the operation. 

"I-I think, Mayor Morrison, " ventured the adjutant-general, "consideringthat recent perfect understanding we had on the matter, that we'd do wellto keep this on the plane of politeness. "

"So do I, " Stewart agreed. 

"Then I hazard the guess that you'll accompany me down-stairs to the door. Calling a guard would be mutually embarrassing. "

"It sure would, " asserted Stewart, agreeing still. 

"Then--" The general crooked a polite arm and offered it. 

"But your guess was too much of a hazard! You don't win!"

However, Morrison turned on his heel and ran toward the private door. Heappeared to be solving all difficulties by flight. It was plain that thosein the room supposed so; their tension relaxed; the mayor of Marion wasmanifestly avoiding the ignominy of ejection from the Capitol by themilitia--and that would be a fine piece of news to be bruited on thestreets next day, if he had remained to force that issue!

Stewart flung open the door. But instead of stepping through he steppedback. "Come in, " he called. 

Paymaster Andrew Mac Tavish led the way, plodding stolidly, his neckparticularly rigid. Delora Bunker, stenographer at St. Ronan's mill, followed. Last came Patrolman Rellihan, his bulk nigh filling the door, his helmeted head almost scraping the lintel. He carried a night-stickthat resembled a flail-handle rather than the usual locust club. Morrisonslammed the door and Rellihan put his back against it. 

There was a profound hush in the Executive Chamber. The feet of those whoentered made no sound on the thick carpet. Those who were in the chamberoffered evidence of the truism that there are situations where words failto do justice to the emotions. 

Morrison was the first to speak. He walked to the table before uttering aword; on his way across the room his eyes were on the keys. When he leanedon the table he put one hand over them. "This invasion seems outrageous, gentlemen. Undoubtedly it is. But I have tried another plan with you andit did not succeed. I had hoped that I would not need these assistantswhom I have just called in. "

"Totten, go bring the guard!" North's voice was balefully subdued. 

Rellihan looked straight ahead and twirled his stick. 

"I apologize for stretching my special exception a bit, and introducingthese guests past the boys at the door, " Stewart went on. "I'm breakingthe rules of politeness--and the rules of everything else, I'm afraid. Butall rules seem to be suspended to-night!"

"Totten!" the Governor roared, pounding his fist on the arm of his chair. 

Morrison gave the policeman a side-glance as if to inform himself that allwas right with Rellihan. 

Then he pulled a handy chair to the table and motioned to Miss Bunker. Shesat down and opened her note-book. 

"I have come here on business, gentlemen, and you must allow me to followsome of my business methods. The heat of argument often causes men toforget what has been said. I'm willing to leave what I may say to therecord, and, in view of the fact that all this is public business, I trustI'll have your co-operation along the same line. And there's a young ladypresent, " he added. "That fact will help us to get along wonderfully welltogether. "

"What's that devilish policeman doing at my door?" demanded the Governor, finding that his frantic gestures were not starting the adjutant-generalon his way. 

"Insuring complete privacy!" The mayor beamed on the Governor. "Nothinggets in--nothing gets out!"

North grabbed the telephone instrument on his desk. 

One of Stewart's hands was covering the keys; with the fingers of theother hand he had been fumbling under the edge of the desk. He suddenlypulled wires from the confining staples; he yanked a big mill-knife fromhis trousers pocket and cut the wires. North flung a dead instrumentclattering on the broad table and found only oaths fit to apply to thisperfectly amazing effrontery. 

"You need not take, Miss Bunker!" The quiet dignity of Morrison and therebuke the Governor found in the girl's contemplative eyes choked off theprofanity as effectively as would gripping fingers at his throat. 

"I realize that all this is absolutely unprecedented--has never been donebefore--is unadulterated gall on my part, Governor North. Perhaps Ihaven't a leg to stand on. "

"Morrison, this infernal nonsense must cease!"

Senator Corson shouted, leaping from his chair and shaking both fists. 

"You need not take, Miss Bunker!"

Corson gulped and surveyed the young lady, and found her eyes asdisconcertingly rebuking as they had proved in the case of North. 

"Not especially on account of the style of your language, Senator! But youare merely a visitor here, the same as I! At the present time yourcomments on the business between the Governor and myself can scarcely haveany weight in the record. "

"What in blazes is that business? Get it out of you!" commanded the otherprincipal in the controversy. 

"With pleasure! Thank you for coming down to the matter in hand. You maytake, Miss Bunker. 

"Governor North, I have been about among people this evening and--"

"You have been making incendiary speeches, and I demand to know what youhave said and why you have said it!"

"I have no time now to go into those details. My business is morepressing, sir. "

"You're in cahoots with a mob! I saw you operating, with my own eyes, under my own roof, " asserted Senator Corson, violently. 

"I have no time for discussing that matter. " Morrison looked up at theclock on the wall. "This other business, I assert, is urgent. "

Banker Daunt had been holding his peace, growling anathema to himself inthe depths of a big chair. 

He struggled to the edge of that chair. "I am in this building right nowto warn the Governor of this state that you are playing your own selfishgame to stifle enterprise and development and to discourage outsidecapital--hundreds of thousands of it--waiting to come in here. "

"Pardon me, sir! I have no time to discuss water-power, either! Right nowI'm submitting news instead of theories!" He faced the Governor again. "That's why I'm here--I'm bringing news. That news must put everythingelse to one side. We have minutes only to deal with the matter. And if wedon't use those minutes with all the wisdom that's in us, the shame of ourstate will be on the wires of the world inside of an hour!"

His vehemence intimidated them. His manner as the bearer of ill tidingswon what his appeals had not secured--an instant hearing. 

"What I say will be a matter of record, and the blame will be placed whereit belongs. You can't claim that you didn't have facts. I have been amongthe people. I have sent others among 'em and I have received reports and Iknow what I am talking about. There's a mob massing down-town--a mob madeup of many different elements! That kind of mob can't be handled by merearguments or by machine-guns. That mob must be shown! Talking won't do anygood. Just a moment! You won't do what you ought to do, Governor, unlessyou have this thing driven straight at you! In that mob are the men whohave voted for various members of the legislature who claim seats andwhose seats are threatened. It's a personal matter with those men. Youcan't soft-soap 'em to-night with promises of what the courts will do. Several hundred huskies are on the way over here from the Agawam quarriesThose men don't care about this or that candidate. They have been paid tograb in on general principles--and they're bringing sledge-hammers. Inthat mob, also, are the Red aliens who keep under cover till a row breaksout; any kind of trouble suits their purpose--and you know what theirpurpose is in regard to this government of ours. They're coming, I tellyou. They're coming on to Capitol Hill!"

"And what have you been doing to stop 'em, after all your promises of whatyou'd do?" raged North. 

"I've been doing the best I could, with what loyal boys I could depend on. But I want to know now what _you're_ going to do?"

"Shoot every damnation thug of 'em who gets in range of our machine-guns. Totten, hustle yourself down-stairs and see that it's done!"

"Genera! Totten will not leave this room--not now! You're all wrong, Governor. "

"That's the way a mob was handled in one state In this Union not so verylong ago, and the Governor was right! He was hailed from one end of thecountry to the other as right!"

"The principle behind him was right--that's what you mean, Governor North. That was just the point he made!"

"Do you dare to stand there and intimate that I haven't got principlebehind me? Statute law, election law?"

Morrison glanced again at the clock; then he tossed a bomb into theargument. "The principle in this instance is a pretty wabbly backing, sir. I'm afraid that even my loyal boys will join the mob if the news gets outabout those election returns in certain districts--the returns that weresent back secretly to be corrected. "

The bomb had all the effect that Morrison hoped for. His Excellencyslumped back in his chair and "pittered" his lips wordlessly. 

"I don't think the news has actually got out among the general public, butit's apt to leak any minute, sir. You can't afford to take chances. "

"Such slander is preposterous!" Corson asserted. "What used to bedone--reviving old stories--I say that our party will not lend itscountenance to any such tricks. " In his excitement he had dropped anadmission as to the past in politics while offering a disclaimer as to thepresent. 

"There's no time now for any political discussions, " retorted Morrison, curtly. "It's a matter right now of side-tracking a fight. If that fightcomes off, Governor North, the truth will come out. And you can't point toa principle in your case as an excuse for bloodshed!"

"If a mob attacks this State House there's got to be a fight. "

"It takes two to make a fight, sir. Order General Totten to march histroops out of the State House. Machine-guns and all! Tell 'em to go homeand go to bed. "

That audacious advice was a second bomb!

After a few moments Senator Corson leaped out of his chair, strode acrossthe room, and plucked his coat and hat from the divan. "Come along, Daunt!" he counseled, his voice cracking hoarsely. 

"Hold on, Senator!" expostulated the Governor. "I need your help!"

"I won't allow myself to be mixed into this mess, North. I can't afford tohelp shoulder the blame where I have not been fully informed. And I won'tallow a lunatic to endanger my life. Come on, Daunt, I tell you!"

"If you're bound to go, I'll go along, too, " proffered the Governor, rising hastily. "This thing can be handled. It's got to be handled. We'llgo where this infernal, clattering loom from St. Ronan's mill can't breakup a gentlemen's conference. "

Stewart did not suggest that the gentlemen remain; nor did he offer to go;nor did he plead for a decision. He stood quietly and watched them pull ontheir overcoats. 

The Senator led the retreat toward the private door. 

Morrison dropped the captured bunch of keys into his pocket. 

Rellihan held his club horizontally in front of him with both hands. 

"Get out of the way!" yelped Corson. 

The officer shook his head. 

"General Totten, open that door. "

"No chance!" Rellihan growled. 

North wagged his way close to the barring "fender" and shook an admonitoryfinger under the policeman's nose. "I'm the Governor of this state! Iorder you to move away from that door. "

"I can't help what ye are! I'm taking me orders on'y fr'm the mayor o'Marion. "

"You see, gentlemen!" suggested Morrison. "It looks as if we'd be obligedto settle our business right where we are--in this room. Time is short. Won't you come back here to the table?"

There was absolute silence in the Executive Chamber--a silence thatcontinued. The dignitaries at the door deigned to accord to Morrisonneither glance nor word; they would not indulge his incredible audacity tothat extent. As to Rellihan, they did not feel like stooping so low as towaste words on the impassive giant who personified an ignorant insolencethat made no account of personalities. They adventured in no move againstthat obstacle in their path, either by concerted attack or individualeffort to pass. They looked like wakened sleepers who were struggling withthe problems proposed in a nightmare. It was a situation which seemedbeyond solution by the ordinary sensible methods. 

After a time Governor North voiced in a coarse manner, inadequately, someexpression of the emotion that was dominating the group. "What in hell isthe matter with us, anyway?"

Again there was a prolonged silence. 

"Seeing that nobody else seems to want to express an opinion on thesubject, I'll tell you what the matter is, as I look at it, " venturedStewart, chattily matter-of-fact. "We're all native-born Americans in thisroom. Right down deep in our hearts we're not afraid of our soldiers. Wegood-naturedly indulge the boys when they are called on to exerciseauthority. But from the time an American youngster begins to steal applesand junk and throw snowballs and break windows a healthy fear of a regularcop is ingrained in him. It's a fear he doesn't stop to analyze. It's justthere, that's all he knows. Even a perfectly law-abiding citizen walkinghome late feels a little tingle of anxiety in him when he marches past acop. Puts on an air as much as to say, 'I hope you think I'm all right, officer--tending right to my own business!' So, in this case, it's onlyyour ingrained American nature talking to you, gentlemen! You're allright! Nothing is the matter with you! It ought to please you because youfeel that way! Proves you are truly American. 'Don't monkey with the cop!'Just as long as we obey that watchword we've got a good government!"

Senator Corson was more infuriated by that bland preachment than he wouldhave been by vitriolic insult. While he marched back to the table heprefaced his arraignment of Morrison by calling him an impudent pup. Hedwelt on that subject with all his power of invective for some minutes. 

"I agree with you, Senator, " admitted Morrison when Corson stopped togather more ammunition of anathema. "But what are you going to do aboutit?"

He asked the same question after the Senator had finished a statement ofhis opinion on the obstinacy of the lunkhead at the door. 

The Senator kept on in his objurgation. But whenever he looked at the doorhe found the policeman there, an immovable obstacle. 

Whenever Corson looked at Morrison he met everlastingly that hatefulquery. 

Both the question and the cop were impossible, impassable. Corson foundthe thing too outrageously ridiculous to be handled by sane argument; hisinsanity in declamation was getting him nowhere. 

"There's only one subject before the meeting, " insisted Stewart. "We'vegot to keep this state from being ashamed of itself when it wakes upto-morrow morning!"

Somewhere, in some hidden place in the room, a subdued buzzing began andcontinued persistently. 

The understanding that passed between Corson and North in the glance whichthey exchanged was immediate and highly informative, even had the observerbeen obtuse. But in that crisis Stewart Morrison was not obtuse. 

Whether it was deference, one to the other, or caution in general that wasdominating the Senator and the Governor was not clearly revealed by theircountenance. At any rate, they made no move. 

"Pardon me, Senator Corson, " said Stewart. "I'm quite sure I know wherethe other end of that telephone line is. I think your daughter iscalling!" His inquisitive eyes were searching the walls of the chamber;the source of the buzzing was not easily to be located by the sound. 

The Governor suddenly dumped himself out of his chair and started acrossthe room. 

Morrison strode into His Excellency's path and extended a restraining armthat was as authoritative as Rellihan's club. "I beg your pardon, too, Governor! But that call is undoubtedly for Senator Corson. I happen toknow quite a lot about the conveniences in his residence!"

"And all the evening you have been using that knowledge to help you inviolating my hospitality! Morrison, you're not much else than a sneak!"affirmed Corson. 

The Governor struck his fist against the rigid arm and spat an oath inMorrison's face, "Get out of my way! I'm in my own office--I'll tend tothat call!"

"No, you'll not!" was Morrison's quick rejoinder. "Senator Corson, if youwant to inform your daughter that you're all safe--if you want to ask hernot to worry, you'd better answer. But I must insist that a private lineshall not be used to convey out of this room any of our public business!"

Corson then became the only moving figure in the tableau; he went to thewall, pushed aside a huge frame which held the state's coat of arms, andpulled from a niche a telephone on an extension arm. He proceeded todisplay his utter contempt for commands issuing from the absurd interloperwho was presuming in such dictation to dignity "Yes! Lana! CallHigh-sheriff Dalton! As quickly as possible! Tell him to secure a posse. Tell him I'm in the State House, threatened by a lunatic. Tell him--"

By that time Morrison was at Corson's side and was wresting the instrumentfrom the wall. He broke off the arm and the wires and flung them acrossthe room. 

"There's fight enough on the docket, as the thing stands, without callingin another bunch to make it three-sided, sir! Rellihan, open the door forMac Tavish! Andy, run to the public booth in the corridor and call Daltonand tell him to pay no attention to any hullabaloo by hysterical women. Tell him I said so! Ask him to keep that to himself. And rush back!"

He turned on the Senator and the Governor. 

There was no longer apology or compromise in the demeanor of the mayor ofMarion. "I know I'm a rank outsider! You needn't try to tell me what Iknow myself. I didn't think I'd need to be so rank! But I'm just whatyou're forcing me to be. I have jumped in here to stop something thatthere's no more sense in than there is in a dog-fight. They may fight inspite of all I can do! But, by the gods! I'm not going to stand by and seemen like you rub their ears! Senator Corson, I advise you and GovernorNorth to go and sit down. You're only making spectacles of yourselves!"

XV

THE BOSS OF THE JOB

After Senator Corson had recovered his poise his dignity asserted itselfand he sat down and assumed an attitude that suggested the frigidity of astatue on an ice-cake. He checked Governor North with an impatient flap ofthe hand. "You have had your innings as a manager, North!"

He proceeded frostily with Morrison. "There was never a situation in statehistory like this one you have precipitated, sir, and if I have made anass of myself I was copying current manners. "

"It is a strange situation, I'll admit, Senator, " Morrison agreed. 

"As a newsmonger, you say, do you, that minutes are valuable?"

"Yes, sir!"

"Well, we'd better find out how valuable they are. Will you send GeneralTotten below to investigate?"

Morrison surveyed appraisingly the panoplied adjutant-general. "I'd neverthink of making General Totten an errand-boy, sir, if I'm to imply that Ihave any say in affairs just now. "

"You have assumed all say! You have put gentlemen in a position where theycan't help themselves. " The Senator scowled in the direction of Rellihan. But Rellihan did not mind; right then he was opening the door to thereturning Mac Tavish. 

"I routed Mac Tavish out of bed and brought him along to attend toerrands. He will go and see how matters are below, and outside, " profferedMorrison, courteously. 

The self-appointed manager gave Mac Tavish his new orders and added:"Inquire, please, if any telegrams have arrived for me. I'm expectingsome. "

Rellihan again deferentially opened the door for the messenger of themayor of Marion; Mac Tavish had knocked and given his name. "It's allricht, sir!" he had reported on his arrival from his mission to thetelephone. 

The exasperated Governor viewed that free ingress and muttered. 

Mac Tavish's unimpeded egress on the second errand provoked the Governormore acutely. 

"Morrison, I'm now talking strictly for myself, " went on the Senator. "Ishall use plain words. By your attitude you directly accuse me of being arenegade in politics. To all intents and purposes I am under arrest, as aperson dangerous to be at large in the affairs that are pressing. "

"Senator Corson, I don't believe you ever did a deliberately wrong orwicked thing in your life, as an individual. "

"I thank you!"

"But deliberately political methods can be wicked in their generalresults, even if those methods are sanctioned by usage. It's wicked tostart a fight here to-night by allowing political misunderstandings toplay fast and loose with the people. "

"You're a confounded imbecile, that's what you are, " shouted GovernorNorth. 

The mayor turned on him. "Replying in the same sort of language, so thatyou may understand right where you and I get off in our relations, I'lltell you that you're the kind of man who would use grandmothers in amatched fight to settle a political grudge--if the other fellow had agrandmother and you could borrow one. Now let me alone, sir! I am talkingwith Senator Corson!"

The Senator squelched the Governor with another gesture. "We have ourlaws, Morrison. We must abide by 'em. And the political game must beplayed according to the law. "

"I think I have already expressed my opinion to you about that game, sir. I'll say again that in this country politics is no longer a mere game tobe played for party advantage and the aggrandizement of individuals. Thefolks won't stand for that stuff any longer. "

"I think you and North, both of you, are overexcited. You're going offhalf cocked. You are exaggerating a tempest in a teapot. "

"If every community in this country gets right down to business and stopsthe teapot tempests by good sense in handling them when they start, we'llbe able to prevent a general tornado that may sweep us all to Tophet, Senator Corson. "

"Legislation on broad lines will remedy our troubles. We are busy inWashington on such matters. "

"Good luck to the cure-all, sir! But in the mean time we need specificdoses, right at home, in every community, early and often. That's what weought to be tending to to-night, here in Marion. If every city and towndoes the same thing, the country at large won't have to worry. "

Senator Corson kept his anxious gaze on the private door. "Well, let'shave it, Morrison! You seem to be bossing matters, just as you threatenedto do. What's your dose in this case?"

"I wasn't threatening! I was promising. "

"Promising what?"

"That the people would get a square deal in this legislative matter. "

"You don't underrate your abilities, I note!"

"Oh, I was not promising to do it myself. I have no power in statepolitics. I was promising that Governor North and his Executive Councilorswho canvassed the election returns would give the folks a square deal. "

In his rage the Governor, defying such presumptuous interference, was notfortunate in phrasing his declaration that Morrison had no right topromise any such thing. 

The big millman surveyed His Excellency with a whimsical expression ofdistress. "Why, I supposed I had the right to promise that much on behalfof our Chief Executive. You aren't going to deny 'em a square deal--youdon't mean that, do you, sir?"

"Confound your impudence, you have no right to twist my meaning. I'm goingby the law--strictly by the statutes! The question will be put up to thecourt. "

"Certainly!" affirmed Senator Corson. "It must go to the court. "

Just then Rellihan slammed the private door with a sort of officialviolence. 

Mac Tavish had entered. He marched straight to Morrison with the stiffjerkiness of an automaton. He carried a sealed telegram and held it as farin front of himself as possible. Stewart seized upon it and tore theenvelope. "I'm glad to hear you say that about the court, gentlemen. Ihave taken a liberty this evening. Will you please wait a moment while Iglance at this?"

It was plainly, so his manner indicated, something that had a bearing onthe issue. They leaned forward and attended eagerly on him when he beganto read aloud:

"My opinion hastily given for use if emergency is such as you mention isthat mere technicalities, clerical errors that can be shown to be such orminor irregularities should not be allowed to negative will of voter whensame has been shown beyond reasonable doubt. Signed, Davenport, JudgeSupreme Judicial Court. "

Morrison waited a few moments, gazing from face to face. Then he leanedacross the table and gave the telegram into the hands of Miss Bunker. "Make it a part of the record, please, " he directed. 

"Well, I'll be eternally condemned!" roared the Governor. "You're a rankoutsider. You don't know what you're talking about. How do you dare toinvolve the judges? They don't know what they're talking about, either, ona point of law, in this case. "

"Perhaps Judge Davenport isn't talking law, wholly, in that telegram. Hemay be saying a word as an honest man who doesn't want to see his statedisgraced by riot and bloodshed to-night. " The mayor addressed Mac Tavishwith eager emphasis. "What do you find down below, Andy?"

"Nae pairticular pother withindoors. Muckle powwow wi'out, " reported theold man, tersely. 

"Then you got a look outside?"

"Aye! When I took the message frae the telegraph laddie at the door. "

"Was Joe Lanigan in sight?"

"Aye!"

"It's all right so far, gentlemen, " the mayor assured his involuntaryconferees. "Joe is on the job with his American Legion boys, as hepromised me he'd be. Now I'm going to be perfectly frank and inform youthat I have made a promise of my own in this case. I haven't meant to bepresumptuous. I don't want you to feel that I've got a swelled head. I'mmerely trying to keep my word and carry out a contract on a businessoasis. It's only a matter of starting right; then everything can be keptright. "

He whirled on Mac Tavish. "Trot down again, Andy. I'm expecting moremessages. And keep us posted on happenings!"

"Are such humble persons as North and I are entitled to be let in on anydetails of your contract, Mister Boss-in-Chief?" inquired the Senator. 

"I think the main contract is your own, sir--yours and the Governor's. Idon't like to seem too forward in suggesting what it is. "

"Nothing you can say or do from now on will seem forward, Morrison. Evenif you should order that Hereford steer, there, at the door, to bang usover our heads with his shillalah, it would seem merely like ananticlimax, matched with the rest of your cheek! What's the contract?"

"You and North stated the terms of it, yourselves, when you werecampaigning last election. You said that if you were elected you'd be theservants of the people. "

"What in the devil do you claim we are now?"

"I make no assertion. But when I was down with the bunch this evening Iwas able to get into the spirit of the crowd. I found myself, feeling, just as they said they felt, that it's a queer state of affairs whenservants barricade themselves in a master's castle and use other paidservants to threaten with rifles and machine-guns when the master demandsentry. "

"I'd be carrying out my contract, would I, by disbanding that militia andopening this State House to the mob?" demanded North. 

"This is a peculiar emergency, sir, " Morrison insisted. "Outside aremassing all the elements of a know-nothing, rough-house mêlée. Even theLegion boys don't know just where they're at till there's a showdown. Ican depend on 'em right now while they're waiting for that showdown. They'll fight their finger-nails off to hold the plain rowdies in line. Such boys have been showing their mettle in one city in this country, haven't they? But a mere licking, no matter which side wins, doesn't lastlong enough for any general good unless the licking is based on principleand the principle is thereby established as right! Now let me tell you, Governor North. You can't fool those Legion boys outside. They have comehome with new conceptions of what is a square deal. They're plumb on tothe old-fashioned tricks in cheap politics. They're not lettingofficeholders play checkers with 'em any longer. 

"Governor--and you, Senator Corson--this is now a question of to-night--anemergency--an exigency! I have told those boys that they will be shown!You've got to show 'em. Show 'em that this State House is always open todecent citizens. Show 'em that you, as officeholders, don't needmachine-guns to back you up in your stand. " He emphasized each declarationby a resounding thump of his fist on the table. "Show 'em that it's asquare deal, and that your cuffs are rolled up when you deal! Show 'ernthat you're not bluffing honestly elected members of this incominglegislature out of their seats by closing the doors on 'em to-morrow. That's your contract! Are you going to keep it?"

Mac Tavish returned. He brought another telegram. 

Morrison ripped the inclosure from the envelope. 

"It's of the same purport as the other, " he reported. "Signed, 'Madigan, Justice Supreme Judicial Court. ' Back to the door, Mac Tavish. Here, MissBunker, insert this in the record. "

"This is simply preposterous!" exploded the Senator. 

"Rather irregular, certainly, " Stewart confessed. "But I didn't ask 'emfor red tape! I asked 'em for quick action to prevent bloodshed!"

Senator Corson's fresh fury did not allow him to reason with himself orargue with this interloper, this lunatic who was flailing about in thatsanctuary of vested authority, knocking down hallowed procedure, sacredprecedents--all the gods of the fane!

"Morrison, no such an outrage as this was ever perpetrated in Americanpolitics!"

"It surely does seem to be a new wrinkle, Senator! I'll confess that Idon't know much about politics. It's all new to me. I apologize for themistakes I'm making. Probably I'll know more when I've been in politics alittle longer. "

"You will, sir!"

Governor North agreed with that dictum, heartily, irefully. 

"I do seem to be finding out new things every minute or so, " went onStewart, making the agreement unanimous. "Taking your opinion as experts, perhaps I may qualify as an expert, too, before the evening is over. "

"Where is this infernal folly of yours heading you?" Corson permitted hiswrath to dominate him still farther. He shook his fist under Morrison'snose. 

"Straight toward a Bright Light, Senator! I'm putting no name on it. ButI'm keeping my eyes on it. And I can't stop to notice what I'm knockingdown or whose feet I'm treading on. "

The Senator went to Governor North and struck his fist down on HisExcellency's shoulder. "I've been having some doubts about your methods, sir, but now I'm with you, shoulder to shoulder, to save this situation. Pay no attention to those telegrams. There's no telling what that idiothas wired to the justices. This man has not an atom of authority. Youcannot legally share your authority with him. To defer to one of hisdemands will be breaking your oath to preserve order and protect stateproperty. "

"Exactly! I don't need that advice, Corson, but I do need your support. Ishall go ahead strictly according to the constitution and the statutes. "

"I am glad to hear you say that, Governor, " stated Morrison. 

"Did you expect that I was going to join you and your mob of lawbreakers?"

"Your explicit statement pleases me, I say. Shall you follow theconstitution absolutely, in every detail?"

"Absolutely! In every detail. "

"Right down to the last technical letter of it?"

"Good gad! what do you mean by asking me such fool questions?"

"I'm getting a direct statement from you on the point. For the record!" Hepointed to the stenographer. 

"I shall observe the constitution of this state to the last letter of it, absolutely, undeviatingly. And now, as Governor of this state, I shallproceed to exert my authority. Put that statement in the record! I orderyou to leave the State House immediately. Record that, too! Otherwise Ishall prefer charges before the courts that will put you in state prison, Morrison!"

"Do you know exactly the provisions of the constitution relating to youroffice, sir?"

"I do. "

"Don't you realize that, according to the technical stand you take, youhave no more official right in this Capitol than I have, just now?"

His Excellency's silence, his stupefaction, suggested that his convictionsas to Morrison's lunacy were finally clinched. 

"The constitution, that you have invoked, expressly provides that aGovernor's term of office expires at midnight, on the day preceding theassembling of the first session of the legislature. You will be Governorin the morning at ten-thirty o'clock, when you take your oath before thejoint session. But by your own clock up there you ceased to be Governor ofthis state five minutes ago!" Morrison drawled that statement in a veryplacid manner. His forefinger pointed to the clock on the wall of theExecutive Chamber. 

Governor North did know the constitution, even if he did not know the timeo' night until his attention had been drawn to it. He was disconcertedonly for a moment; then he snorted his disgust, roused by this attempt ofa tyro to read him a lesson in law. 

Senator Corson expressed himself. "Don't bother us with such nonsense!Such a ridiculous point has never been raised. "

"But this is a night of new wrinkles, as we have already agreed, " insistedthe mayor of Marion. "I'm right along with the Governor, neck and neck, inhis observance of the letter of the law. "

"Well, then, we'll stick to the letter, " snapped His Excellency. "I havedeclared this State House under martial law. The adjutant-general, here, is in command of the troops and the situation. "

"I'm glad to know that. I'll talk with General Totten in a moment!"

Again Mac Tavish came trotting past Rellihan. 

Morrison snatched away the telegram that his agent proffered; but themaster demanded news before proceeding to open the missive. 

"There's summat in the air, " reported Andrew. "Much blust'ring; the squareis crowded! Whilst I was signing the laddie's book Lanigan cried me theword for ye to look sharp and keep the promise, else he wouldna answer fora'!"

"Gentlemen, I'll let you construe your own contracts according to yourconsciences. I have one of my own to carry out. Mac Tavish has just handedme a jolt on it!

"Governor North, seeing that your contract with the state is temporarilysuspended, I suppose we'll have to excuse you to some extent, after all!Mac Tavish, step here, close to me!"

The old man obeyed; the two stood in the full glare of the chandelier. 

Stewart held up his right hand. "You're a notary public, Andrew. Administer an oath! Like that one you administered to me when I was swornin as mayor of Marion. You can remember the gist of it. "

"In what capaceety do you serve, Master Morrison?" inquired Mac Tavish, stolidly. 

Stewart hesitated a moment, taking thought. "I'm going to volunteer as asort of an Executive, gentlemen, " he explained, deferentially. "Theexigency seems to need one. I have heard that a good Executive is one whoacts quickly and is right--part of the time! I'm indebted to SenatorCorson for a suggestion he made a little while ago. I think, Mac Tavish, you'd better swear me in as Boss of the Job. "

XVI

THE CITY OF MARION SEEKS ITS MAYOR

Gaiety's glaring brilliancy on Corson Hill had been effectually snuffed bythe onslaught of the mob. The mansion hid its lights behind shades andshutters. The men of the orchestra had packed their instruments; thedismayed guests put on their wraps and called for their carriages. 

In the place of lilting violins and merry tongues, hammers clattered andsaws rasped; the servants were boarding up the broken windows. 

Lana Corson, closeted with Mrs. Stanton, found the discord below-stairspeculiarly hateful; it suggested so much, replacing the music. 

The rude hand of circumstance had been laid so suddenly on the melody oflife!

"And I'll say again--" pursued Mrs. Stanton, breaking a silence that hadlain between the two. 

"Don't say it again! Don't! Don't!" It was indignant expostulation insteadof supplication and the matron instantly exhibited relief. 

"Thank goodness, Lana! Your symptoms are fine! You're past the crisis andare on the mend. Get angrier! Stay angry! It's a healthy sign in any womanrecovering from such a relapse as has been threatening you since you cameback home. "

"Will you not drop the topic?" demanded Miss Corson, with as much menaceas a maiden could display by tone and demeanor. 

"As your nurse in this period of convalescence, " insisted theimperturbable lady, "I find your temperature encouraging. The higher thebetter, in a case like this! But I'd like to register on your chart ahard-and-fast declaration from you that you'll never again expose yourselfto infection from the same quarter!"

Lana did not make that declaration; she did not reply to her friend. 

The two were in the Senator's study. Lana had led the retreat to thatapartment; its wainscoted walls and heavy door shut out in some measurethe racket of hammers and saws. 

She walked to the window and pulled aside the curtain and looked out intothe night. 

Between Corson Hill and Capitol Hill, in the broad bowl of a valley, mostof the structures of the city of Marion were nested. The State Houseloomed darkly against the radiance of the winter sky. 

She was still wondering what that blood-stained intruder had meant when hedeclaimed about the job waiting on Capitol Hill, and she found disquietingsuggestiveness in the gloom which wrapped the distant State House. Eventhe calm in the neighborhood of the Corson mansion troubled her; the sceneof the drama, whatever it was all about, had been shifted; the talk of menhad been of prospective happenings at the State House, and that talk wasominous. Her father was there. She was fighting an impulse to hasten tothe Capitol and she assured herself that the impulse was wholly concernedwith her father. 

"I'll admit that the thoughts of youth are long, long thoughts, just asthat poet has said they are, " Mrs. Stanton went on, one topic engrossingher. "But I'm assuming that there's an end to 'em, just as there is to themuch-talked-of long lane. In poems there's a lot of nonsense aboutmarrying one's own first love--and I suppose the thing is done, sometimes. Yes, I'm quite sure of it, because it's written up so often in the divorcecases. If I had married any one of the first five fellows I was engagedto, probably my own case would have been on record in the newspapersbefore this. Lana dear, why don't you come here and sit down and confidein a friend and assure her that you're safe and sane from now on?"

Miss Corson, as if suddenly made aware that somebody in the room wastalking, snapped herself 'bout face. 

"Doris, what are you saying to me?"

"I'm giving you a little soothing dissertation on love--the right kind oflove--the sensible kind--"

"How do you dare to annoy me with such silliness in a time like this?"

"Why, because this is just the right moment for you to tell me that youare forever done with the silly kind of love. Mushy boy-and-girl love iswholly made up of illusions. This Morrison man isn't leaving you anyillusions in regard to himself, is he?"

Miss Corson came away from the window with a rush; her cheeks weredanger-flags. "You seem to be absolutely determined to drive me to saysomething dreadful to you, Doris! I've been trying so hard to rememberthat you're my guest. "

"Your friend, you mean!"

"You listen to me! I'm making my own declarations to myself about the menin this world--the ones I know. If I should say out loud what I think ofthem--or if I should say what I think of friends who meddle and maunder onabout love--_love_--I'd be ashamed if I were overheard. Now not anotherword, Doris Stanton!" She stamped her foot and beat her hand hard on thetable in a manner that smacked considerably of the Senator's violence whenhis emotions were stirred. "I'm ashamed of myself for acting like this. Ihate such displays! But I mean to protect myself. And now keep quiet, ifyou please. I have something of real importance to attend to, even if youhaven't. "

She went to a niche in the wall and pulled out the private telephoneinstrument; the pressure of a button was required to put in a call. Afterthe prolonged wait, Senator Corson's voice sounded, high-pitched, urgent. His appeal was broken short off. 

Lana stared at Mrs. Stanton while making futile efforts to get a reply tofrantic questions; fear paled the girl's face and widened her eyes. 

"What has happened, Lana?"

"It's father! He asked for help! It's something--some danger--somethingdreadful. " She clung to the telephone for several minutes, demanding, listening, hoping for further words--the completion of his orders to her. 

Then, abandoning her efforts, she made haste to call the sheriff of thecounty, using the study extension of the regular telephone. 

The customary rattle informed her that the line was in use, after she hadcalled for the number, looking it up in the directory. When she finallydid succeed in getting the ear of the sheriff she was informed inplacatory orotund by that official that all her fears were groundless. "Ihave been talking with the State House just before you called me, MissCorson. I am assured on the best of authority that everything is allright, there. " He was plainly indulging what he accepted as the vagariesof hysteria--having been apprised by the matter-of-fact Mac Tavish thatsome nonsensical news might come through an excited female. "I think youmust have misconstrued what your father said. My informant is known to meas reliable. Oh no, Miss Corson, I cannot give you his name. It's a ruleof the sheriff's office that individuals who give information have theiridentities respected. If the Senator is at the State House you canundoubtedly reach him by 'phone in the Executive Chamber. " He placidlybade her good night. 

But Miss Corson was unable to communicate with the Executive Chamber. 

After many delays she was informed that central had tried repeatedly anddirectly through the State House exchange, as was the custom after thedeparture of the exchange operators for the night; central officiallyreported, "Line out of order. "

During her efforts to communicate, Coventry Daunt hastened into the study;he had tapped and he obeyed his sister's admonition, "Come in!"

"I tell you something terrible is the matter, " Lana declared, giving upher efforts to get news over the wire. "Coventry, your looks tell me thatyou have heard bad news of some sort!"

"I don't want to be an alarmist, " admitted young Daunt, "but all sorts ofwhip-whap stuff" seem to be in the air all of a sudden. I just took a rundown to the foot of the hill. The bees are buzzing a little livelier therethan they are in the neighborhood of the house. Up here some soldier boysare waving their bayonets and fat cops are swinging clubs. We're allright, ladies, but there are all sorts of stories about what's likely tohappen up at the State House. I've come to tell you that if you can dowithout me I think I'll take a swing over to Capitol Hill. I don't want tomiss anything good, and I'll bring back straight news. "

"I can't endure to wait here for news, Coventry, " Lana said. "Order thecar; I'll go along with you. "

"It's absolute folly!" declared Mrs. Stanton, aghast, "Haven't you hadenough experience with mobs for one evening?"

"I am going to my father, mobs or no mobs! I know his voice and I knowhe's in trouble, no matter what that idiot of a sheriff tells me. " Shehurried to the door. "Order the car, I say! I'll get my wraps. "

Mrs. Stanton divided rueful gaze between her own evening gown and Lana's. "Are you going with that dress on?"

"I certainly am!" Lana called from the corridor, running toward herapartments. 

"Well, " Mrs. Stanton informed her brother, "this gown has served me allevening during the political rally that somebody tried to pass off as areception. Probably it will do very well for the mob-affair. I'll go formy furs. "

"That's a brick!" was her brother's indorsement. "She needs us both. Butdon't be frightened, sis! It's only a political flurry, and such fussesare usually more fizz than fight. I'll have the car around to the door ina jab of a jiffy!"

By the time the limousine swung under the _porte-cochère_ Lana was downand waiting; Mrs. Stanton came hurrying after, ready to defy a Januarymidnight in a cocoon of kolinsky. 

Coventry had ridden from the garage with the chauffeur. "I have beentalking with Wallace. He thinks he'd better drive to the State House bydetour through the parkway. "

"Go straight down through the city, " commanded the mistress. "I'm notafraid of my hometown folks. Besides, I have an errand. Stop at the Marion_Monitor_ office, Wallace!"

The city certainly offered no cause for alarm when they traversed thestreets of the business district. Nobody was in sight; they did not seeeven a patrolman. 

"The bees seem to have hived all of a sudden, " remarked young Daunt. "Allfizz, as I told you, and now the fizz has fizzled. "

When the car stopped in front of the newspaper office Lana asked herguests to wait in the automobile. "That is, if you don't mind!" Then MissCorson revealed a bit of nerve strain; she allowed herself to copy some ofthe sarcasm that was characteristic of Doris Stanton. "One of those oldfriends whom we have been discussing so pleasantly this evening, Doris, isthe city editor of the _Monitor_. Gossipy, of course, from the nature ofhis business. But I'm sure that he'll gossip more at his ease if there areno strangers present. "

Coventry had opened the door of the car. Lana hastened past him anddisappeared in the building. 

"Dorrie, I'm afraid you are overtraining Lana, " the brother complained. "Ihave never heard her speak like that before. "

"I'm giving her special training for a special occasion which will presentitself very soon, I hope. When she talks to a certain man I want to feelthat my efforts haven't been thrown away. "

"Oh, Morrison has botched everything for himself--all around!"

"Thank you! I'm glad to hear you admit that a caveman can be too much of agood thing with his stone hatchet or club or whatever he uses to bang andwhack all heads with!"

Mrs. Stanton impatiently invited Coventry to step in and shut the door andmake sure that the electric heater was doing business. 

City Editor Tasper had a pompadour like a penwiper, round eyes, and a widesmile. He trotted out to Lana in the reception-room and gave her comradelygreeting. "Any other night but this, Lana Corson, and I'd have been up toyour house to pat Juba on the side-lines even if I couldn't squeeze in oneassignment on your dance order. But as a Marionite you know what we're upagainst in this office the night before an inauguration. Afraid thereception-spread will be squeezed? Don't worry. It's a big night, but I'mgiving you a first-page send-off just the same. "

"Billy, I'm not here to talk about that reception. I don't care if thereisn't a word about it. "

"Oh, I get you! Don't worry about that fracas, either! I'm killing allmention of it. We're not advertising that Marion has Bolshevists. Hurts!"

"But I'm not trying to tell you your business about the paper!" the girlprotested. "I'm here after news. What is the trouble at the State House?"

"I don't know, " he confessed. "That is to say, I'm not on to the realinside of the proposition. We can't get our boys in and we can't get anynews out! Those soldiers won't even admit the telephone crew to restoreconnection with the Executive Chamber. "

"My father is there! He's there with the Governor. "

"Well, I should say for a guess that the Senator is in the safest place inthe city, judging from the way Danny Sweetsir and his warriors are ontheir jobs at those doors. "

"Billy, who else is there with the Governor?" she questioned, anxiously, harrowed by that memory of her father's tone when he shouted the word"lunatic!"

"No know! No can tell!" returned Tasper. "But why all the excitement?There's a crowd outside the State House, but all my reports say that it'sstill orderly. It's only the old 'state steal' stuff warmed over by thesore-heads. But we're printing a statement from Governor North in themorning. The whole matter is going up to the full bench in the usual way. If the opposition starts any rough-stuff to-night, the gang hasn't got aPekingese's chance in a bulldog convention. There are three machine-gunsin that State House!"

A young chap who was trying hard to be professionally _blasé_ bolted intothe reception-room in search of his chief. "Excuse me! But fourtruck-loads of men from the Agawam quarries just went through toward theState House. They had crowbars and sledge-hammers!"

"So? Warson is making a demonstration, is he? I'll be back there in aminute, Jack!" Tasper turned to Lana again. "Warson was turned down byNorth on the state-prison-wing stone contract. If Warson is setting upstone-cutters to be shot as rowdies, Warson and his party will be the oneswho'll get hurt. "

"But our state will be hurt most of all, Billy, " the girl declared, withpassionate earnestness. "We'll be ashamed and disgraced from one end ofthe country to the other. Just think of our own good state making ahideous exhibition when we're all trying so hard to get back to peace!"

"Must have law and order, " Tasper insisted. 

"Will Governor North tell those soldiers to shoot and kill?"

"Sure thing! His oath of office obliges him to protect state property. I've just been reading proof of an interview he gave us this afternoon. "

Lana walked up and down the room, beating her hands together. 

"I'll explain to you, Lana. There's quite a story goes with it. Youhaven't been in touch with conditions here at home. The election statutesprovide that the Governor and his Council--"

"I haven't any time to listen to explanations! My father is in that StateHouse! In the name of Heaven, Billy Tasper, isn't there some man in thisstate big enough, broad enough, honest enough to get between the fools whoare threatening this thing?"

"He doesn't seem to be in sight--at any rate, just now. "

She paused in her walk, hesitated, and then blurted, "What part is StewartMorrison playing in all this?"

"I see you have some news about him, too!" Mr. Tasper fenced, eying herwith some curiosity. 

"Dealing in news is your business, not mine, " she said, tartly. "But I didhear him declare in public to-night that he would give the people a squaredeal--or that he would see to it that it is done--or--or something!" Sheshowed the embarrassment of a person who was dealing with affairs in thedetails of which she was not well informed. 

"All right, I'll give you news as we get it in the office, here. Morrisonhas gone nuts over this People thing. He is bucking the corporations inthis water-power dream of his. Playing to the people! I think it's bosh. Holds capital out of the state! But I see you're in a hurry! He made aspeech to a hit-or-miss gang down-town to-night. It was snapped as asurprise and we didn't have our men there. But from what we gather heincited feeling against the State House crowd. Told his merry men he'dgrab in and fix it for 'em. Bad foozle, Lana! Bad! When a mayor of a citytalks like that he's putting a fool notion into the heads of unthinkingirresponsibles, making 'em believe that there is really something to befixed. He ought to have told 'em that everything was all right and to gohome and go to bed. Your father would have told 'em that. That's goodpolitics. But you and I know Stewart from the ground up! He is about asmuch a politician as I am parson--and I'd wreck a well-established parishin less than five minutes by the clock. He's taking a little more time asa wrecker in his line--but he's making a thorough job of it!"

When Tasper mentioned "job" he suggested a natural question to MissCorson. "Where is he right now?"

This time the stare that the city editor gave the girl was distinctlypeculiar. "According to what we can get in the way of reports, Lana, thelast time Morrison was seen in public he was talking with you. If he hastalked with anybody since then the folks he has talked with are keepingmighty mum about it. Perhaps he has told you where he was going. "

Miss Corson exhibited an emotion that was more profound than mereembarrassment. 

"Pardon me! But I'd like to know, Lana! It's mighty important to me in theline of my business right now. "

"What? Can't you find the mayor of the city in a time like this?"

"He's not at home! He's not at City Hall. The chief of police won't say aword. And he's not in the crowd outside the State House. "

Lana did not disclose the fact that she had suggested to the mayor, in away, the rabble as Morrison's probable destination, and that he had agreedwith her. 

"And a fine chance he has of being let inside the State House, " Tasperwent on, with conviction, "after the attitude he has taken in regard tothe administration!"

"He may be there, nevertheless!" Whether hope that he was there or fearthat he might be there prompted Lana's suggestion was not clear from hermanner. 

"You'll sooner find a rat down the back of my neck than find StewartMorrison inside that State House after the brags he has been making aroundthis city in the past few hours, " declared Tasper, with the breezy freedomof long friendship with the caller. "He is A Number One in the list ofthose who can't get in!"

"But Captain Sweetsir is his mill-student!"

"Captain Sweetsir, in this new importance of his, is leaning so farbackward, in trying to stand straight, that he's scratching the back ofhis head on his heels. His own brother is one of our reporters and whatDan did to Dave when Dave made a holler at the door is a matter of recordon the emergency-hospital blotter. That's straight! Inch of sword-blade. Not dangerous, but painful!"

All through this interview Lana had maintained the demeanor of one who waspoised on tiptoes, ready to run. She gathered her coat's broad collar moretightly in its clasp of her throat, and started for the door. But shewhirled and ran back to Tasper. 

"You say that Stewart Morrison is no politician! But I noticed the queerflash in your eyes, Billy Tasper! Do you think he is a coward and has runaway?"

"Tut, tut! Not so strong!" The newspaper man put up a protesting palm. "Isimply state that His Honor the Mayor is under-somewhere! I never saw anysigns of his being a coward--but a lot of us have never been tested by areal crisis, you know!"

"You say he has no power in politics! Could he do anything in a case likethis?"

Tasper clawed his hand over his head and the crest of his pompadourbristled more horrently. "He could at least try to undo some of thetrouble he has caused by his tongue. He could be at City Hall, where hebelongs. The fact that he isn't there--that he can't be found--speaks awhole lot to the people of this city, Lana Corson! Why, there isn't apoliceman to be seen on the streets of Marion to-night! We can't get anyexplanation from police headquarters. A devil of a mayor, say I!"

She turned and fled to the door. 

"Lana!" called the editor. "He has made promises that he can't backup--and he has ducked. That's the story We're going to say so in the_Monitor_. We can't say anything else!"

She made no reply. 

She did not wait for the elevator to take her down the single flight ofstairs; she ran, holding her wrap about her. 

Coventry Daunt, on the watch for her, opened the limousine's door and sheplunged in. "Wallace! To the State House! Quick!" she commanded. 

When Tasper returned to the city-room he was told that somebody waswaiting on the telephone. It was one of the men assigned to the matter onCapitol Hill; he was calling from a drug-store booth in that neighborhood. 

"Boss, it looks as if they're going to mix it. The tough mutts are readyto grab any excuse and they won't listen to men like Commander Lanigan ofthe Legion. "

"If there's a fight pulled off all we can do is to see that we have a goodstory. What else?"

"I think I've located the mayor. I can't get anything at all out of thosetin Napoleons at the doors, but Lanigan says that Morrison is in the StateHouse--'on his job, ' so Lanigan puts it. "

"Lanigan is a liar!" the city editor yelped. "He has been a two-leggedHurrah-for-Morrison ever since his high-school days. I like a good liewhen it's told to help a friend! This one isn't good enough! StewartMorrison is in that State House like tissue-paper napkins are in Tophet. "

"But sha'n't I send in what Lanigan says?" "We won't have any room for thejoke column in the morning, " returned the city editor, hanging up. 

XVII

THE CAPITOL IN SHADOW

Capitol Square was choked with men. The gathering was characteristically amob made up of diverse elements. It was not swayed by a set purpose and acommon motive. It was not welded by coherence of intent. Its eddies rushedhere or filtered there, according as arguments or protests gainedattention by sharp clamor above the continuous diapason of voices. One whowas versed in the natures and the moods of mobs would have found that massparticularly menacing by reason of the lack of unanimity. Too many men ofthe component elements did not know what it was all about! The argumentspro and con were developing animosities that were new, fresh, of themoment, creating factions, collecting groups that were ready to jump intoan affray that would enable them to avoid embarrassing explanations of whythey were there. 

A mob of that sort is easily stampeded!

Some men who captained the factions did know why they were there! A few ofthem harangued; others went about, whispering and muttering, incitingmalice by their counsel. 

The scum of that yeasty gallimaufry was on the outskirts. 

When the Corson limousine rolled into the square and sought to part itsway through that scum somebody in the crowd made a proposition that waspromptly favored as far as the votes by voices went: "Tip the lapdogkennel upside down!"

Chauffeur Wallace met the emergency with quick tactics. He reversed anddrove the car backward. The fingers of the attackers slipped from thesmooth varnish and the wheels threatened those who tried to grab therunning-boards. Men who seized the fender-bar were dragged off their feet. 

When Coventry Daunt showed a praiseworthy inclination to jump out and whipa few hundred of them, so he declared in his ire, he was pushed back intoa corner by his sister. 

The chauffeur made a long drive in reverse, circling, and then put the carahead with a rush and they escaped into a side-street. 

"Wallace, get us home as quick as the good Lord will let you!" Mrs. Stanton's command was hysterically shrill. 

"Wallace, take the first turn to the left, " countermanded the mistress. "Then around the State House to the west portico. "

"You crazy girl, what--after that--why--what are you trying to do?"demanded Mrs. Stanton, fear making her furious. 

"I'm trying to get into that building--and I'm going to get in!"

"You can't get in! They won't let you in! Lana Corson, you sha'n'tendanger our lives again!"

"Here, Wallace! This turn!"

The driver obeyed. 

Doris set rude hands upon Lana and shook her. "There's nothing sensibleyou can do if you do get in!"

"Perhaps not! But my father is there; he has asked me to help and I'mgoing to explain to him how I did my best. Doris, I must tell him, so thathe won't get into worse danger by waiting and depending on that idiot of asheriff. "

"You are the idiot!"

"I may be. But I'm going in there!'

"Coventry, you are sitting like a prune glacé! Help me to prevail on thisgirl to use some common sense!"

"You'll help me very much if you'll do some prevailing with your sister, Coventry, " affirmed Miss Corson, resentfully, trying to unclasp thechaperon's vigorous hands. 

"After what has been happening, I don't think Lana needs any more shaking, Dorrie, " the brother remonstrated. "Everything having been well shaken, it's time to do a little taking. Won't you take some advice, Lana?"

"If it's advice about going home and deserting my father I'll not takeit. "

"I was afraid you wouldn't. But do you really think you can get into theState House?"

The girl did not disclose the discouraging information given to her byEditor Tasper on the subject of effecting an entrance. "I'm going to try!And I warn you, Doris, that I'm about at the end of my endurance. "

Mrs. Stanton sat back and gritted her teeth. 

The car traversed a boulevard; the arc-lights showed that it was deserted. A narrow street, empty of humankind, led to the west portico. Thatentrance, so Lana knew, was used almost wholly by the State Houseemployees. The door was closed; nobody was in sight. 

"If you insist on the venture, I'll go with you, of course, " offered theyoung man. When the car stopped he stepped out. 

"I'm afraid you'll only make it harder for me, Coventry. I know thecaptain of the guard. But it will never do for me to bring a stranger. "

She hurried into the shadow of the portico. "Get back into the car! Youmust! Wallace, drive Mrs. Stanton and Mr. Daunt to the house. "

When Coventry protested indignantly she broke in: "I haven't any time toargue with you. We may be watched. Wait at the corner yonder with the car. If you see me go in, take Doris home and send the car back. Wallace, I'llfind you down there at the fountain!" She designated with a toss of herhand the statuary, gleaming in the starlight, and when the car moved onshe ran up the steps of the State House. 

The big door had neither bell nor knocker. She turned her back on it andkicked with the heel of her slipper. 

The voice that inquired "Who's there?" revealed that the warder was notwholly sure of his nerves. 

"I am Senator Corson's daughter!"

She received no reply. 

"I tell you I am Senator Corson's daughter! I want to come in. My fatheris there!"

She was answered by a different voice; she recognized it. It was theunmistakable drawl and nasal twang of Perley Wyman. Her girlhood memoriesof Perley's voice had been freshened very recently because he had beenassigned to the Corson mansion by Thompson the florist as her chief aidein decorating for the reception. "Wal, I should say he was here--and thensome! This was the door he came in through. "

"Open it! Open it at once, Perley Wyman!"

"I dunno about that, Miss Corson! We've got orders about politicians andmobbers--"

"I'm neither. I command you to open this door. "

"Who else is there?"

"I'm alone. "

Soldier Wyman pulled the bolts and opened. "I ain't feeling like takingany more chances with the Corson family this evening, " he admitted, with agrin that set his long jaw awry. "Your father nigh cuffed my head up to apeak when I tried to tell him what my orders were. "

Miss Corson was not interested in the troubles of Guard Wyman. He wastalking through a narrow crack; she set her hands against the door andpushed her way in. "Where is my father? What trouble is he in?"

"I reckon it can't be any kind of trouble but what he'll be capable oftaking care of himself in it all right, " opined the guard, fondling hischeek with the back of his hand. "But there ain't any trouble in here, Miss Corson. It's all serene as a canned sardine that was canned for thesiege of Troy, as it said in the opery the High School Cadets put on thatyear you was in the--"

"There's a mob in front of the State House!"

"It'll stay there, " stated Wyman, remaining as serene as the comestible hehad mentioned. "The St. Ronan's Rifles can't be backed down by any mob. Wehave been ordered to shoot, and that kind of a gang in this city might aswell learn its lesson to-night as any other night. It's getting time to doa lot of law-and-order shooting in this country. "

The girl, harrowed by her apprehensions, was not in the mood to discussaffairs with this amateur belligerent. But his complacency in hisbloodthirsty attitude was peculiarly exasperating in her case. He seemedto typify that unreasonable spirit of slaughter that disdained to employthe facilities of good sense first of all. This florist's clerk, whom shehad last seen on a step-ladder with his mouth full of tacks, was talkingof shooting down his fellow-civilians as if there were no otheralternative. 

"My father may be in danger in this State House, but I'm glad he is here. He is not condoning this! He is not allowing this shame! Who is thelunatic who is threatening my father and bringing disgrace on this state?"She remembered the Senator's assertion over the telephone and, in hereagerness for news, she was willing to start with the humble SoldierWyman. 

She realized suddenly that her spirit of fiery protest was provoking herinto an argument that might seem rather ridiculous if somebody in realauthority should overhear her talking to Wyman and his mate. The porticodoor opened into a remote corridor. 

"The only lunatic, up to date, Miss Corson, has been a Canuck who had aknock-down and drag-out with a settee and--"

Lana was not finding Wyman's statement especially convincing in the way ofestablishing faith in his sanity. "I thank you for letting me in! I mustfind my father. "

The interior of the Capitol building was familiar ground to her. 

It occurred to her sense of discretion that it might be well to avoidCaptain Sweetsir in his new exaltation as a military martinet. She found anarrow, curving stairway which served employees. 

On the second floor, hastening along the dimly lighted corridors, turningseveral corners, she reached the spacious hall outside the Senate lobby. She paused for a moment. From the hall she could look down the broad, mainstairway which conducted to the rotunda. The rumble of trucks hadattracted her attention. Soldiers were moving a machine-gun; they lined itup with two others that were already facing the great doors of the mainentrance. She had half hoped that her father was in the rotunda, using hisinfluence and his wisdom, now that the mob was threatening the buildingoutside those great doors. She did not understand just how the Senatorwould be able to operate, she admitted to herself, but she felt that hismanly advice could prevail in keeping his fellow-citizens from murderingone another!

In the gloom below her she saw only soldiers and uniformed Capitolwatchmen. 

Across from her in the upper hall where she waited there was the entranceto the wing which contained the Executive Chambers. Two men, one of whomwas talking earnestly, came along the corridor from the direction of thechambers. Still mindful of what Tasper had said about the State Houserules of that evening, she did not want to take chances with others whomight be less amenable than Florist-Clerk Wyman. There were high-backedchairs in the corners of the hall; she hid herself behind the nearestchair. Her dark fur coat and the twilight concealed her effectually. 

"General Totten, if you don't fully comprehend your plain duty in thiscrisis, you'd better stop right here with me until you do. We can't affordto have those soldiers overhear. Are you going to order them to march outof this State House?" This peremptory gentleman was Stewart Morrison!

Lana choked back what threatened to be an exclamation. 

"I refuse to take that responsibility on myself. "

"You must! Such a command to state troops must come from you, theadjutant-general. "

"This is a political exigency, Mister Mayor!"

"It seems like that to me!"

"It requires martial law. "

"But not civil war. "

"This building is threatened by a mob. "

"That's because you have put it in a state of siege against citizens. "

"There's no telling what those men will do if they are allowed to enter. "

"They'll do worse if they are kept out by guns. "

"It means wreck and rampage if they are permitted to come through thosedoors. "

"Look here, Totten, this State House has stood here for a good many years, with the citizens coming and going in it at will. I don't see any dents!"

"This is an exigency, and it's different, sir. The state must assert itsauthority. "

"I'll not argue against the state and authority with you, Totten, foryou're right and there's no time for argument. But when you said politicalexigency you said a whole lot--and we'll let this particular skunk cabbagego under that name. Don't try that law-and-order and state-authority bluffwith me in such a case as this is. You're right in with the bunch and youknow just as well as I do what the game is this time. Probably those folksoutside there don't know what they want, but they do know that somethingis wrong! Something is almighty wrong when elected servants are obliged toget behind closed doors to transact public affairs. I'm putting this on abusiness basis because business is my strong point. These red-tape fellowsgo to war and use the people for the goats to settle a matter that couldbe settled peaceably by hard-headed every-day men in five minutes. Nowwith these few words, and admitting that I'm all that you want to tell meI am--and confessing to a whole lot more that I personally know about myunadulterated brass cheek in the whole thing--we'll close debate. Orderthose militia boys to march out!"

"I--"

Morrison held a little sheaf of papers in his hand. He flapped the papersviolently under General Totten's nose. "Do you dare to ignore thesetelegrams--the opinions of the justices of the supreme judicial court ofthis state?"

"I don't--"

The papers flicked the end of the general's nose and he shuffled slowlybackward. "Do you dare, I say?"

"This exigency--"

"That's the name we've agreed on--for a dirty political trick without anatom of principle behind it. These telegrams will make great reading onthe same page with the list of names in the hospitals and the morgue!"General Totten was retreating more rapidly, but the vibrating papersinexorably kept pace with his nose. 

"But to leave this State House unguarded--"

"I have already shown you what I can do with one single cop! I gave you alittle lecture on cops in general back yonder. You fully understand howone cop handled the adjutant-general of a state. I'll answer for theguarding of this State House. Send away your militia!"

"I'm afraid to do it!" wailed Totten. 

"Then you're afraid of a shadow, sir! But I'll tell you what you may wellbe afraid of. I'm giving you your chance to save your face and yourdignity. Order away those boys or I'll go and stand on the main stairwayand tell 'em just how they're being used as tools by political tricksters. And then even your tricksters will land on your back and blame you forforcing an exposure. I'll tell the boys! I swear I'll do it! And I'll betyou gold-dust against sawdust that they'll refuse to commit murder. Totten, this exigency is now working under a full head of steam. You canhear that mob now! This thing is getting down to minutes, I'll give youjust one of those minutes to tramp down into that rotunda and issue yourorders. "

"But what--" The general's tone unmistakably indicated surrender; theGovernor had already shifted the onus; Totten knew his brother-in-law'snature; the Governor would just as soon shift the odium after such anexplosion as this wild Scotchman threatened. 

"You needn't bother about the what, sir. You give the order. And as soonas the thing is on a business basis I'll tend to it. "

Stewart took the liberty of hooking his arm inside the general's. Theofficer seemed to be experiencing some difficulty in getting his feetstarted. The two hurried along and trudged down the middle of the mainstairway. 

Lana followed. She halted at the gallery rail and surveyed the scenebelow. 

Even in her absorption in the affair between Stewart and theadjutant-general she had been aware of the rising tumult outside. 

The bellow of voices had settled into a sort of chant of, "Time'sup--time's up!"

Captain Sweetsir had deployed his men across the rotunda behind themachine-guns. 

When he beheld the mayor and the general on the stairs he salutednervously. "They're getting ready to use sledge-hammers, sir. Shall I hand'em the rifle-fire first or let loose with the machine-guns?"

Stewart still held to the general's arm. 

Totten hesitated. His face was white and his lips quivered. 

Morrison's gaze was set straight ahead, but a twist of his face indicatedthat he said something through the corner of his mouth. 

The general made his plunge. 

"Captain Sweetsir, instruct your men to empty their magazines, assembleaccoutrements, and stand at ease in marching order. "

The captain came onto his tiptoes in order to elongate himself as a humaninterrogation-point. 

"Captain Sweetsir, order your bugler to sound retreat!"

The officer forced an amazed croak out of his throat by way of a command, and on the hush within the rotunda the clarion of the bugle rang out. Itechoed in the high arches. Its sharp notes cut into the clamor outdoors. 

Morrison recognized a voice that was keyed to a pitch almost as high asthe bugle's strains. "Hold your yawp! Don't you hear that?" Laniganscreamed. "Don't you know the difference between that and a fish-peddler'shorn? That's the tune we fellers heard the Huns play just before ArmisticeDay. That's retreat! Come on, Legion!" he urged, frantically. "Ram backthose sledgehammers!"

Morrison grinned and released the general's arm. 

"You hear that, do you, sir? When you can convince fair men that you're onthe right slant, the fair men will proceed to show rough-necks where theyget off if they go to trying on the wrong thing!"

"There's going to be the devil to pay!" insisted the adjutant-general. "You're going to let that mob into the State House, and they'll fight allover the place. "

"We'll see what they'll do after the showdown, sir! And you can't makemuch of a showdown in the dark. "

He left General Totten on the stairs, leaped down the remaining steps, andran to a group of watchmen and night employees of the State House who werebulwarking the soldiers. 

"I'm beginning to see that it's some advantage, after all, to be the mayorof this city, " Stewart informed himself. One of Marion's aldermen waschief electrician of the Capitol building and was in the group, very muchon duty on a night like that. "Torrey has always backed me in the citygovernment meetings, at any rate!"

The alderman came out of the ranks, obeying the mayor's gesture. 

"Alderman, I'm in the minority here, right now, but I hope you're going tovote with me for more light on the subject. "

Torrey did not understand what this quick shift in all plans signified, and said so, showing deference to the mayor at the same time. 

"If we've got to fight that gang we need these soldiers, Mayor Morrison!"

"Our kind of men, Alderman, fight best in the light; the cowards like thedark so that they can get in their dirty work. Do you get me? Yes! Thanks!Excuse me for hurrying you. But get to that switchboard! We need quickaction. You and I represent the city of Marion right now. Must keep hername clean! I'll explain later. But give 'er the juice! Jam on everyswitch. Dome to cellar! Lots of it! Put their night-beetle eyes out withit. "

He was hustling along with Torrey toward the electrician's room. He wasclapping his hand on the alderman's shoulder. 

"I'm going outside there, Torrey! Touch up the old dome and give me allthe front lights. If the bricks begin to whiz I want to see who's throwing'em!"

XVIII

THE CAPITOL ALIGHT

First of all, within the State House, there was burgeoning of the separatelights of the wall brackets and then the great chandeliers burst intobloom. 

Electrician Torrey possessed a quick understanding and was in the habit ofdoing a thorough job whenever he tackled anything. He threw in theswitches as rapidly as he could operate them. 

Story by story the great building was flooded with glory that mounted tothe upper windows and overflowed into the night with a veritable cascadeof brilliancy when the thousand bulbs of the dome's circlet flashed theirsplendor against the sky. The lamps of the broad front portico and itsapproaches added the final, dazzling touch to the general illumination. 

From a sullen, gloomy hulk of a building, with its few lights showing likeglowering eyes in ambush, the State House was transformed into a temple ofglory, thrust into the heavens from the top of Capitol Hill, a torch thatsignaled comforting candor, a reassuring beacon. 

The surprise of the happening stilled the uproar. 

Neither Morrison, inside, nor the mob, outside, was bothering with themental analysis of the psychology of the thing!

Something had happened! There was The Light! It threw into sharp reliefevery upturned face in the massed throng. Their voices remained hushed. 

Commander Lanigan, standing above them on a marble rail, his figureoutlined against a pergola column, did his best to put some of hisemotions into speech. He shouted, "_Some_ night-blooming cereus, I'll tellthe world!"

The great doors swung open slowly. They remained open. 

Now curiosity replaced astonishment and held the rioters in their tracks;their mouths were wide, the voices mute. 

The mayor of Marion walked into view. 

The columns of the _porte-cochère_ were supported on a broad base, and heclimbed up and was elevated in the radiance high above their heads. 

He smiled hospitably. "Boys, it's open house, and the house is yours. Hopeyou like its looks! But what's the big idea of the surprise party?"

No one took it on himself to reply. He waited tolerantly. 

"Well, out with it!" he suggested. 

Somebody with a raucous voice ventured. "You probably know what they'vebeen trying to hide away from the people inside there. Suppose you do thetalking. "

"I'm not here to make a speech. "

"Well, answer a question, then!" This was a shrill voice. "What aboutthose soldiers and those machine-guns in there?"

"Not a word!"

With yells, oaths, and catcalls the crowd offered comment on thatdeclaration. 

His demeanor as a statue of patience was more effective than remonstrancein quieting them. 

"Any other gentlemen wish to offer more remarks? Get it all out of you!"

He utilized the hush. "Boys, I'm going to give you something better thanwords. Hearing can't always be trusted. But seeing is believing!"

He pulled a police whistle from his pocket and shrilled a signal. 

For a time there was no answer or demonstration of any sort. 

Then the tramp of marching feet was heard on the pavement of the square. 

It was Marion's police force, issuing from some point of mobilization nearat hand; it was the force in full strength, led by the chief; he was indress-parade garb and the radiance of the square was reflected in imposinghigh-lights by his gold braid. 

The crowd was shaken by eddies and was convulsed by quickly formedvortices. Morrison was studying that mob with his keen gaze, watching themovements as they sufficed to reveal an expression of emotions. 

"Hold on, boys! Don't run away!" he counseled. "Wait for the big show! Noarrests intended! Only cowards and guilty men will run!"

The light that was shed from the State House was pitilessly revealing; mencould not hide their movements. Morrison reiterated his promise and dwelthard on the "coward and guilty" part of his declaration. 

The chief of police waved his hand and the crowd parted obediently and theofficers marched up the lane, four abreast. 

"Hold open that passage as you stand, fellow-citizens!" the mayorcommanded. "There's more to this show! You haven't seen all of it! Holdopen, I tell you!"

Men whom he recognized as Lanigan's Legion members were jumping in on theside-lines as the policemen passed. With arms extended the veterans heldback those whom Morrison's commands were not restraining. 

"That's good team-work, Joe, " Stewart informed Lanigan when the latterhurried past to take his place as a helper. 

The advent of the police had provoked a flurry; their movements aftertheir arrival caused a genuine surprise. They gave no indication of beinginterested in the crowd that was packed into Capitol Square. The ears ofthe mob were out for orders of dispersal! Eyes watched to see the officerspost themselves and operate according to the usual routine in suchmatters. 

But the policemen marched straight into the State House, preserving theirsolid formation. 

The bugle sounded again within. 

With a promptness that indicated a good understanding of the procedure tobe followed, the St. Ronan's Rifles came marching out. 

Captain Sweetsir saluted smartly as he passed the place where the mayor ofMarion was perched. 

"How about three cheers for the boys?" Morrison shouted. "What's thematter with you down there?"

He led them off as cheer-leader. He marked the sullen groups, thevoiceless malcontents as best he was able. The Legion boys were vehementlyenthusiastic in their acclaim. 

The guards marched briskly. The machine-guns clanged along the pavement, bringing up the rear. 

"That's all!" Stewart declared, when the soldiers were well on their way. "Now you don't need any words, do you? I'll merely state that your StateHouse is open to the people!"

"Like blazes it is, " bawled somebody. 

He pointed to the open doors, his reply to that challenge. 

"How about those cops?" demanded somebody else. 

"Your State House is open, I tell you. If you want to go in, go ahead. It's open for straight business, and it will stay open. There are no darkcorners for dirty tricks or lying whispers. It's your property. If there'sany whelp mean enough to damage his own property, he'll be taken care ofby a policeman. That's why they're in there. That's what you're payingtaxes for, to have policemen who'll take care of sneaks who can't be madedecent in any other way. Some other gentleman like to ask a question?"

Morrison realized that he had not won over the elements that weredetermined to make trouble. His searching eyes were marking the groups ofthe rebels. 

He directed an accusatory finger at one man, a Marion politician. "Matthewson, what's on your mind? Don't keep it all to yourself and thosechaps you're buzzing with!"

Matthewson, thus singled out, was embarrassed and incensed at the sametime. "What have they been trying to put over with that militia, anyway?"

"Put protection over state property because such mouths as yours have beenmaking threats ever since election. But just as soon as it was realizedthat good citizens, like the most of these here, were misunderstanding thesituation and were likely to be used as tools of gangsters, out went themilitia! You saw it go, didn't you?"

"I'd like to know who did all that realizing you're speaking of!"

"It's not in good taste for an errand-boy of my caliber to gossip aboutthe business of those for whom he is doing errands. I'll merely say, Matthewson, that the people of this state can always depend on thebroad-gaged good sense of United States Senator Corson to suggest asolution of a political difficulty. And you may be sure that the stategovernment will back him up. Go down-town and ask the boys of the guardwho it was that gave the command for them to leave the State House. Afterthat you'd better go home to bed. That's good advice for all of you. "

A shrill voice from the center of the massed throng cut in sharply. "Gohome like chickens and wait to have your necks wrung! Go home like sheepand wait for the shearer and the butcher. "

The mayor leaned forward and tried to locate the agitator. "Hasn't thegentleman anything to say about goats? He's missing an excellentopportunity!" Morrison showed the alert air of a hunter trying to flushgame in a covert. 

The provoking query had its effect. "Yes, that's what you call us-all yourulers call us the goats!"

A brandished fist marked the man's position in the mob. 

"Ah, there you are, my friend! What else have you on your mind?"

"I'll tell you what you have on your face. You have the mark of an honestman's hand there! I saw him plant that mark!"

"And what's the answer?" asked Stewart, pleasantly. 

"You're a coward! You're not fit to advise real men what to do!"

"I'm afraid you have me sized up all too well!" There was something likewistful apology in Morrison's smile. 

Lanigan had forced his way close to the foot of the plinth where the mayorwas elevated. The commander's head was tipped back, his goggling eyes werefull of anguished rebuke, and his mouth was wide open. 

The man in the crowd yelped again, encouraged by his distance and byMorrison's passivity under attack. "You think you own a mill. Your honestworkmen own it. You are a thief!"

"My Gawd!" Lanigan squawked, hoarsely. "Ain't it in you? Ain't a spark ofit in you?"

Morrison delivered sharp retort in an undertone. "Don't you know betterthan to tangle my lines when I'm playing a fish? Shut up!" He tossed hishand at the individual in the crowd, inviting him to speak further. 

"You're a liar, tool" responded the disturber. 

"That's a tame epithet, my friend. Commonly used in debate. I'm afraidyou're running out of ammunition. Haven't you anything really important tosay, now that I'm giving you the floor?"

Men were beginning to remonstrate and to threaten in behalf of the mayorof the city. 

"Hold on, boys!" Morrison entreated. "We must give our friend a minutemore if he really has anything to say. Otherwise we'll adjourn--"

The bait had been dangled ingratiatingly; a movement had been made to jerkit away--the "fish" bit, promptly and energetically. 

"I'll say it--I'll say what ought to be said--I'll shame the cowardshere!"

"Let Brother What's-his-name come along, boys! Please! Please!" The mayorstretched forth his arms and urged persuasively. "Keep your hands off him!Let him come!"

"They're going over him for a gat, Mister Mayor, " called Lanigan. "I'vegiven 'em one lesson in that line this evening, already!"

The volunteers who were patting the disturber released him. The pattinghad not been in the way of encouragement. "Nothing on him! Let him go!"commanded one of the searchers. 

The man who came forcing his way through the press, his clinched fistswaving over his head, was young, pallid, typically an academic devotee ofradicalism, a frenetic disciple, obsessed by _furor loquendi_ He wascalling to the mob, trying to rouse followers. "You have been standinghere, freezing in the night, damning tyrants, boasting what you would do. Why don't you do it? Do you let a smirking ruler bluff all the courage ofreal men out of you? He's only doing the bidding of those higher up. Headmits it! He's a tool, too! He's a fool, along with you, if he tries toexcuse tyranny. You have your chance, now, and all the provocation thathonest men need. The rulers tried to scare you with guns. But you havecalled the bluff. Their hired soldiers have run away. Now is your time!Take your government into your hands! Down with aristocrats! Smash 'emlike we smash their windows. They hold up an idol and ask you to bow downand be slaves to it; but you're only bowing to the drivers of slaves! Theyhide behind that idol and work it for all it's worth. They point to it andtell you that you must empty your pockets to add to their wealth, and workyour fingers off for their selfish ends. "

He halted a short distance from the plinth, declaiming furiously. 

Morrison broke in, snapping out his words. "Down to cases, now! What isthe idol?"

"A patchwork of red, white, and blue rags!"

Morrison whirled, crouched on his hands and knees, set his fingers on theedge of the plinth, and slid down the side. He swung for an instant at theend of his arms and dropped the rest of the way to the pavement. 

Lanigan had started for the man, but Stewart overtook the commander, seized him by the collar and coattail slack, and tossed him to one side. 

"Here's a case at last where I don't need any help or advice from you, Joe!"

"Punch the face offn him!" adjured Lanigan, even while he was flounderingamong the legs of the men against whom he had been thrown. 

The mayor plunged through the crowd in the direction of the vilifier. 

The man did not attempt to escape. "Strike me! Strike me down. I offermyself for my cause to shame these cowards!"

But Morrison did not use his fists, though Lanigan continued to exhort. 

"There are altogether too many of you would-be martyrs around this cityto-night. I can't accommodate you all!" Stewart made the same tackle hehad used in the case of Lanigan and Spanish-walked his captive back towardthe _porte-cochère_. 

"I reckon I do need your help, after all, Joe!" confessed Morrison, notingthat Lanigan was on his feet again. "Give me your back and a boost!"

Then the captor suddenly tripped the captive and laid him sprawling atLanigan's feet; before the fallen man was up, Morrison, using thecommander's sturdy shoulders and the thrust of the willing arms of hishelper, had swung himself back to the top of the plinth. He kneeled andreached down his hands. "Up with him, Joe! Toss! I won't miss him!"

Lanigan was helped by a comrade in making the toss. Morrison grasped theman and yanked him upright and held him in a firm clutch. 

The mayor was receiving plenty of advice from the crowd by that time. Thegist of the counsel followed Lanigan's suggestion about punching off thefellow's face. But the mob was by no means unanimous. Men were daring tovoice threats against Morrison. 

As it had availed before that evening, Morrison's imperturbable silencesecured quiet on the part of others. 

"The opinion of the meeting seems to be divided, " he said. He hadrecovered his poise along with his breath. "But no matter! I shall notadopt the advice of either side. I shall not let this fellow go until Ihave finished my business with him. I shall not punch his face off him. I'll not flatter him to that extent. A good American reserves his fistsfor a man-fight with a real man. " He shook the captive, holding him atarm's-length. "Here's a young fool who has been throwing stones atwindows. Here's a fresh rowdy who has been sticking out his tongue atauthority. I know exactly what he needs!"

"He insulted the flag of this country! Turn him over to the police!"somebody insisted, and a roar of indorsement hailed the demand. 

"Citizens, that would be like giving a mongrel cur a court trial forsheep-killing! This perverted infant simply needs--_dingbats!_" He shoutedthe last word. He twisted the radical off his feet, stooped, and laid thevictim across a knee that was as solid as a tree-trunk, and with the flatof a broad hand began to whale the culprit with all his might. 

The onlookers were silent for a few moments. Then there was a chorus ofjeering approbation. 

When the shamed, humiliated, agonized radical--thus made a mark for gibesinstead of winning honor as a martyr for the cause--began to wail andplead the men who were nearest the scene of flagellation started to laugh. The laughter spread like a fire through dry brambles. It ran cracklingfrom side to side of the great square. It mounted into higher bursts ofmerriment. It became hilarity that was expended by a swelling roar thatsplit wide the night silence and came beating back in riotous echoes fromthe façade of the State House. That amazing method of handling anarchy hadsnapped the tense strain of a situation which had been holding men'semotions in leash for hours. The ludicrousness of the thing was heightenedby the nervous solemnity immediately preceding. Men beat their neighborson the back in instant comradeship of convulsed, rollicking jubilation. 

"Always leave 'em laughing when you say good-by!" Morrison advised thechap whom he was manhandling. He held the fellow over the edge of theplinth by the collar and dropped him, wilted and whimpering, into thewaiting arms of the appreciative Lanigan. "Dry his eyes, Joe, and wipe hisnose, and see that he gets started for home all right. "

Morrison stood straight and secured a hearing after a time. "Boys, thoseof you who are in the right mind--and I hope all of you are that way now, after a good laugh--I've given you a sample of how to handle theBolshevist blatherskites when you come across 'em in this country. Lookaround and if you find any more of 'em in the crowd go ahead and dose 'emwith dingbats! Fine remedy for childish folly! I reckon all of us havefound out that much for ourselves in the old days. I won't keep youstanding in the cold here any longer. Good night!"

He leaped down on to the porch and went into the State House. 

General Totten was near the big door. 

The men outside were guffawing again. 

Morrison was dusting his palms with the air of a man who had finished arather unpleasant job. "Do you hear 'em, Totten? Sounds better than howlsof a crowd bored by machine-gun bullets, eh? How much chance do you thinkthere is of starting a civil war among men who are laughing like that?"

XIX

LANA CORSON HAS HER DOUBTS

The chief of police had distributed his officers to posts of duty and waspatrolling the rotunda. 

He saluted the mayor when Morrison came hurrying in through the mainentrance. 

"All is fine, Chief! I thank you for your work. I don't look for anythingout of the way, after this. But keep your men on till further orders. "

At the foot of the grand stairway Stewart's self-possession left him. 

Lana Corson was standing half-way up the stairs. Her furs were thrownback, revealing her festival attire. Her beauty was heightened by theflush on her cheeks and by the vivid animation in her luminous eyes. 

He paused for a moment, his gaze meeting hers, and then he hastened toher. 

"How did it happen--that you're here, Lana?"

"I'm here--let that be an answer for now. But this, Stewart--this what Ihave been seeing and hearing! Does it mean what it seems to mean?"

"I'll have to admit that I don't know exactly how it does show up from theside-lines. Suppose you say!"

"I heard you talk to General Totten. I heard you talk to that mob. I sawwhat you did. But I heard you give all the credit to my father. " Shesearched Stewart's face with more earnest stare. "You have saved the statefrom disgracing itself, haven't you? Isn't that what you have done--youyourself?"

"Oh, nonsense! Tell me! How did you get in and who came with you?"

"I'm here alone, Stewart, and it's of no importance how I got in. Thequestion I have asked you is the important one just now. "

Her insistence was disconcerting; he had not recovered from theastonishment of the sudden meeting; he felt that he ought to lie to thatdaughter, in the interests of her family pride, but he was conscious ofhis inability to lie glibly just then. 

"Where is your car?"

"Waiting for me in the little park. "

"Lana, there'll be no more excitement here--not a bit. Nothing to see!Suppose you allow me to take you to the car. Come!" He put out his arm. 

"Certainly not! Not till I see my father! He is in danger!"

"I assure you he is not. I left him with the Governor only a few minutesago, and the Senator was never better in his life--nor safer!" In spite ofhis best endeavor to be consolatory and matter-of-fact he was not able tokeep a certain significance out of his tone. 

From where she stood she could look across the rotunda and down into thesquare. The glare of the lights made all movements visible. The crowd wasmelting away. 

"Stewart, brains and tact have accomplished wonders here to-night. I wantto know all the truth. Why shouldn't you be as candid to me as you seemedto be with those men when you were talking to them? I want to give mygratitude to somebody! The name of our good state has been kept clean. You're not fair to me if you leave me in the dark any longer. "

"I did my little bit, that's all! I'm only one of the cogs!"

"I know how I'll make you tell. I propose to give you all the credit. AndI never knew you to keep anything that didn't belong to you. "

"Now you're not fair yourself, Lana! We just put our heads together--thewhole of us--that's all! Put our heads together! You know! As men will!"His stammering eagerness did not satisfy her feminine penetration. Herdaughterly interest in the Senator's political standing was stirred as shereflected. 

"My father is down here to see that his fences are in good shape, " shedeclared, with true Washington sapience. "I think it was his duty andprivilege to step out there and make the speech. I'm surprised because helet such an opportunity slip. With all due respect to the mayor of Marion, you were not at all dignified, Stewart. They laughed at you--and I didn'tblame them!"

"I can't blame 'em, either, " he confessed. "I--I--I guess I lost my head. I'm not used to making speeches. I have made two since supper, and both of'em have seemed to stir up a lot of trouble for me. "

"I think, myself, that you're rather unfortunate as a speechmaker, " shereturned, dryly. "I suppose you're going back to report to father. I'll gowith you. " In her manner there was implied promise that she would proceedto learn more definitely in what quarters her especial gratitude ought tobe expended. 

"Lana, " he urged, "I wish you'd go home and wait for your talk with yourfather when he comes. He'll be coming right along. I'll see that he does. There's nothing--not much of anything to keep him here. But I need to havea little private confab with him. "

"So private that I mustn't listen? I hope that we're still old friends, Stewart, you and I, though your attitude in regard to father's affairs hasmade all else between us impossible. "

He did not pursue the topic she had broached. There was a certain finalityabout her deliverance of the statement, a decisiveness that afforded nohint that she would consider any compromise or reconsideration. His facewas very grave. "I have a little business--a few loose ends to take upwith the Senator. Once more I beg that you will defer--"

"I will go with you to the Executive Chamber. I'll be grateful for yourescort. If you don't care to have me go along with you, I can easily findmy way there alone. "

Her manner left no opportunity for further appeal. 

He bowed. He did not offer his arm. They walked together up the stairway. With side-glances she surveyed his countenance wonderingly; in hisexpression true distress was mingled with apprehensiveness. He had the airof an unwilling guide detailed to conduct an unsuspecting innocent to beshocked by the revelations of a chamber of horrors; she put it that way toherself in jesting hyperbole. 

The newspaper men, who had followed Mayor Morrison into the State House, had been holding aloof, politely, from a conference which seemed to haveno bearing on the political situation. They hurried behind and overtookStewart and the young lady at the head of the stairway; their spokesmanasked for a statement. 

"I made it! Out there a few minutes ago! Boys, you heard what I said, didn't you?"

"Yes. "

"Well, I talked more than I intended to! Boil it down to a few lines andlet it go at that!"

"We want to get the matter just right, Mister Mayor, and give credit whereit's due. "

"I covered the matter of credit. There's nothing more to say, " repliedStewart, curtly. 

The reporters surveyed him with considerable wonderment; his manner intimes past had always been distinguished by frank graciousness. 

"We'd like to see Senator Corson and Governor North. "

That request seemed to provoke the mayor's irritability still more. "I'mnot the guardian of those gentlemen or of this State House!" He turned onhis heel abruptly. "Miss Corson!" She was waiting a few paces away. Herejoined her and by a gesture invited her to walk along. "I'm sorry! I didnot mean to delay you!"

The newspaper men followed on as far as the door of the Executive Chamber. 

Morrison faced them there. "I don't mean to interfere with you, boys, inany way. And you mustn't interfere with me. As soon as the Senator and theGovernor finish with me they'll give you all the time you want, no doubt!Please wait outside!" He tapped on the door and gave his name. Rellihanopened. Morrison seized the officer's arm and pulled him outside. "Keepeverybody away from the door for a few moments--till further orders. "

Stewart escorted Miss Corson into the chamber with almost as much celerityas he had employed in escorting Rellihan out; and he promptly banged thedoor. He walked slowly across the room toward the big table, followingLana, who hastened toward her father. The Senator was standing behind thetable, flanked by North and Daunt. The three of them formed a portentousbattery. Morrison did not speak. His expression indicated humility. Hedrooped his shoulders. There was appeal in his eyes. "Here I am!" the eyesinformed the glowering Senator. But a side-glance hinted: "Here is yourdaughter, too. Use judgment!"

Lana was manifestly perplexed by what she saw. Three distinguishedgentlemen were presenting the visages of masculine Furies. She looked awayfrom them and received a little comfort from the placid countenances ofAndrew Mac Tavish and Delora Bunker, but their presence in that place andat that hour only made her mystification more complete. 

She had been allowing her imagination to paint pictures before she steppedinto the Executive Chamber; she had expected to find her father virtuouslytriumphant, serenely a successful molder of pacific plans. His scowl wasso forbidding that she stopped short. 

"Father, it's wonderful--perfectly wonderful, isn't it?" She tried tospeak joyously, but she faltered. "I saw it all! I saw how your plansucceeded. "

"Damn you, Morrison! What has happened?" The Senator did not merelydemand--he exploded. 

The silence which followed became oppressive. Miss Corson was toothoroughly horrified to proceed. Apparently Governor North and Daunt hadselected their spokesman and had nothing to say for themselves. Morrisonseemed to be especially helpless as an informant; he wagged his head andpointed to Lana. 

"Answer my question, Morrison!"

"I think Miss Corson better tell you, sir. She was an impartial observer. "

"Perhaps she _had_ better tell me! You're right! After this night Iwouldn't take your word as to the wetness of water. Lana, speak out!"

"I don't know what I can tell you--you have been right here all the timein the State House--"

The Senator jammed a retort between the links of her stammering speech. "Yes, I have been right here! What has happened below, I ask you?"

"Why, the troops marched out. They went away! Right through the mob! Andit's all calm and quiet. "

Governor North stamped his way a half-dozen paces to the rear, and whirledand marched back into line. 

"Morrison, have you--have you--" Senator Corson choked. Not knowingexactly what to say, he shook his fist. 

"Father, what's the matter? It was only carrying out your orders. "

"Orders--my orders?"

"Stewart Morrison, why don't you say something?" she demanded. 

"I'm sure your father prefers to hear from you. "

"Confound it! I do want to hear, and hear immediately!"

Lana displayed some of the paternal ire. "Stewart, I asked you to becandid with me. You're leaving me to flounder around disgracefully in thismatter. "

The Senator advanced on his daughter and seized her arm. "I don't wantthat renegade to say another word to me as long as I live--and he knowsit. I'll tell you later what has been going on here. But now tell me towhat orders of mine you are referring! Quick and short!"

"Mayor Morrison made a little speech to the mob and said that you thoughtit was best to send away the troops to prevent bad feelings andmisunderstanding, and said you were backed up by the Governor. "

The Senator swapped looks with the goggling North over Lana's head. 

"And the mob has gone home, and the State House is thrown wide open, andthe policemen are on duty, and I say again that it's wonderful, " insistedthe girl. 

"Morrison, did you say that? Have you done that?"

Stewart was fully aware that he had allowed the men in the square to drawan inference from a compliment that he had paid to Senator Corson'ssagacity, and had refrained from making a direct declaration. But he wasnot minded to embarrass the girl any further. He bowed. "I thank MissCorson for giving the gist of the thing so neatly. "

"I know I don't understand it all yet, father!" Lana was both frightenedand wistful. The Senator had turned from her and was striding to and fro, scuffing his feet hard on the carpet. "If you're blaming Mayor Morrisonfor revealing confidences, I'm sorry. But you can't help being proud whenit is spread abroad how your handling of the dreadful affair preventedbloodshed and shame in this state. "

"Spread abroad!" Senator Corson brought down his feet more violently. 

The situation, if it remained bottled up there in the Executive Chamberany longer, threatened to explode in still more damaging fashion, wasStewart's uncomfortable thought. The Senator's remark suggested adiversion in the way of topics, at any rate. 

"That reminds me that the newspaper boys are waiting outside in thecorridor, Senator Corson. I asked them to be patient for a few minutes. Please allow me to say that I have added no statement to what I said tothe crowd in the square. I shall not add any. "

"I don't see how you could add anything!" retorted the Senator with venom. 

He continued his promenade. 

Again the silence in the room became oppressive. 

Morrison was scrutinizing Governor North with especial intentness. 

His Excellency was giving unmistakable evidence that he was surcharged. Hewas working his elbows and was whispering to himself with a fizzlingsound. He had turned his back on Lana Corson as if he were resolved toignore the fact of her presence. 

Stewart, exhibiting deference while a United States Senator was pondering, strolled leisurely across the room to North and fondled the lapel of theGovernor's coat. "I beg your pardon, and I hope you'll excuse curiosity ina chap who makes cloth, Governor. But this is as fine a piece of worstedas I've seen in many a day. "

North lifted his arm as if to knock the presumptuous hand away; butStewart slowly clenched his fist, holding the fabric in his close clutch, exerting a strength that dominated the man upon whom his hold wasfastened. The mayor went on in an undertone, as if anxious to showadditional deference in the presence of the senatorial ponderings. "Governor, petty politics haven't been allowed to make a bad mess of whathas been turned into an open proposition. Now don't allow your tongue tomake a mess of this new development as it stands right now. Humor MissCorson's notions! And let me tell you! My policemen are going to stay onthe job until after the legislature assembles. "

"Morrison, you're a coward!" grated North. "You brought Corson's girl hereso that you can sneak behind her petticoats. "

Stewart released his hold, clapped His Excellency on the shoulder, raisedhis voice, and cried, heartily:

"Thank you. Governor! You're right. You have an excellent idea of a pieceof goods, yourself. "

Senator Corson arrived at a decision which he did not confide to anybody. He spoke to Daunt and the two of them went to the divan and dragged on theovercoats which they had discarded when Rellihan's obstinacy had beenfound to be unassailable. 

Lana, studying the faces of the men, drew her furs about her. 

"The car is waiting near the west portico, father, " she ventured to say. 

Corson took his time about buttoning his coat. Lana had her heritage ofdark eyes from her father; his wrath had settled into cold malevolence andhis eyes above his white cheeks were not pleasant objects. He surveyed thevarious persons in the room. He took his time in that process, too!

"For the present--for now--for to-night, " he said, quietly, elaboratinghis mention of the moment with significance, "we seem to have cleaned upall the business before us. In view of that interregnum, Governor, ofwhich you have been so kindly reminded, I suppose you feel that you can goto your hotel and rest for the remainder of the night so as to be in goodtrim for the inaugural ceremonies. Allow me to offer you a lift in mycar. "

The Governor trudged toward, a massive wardrobe in a corner of thechamber. 

"I do not presume to offer you the convenience of my car, Mayor Morrison, "the Senator went on. 

"I take it that your recent oath as supreme Executive during the aforesaidinterregnum obliges you to stay on the job. Ah--er--do we require acountersign in order to get out of the building?"

The mayor was walking toward the private door. "No, sir!" he said, mildly. 

"I hope you hear that, Governor North! I was compelled to givecountersigns to your soldiers--quite emphatic countersigns. The new regimeis to be complimented. "

Morrison threw open the door. "That's all, Rellihan! Report to the chief!"

The newspaper men came crowding to the threshold. 

"You have interviewed Mayor Morrison on the situation, haven't you?"demanded the Senator, breaking in on their questions. 

"Yes!"

"To-night--for the time being--for now, " returned Corson, dwelling on thepoint as emphatically as he had when he spoke before, "Mayor Morrisonseems to be doing very well in all that has been undertaken. I have nostatement to make--absolutely no word to say!"

He stepped back and allowed the Governor to lead the retreat; HisExcellency collided with two of the more persistent news-gatherers. Withvolleyed "No! Nothing!" he marked time for the thudding of his feet. 

Apparently Lana had entered into the spirit of that armed truce which, soher father's manner informed her, was merely a rearrangement of thebattle-front. She hurried out of the chamber without even a glance inMorrison's direction. 

Stewart's grim countenance intimidated the reporters; they went away. 

For a long time the mayor paced up and down the Executive Chamber, hishands clasped behind him. 

Miss Bunker thumbed the leaves of her note-book, putting on an air ofcomplete absorption in that matter. 

Mac Tavish studied the mayor's face; Morrison was wearing that expressionwhich indicated a mood strange for him. Mac Tavish had seen it on themaster's face altogether too many times since the Morrison had come fromthe mill in the forenoon. It was not the look he wore when matters ofbusiness engrossed him. The old paymaster liked to see Morrison ponderingon mill affairs; it was meditation that always meant solution ofdifficulties, and the solution was instantly followed by a laugh and goodcheer. 

But it was plain that Morrison had not solved anything when he turned toMac Tavish. 

"Not much like honest, real business--this, eh, Andy?"

"Naething like, sir!"

"Doesn't seem to be a polite job, either--politics--if you go in and fightthe other fellow on his own ground. "

"I've e'er hated the sculch and the scalawags!"

"Totten calls this a political exigency. "

"I'll no name it for mysel' in the hearing o' the lass!"

"Seems to need a lot of fancy lying when a greenhorn like me starts lateand is obliged to do things in a hurry. Gives business methods an awfulwrench, Andy!"

"Aye!" The old Scotchman was emphatic. 

"In fact, in a political exigency, according to what I've found out thisevening, the quickest liar wins!" He walked to Miss Bunker's side. "Youmight jot that down as sort of summing the thing up and consider therecord closed. "

"Do ye think it's all closed and that ye're weel out of it?" inquired MacTavish, anxiously. 

"I think, Andy, " drawled the mayor, a wry smile beginning to twist at thecorners of his mouth, "that I may have the militia and the people and thepoliticians well out of it, but considering the mess, as it concerns me, myself, I'm only beginning to be good and properly in it. "

"Ye hae the record, as jotted by the lass, and I heard ye say naething butwhat was to your credit. And the words o' the high judges! Ye're wellbacked!"

"Oh, that reminds me, Andy. That boy who brought the telegrams to thedoor! He'll come to the mill in the morning. Pay him ten dollars. I didn'thave the money in my clothes when I hired him. "

"And that reminds me, too, Mr. Morrison!" said Miss Bunker. "Do you wantme to keep the telegrams with the record? You remember you took them whenyou went out with the general. "

Morrison reached into his breast pocket for the papers, tore them slowlyacross, and stuffed the scraps back into a side-pocket. "I reckon theywon't do the record much good. It's more of the political exigency stuff, Andy! I wrote 'em myself!"

His hands had touched his pipe when he had shoved the bits of paper intohis pocket. He took it out and peered into the bowl. There was tobaccothere and he fumbled for a match. 

"Andy, usually I like to have morning come, for there's always businesswaiting for me in the mornings and honest daylight helps any matter ofclean business. But I'm not looking ahead to this next sunrise with agreat deal of relish. Those telegrams were clinchers in the case ofTotten, but I don't know what the judges will say. What I said aboutSenator Corson to the mob helped a lot--but I don't know what the Senatoris going to say in the morning. And I don't know what Governor Northproposes to say. Or what--" He checked himself and shook his head. "Well, there's considerable going to be said, at any rate! I'll run over thething in my mind right now while I have time and everything is quiet. MacTavish, take Miss Bunker to the car and tell Jock to carry you and herhome and to come back here for me. "

After they had gone he lighted his pipe and sat down in the Governor's bigchair and smoked and pondered. Every little while he thrust his forefingerand thumb into his vest pocket and ransacked without avail. "I must haveleft it in my dress clothes, " he muttered. "But no matter! I'm not in theright frame of mind to enjoy poetry. However, merely in the way of takinga new clinch on the proposition I do remember this much, 'But I will marrymy own first love!' There's truth in poetry if you go after it hardenough. And, on second thought, I'd better keep my mind on poetry asclosely as I can! I certainly don't dare to think of politics right now!"

XX

IN THE COLD AND CANDID DAYLIGHT

For the first time in his life Governor North had his breakfast served tohim in his room at his hotel; he ate alone, chewing savagely and studyingnewspapers. He did not welcome this method of breakfasting as a pleasingindulgence. Rugged Lawrence North was no sybarite; he hated allassumptions of exclusiveness; he loved to mingle and mix, and his morninglevees in the hotel breakfast-room catered to all his vanity as a publicfunctionary. He did not own up squarely to himself that he was afraid togo down and face men and answer questions. He had ordered the hoteltelephone exchange to give him no calls; he had told the desk clerk tostate to all inquirers that the Governor was too busy to be seen; he paidno attention to raps on his door. His self-exculpation in this unwontedprivacy was that he could not afford to allow himself to be bothered byquestioners until he and Senator Corson could arrange for effectualteam-work by another conference. When he and the Senator parted theyagreed to get together at the Corson mansion the first thing afterbreakfast. 

While the Governor ground his food between his teeth he also chewed on thesavage realization that he had nothing sensible to say in public on thesituation, considering his uncompromising declarations of the day before;there were those declarations thrusting up at him from the newspaper pagelike derisive fingers; by the reports in parallel columns he wasrepresented as saying one thing and doing another! And a bumptious, blundering, bull-headed Scotchman had put the Governor of a state in thattongue-tied, skulking position on the proud day of inauguration!

His Excellency slashed his ham, and stabbed his eggs, making his foodatone vicariously. 

He did not order his car over the hotel telephone. The hotel _attachés_were obsequious and would be waiting to escort him in state across themain office. The politicians would surround the car. And he was perfectlysure that some of the big men of an amazed State House lobby might stepinto that car along with him and seek to know what in the name o' mischiefhad happened overnight to change all the sane and conservative plans inthe way of making a legislature safe!

He bundled himself and his raw pride into his overcoat, turned the furcollar up around his head, and went down a staircase. He was sneaking andhe knew it and no paltering self-assurance that he was handling a touchysituation with necessary tact helped his feelings in the least. He steppedinto a taxicab and was glad because the breath of previous passengers thatmorning had frosted the windows. That consolation was merely a back-firein the rest of the conflagration that raged in him. 

It was a dull morning, somber and cold. 

When he stamped up the broad walk from the gate of the Corson mansion hebeheld the boarded windows of the ballroom, and the spectacle added to hissense of chill. But his anger was not cooled. 

Senator Corson's secretary was waiting in the hall; he showed the Governorup to the Senator's study. 

Either because the outdoors was not cheerful that morning or because theSenator had been too much engrossed in meditation to remember thatdaylight would serve him, the curtains of the study were drawn and theelectric lamps were on. 

Corson was walking up and down the room, chewing on one end of a cigar andmaking a soggy torch of the other end. He continued to pace while Northpulled off his coat. 

"I have sent word to Morrison to come here, " reported the host. 

The mantel clock reported the hour as nine; His Excellency scowled at theclock's face. "And you got word back, I suppose, that after he has comeout of his mill at ten o'clock and has washed his hands and--"

"He's at City Hall, " snapped Corson, with an acerbity that matched theGovernor's. "I called the mill and was referred to Morrison at City Hall. He's on his way up here! At any rate, he said he'd start at once. "

"Did he condescend to intimate in what capacity he proposes to land on usthis time?"

"I'm going to allow you to draw your own conclusions. I've been trying todraw some of my own from what he said. "

"What did he say?"

"Apologized because I was put to any trouble in locating him. Said he wasexpecting to be called by me and thought he would go to City Hall andawait my summons in order to put himself and the whole situation on astrictly official basis. " The Senator delivered that information sullenly. 

"What kind of a devilish basis does he think he's been operating on?"

"Look here, North! If you have come up here to fight with me after the rowyou have been having down-town this morning I warn you--"

"I have had no row down-town. I wouldn't see anybody. I wouldn't talk withanybody. Blast it! Corson, I don't know what to say to anybody!"

"Well, that's one point, at least, on which you and I can get togethereven if we can't agree on anything else. If you have been so cursedlyexclusive as all that, North, perhaps you haven't been in touch with anyof the justices of the supreme court, as I have. "

"You have, eh?"

"I called Davenport and Madigan on the telephone. "

"What excuse could they give for sending their snap opinions over the wireon the inquiry of a fool?"

"They offered no excuse. They couldn't. They knew nothing about anytelegrams till I informed 'em. They received no inquiry. They sent noreplies, naturally. "

"That--that--Did that--" The Governor pawed at his scraggly neck. "Hefaked all that stuff?"

"Absolutely!"

Comment which could not have been expressed in long speeches and violentdenunciation was put into the pregnant stare exchanged by the two men. 

Then the Senator took another grip on his cigar with bared teeth and beganto march again. 

"Corson, what's going to be done with that blue-blazed understudy ofAnanias?"

"Depend on the wrath of Heaven, perhaps, " said the Senator, sarcastically. "I haven't had time to look in Holy Writ this morning and ascertain justwhat kind of a He Ananias told. But whatever it was, it was tame besidewhat Morrison told that mob about me last night. "

"You've had your fling at me about my exclusiveness! What are you puttingout yourself this morning in the way of statements?" The Governor bangedhis fist down on the newspapers which littered the study table. 

"Nothing! Not yet!"

"I've got to have my self-respect with me when I deliver my inauguraladdress this forenoon. The only way I can possess it is by rammingMorrison into jail. "

"On what ground, may I ask?"

"Interference with the Chief Executive of this state! Inciting the mobagainst the militia! Putting state property in danger. Forgery--contemptof court! I'll appeal to the judges to act. I'll call in theattorney-general. You and I were forcibly detained!"

"Yes, we might allege abduction, " was Corson's dry rejoinder. "Ourhelplessness in the hands of a usurper would win a lot of publicsympathy. "

"I tell you, we would have the sympathy of the people, " asserted theGovernor, too angry to be anything else than literal. 

"And they'd express it by giving us the biggest laugh ever tendered to twopublic men in this state, North. We've got to look this thing straight inthe eye. I told Morrison last night that no such preposterous thing wasever put over in American politics, and he agreed with me. You must agree, too! That makes us unanimous on one point, and that's something gained, because it's an essential point. We can't afford to let the public knowjust how preposterous the situation was. A man in American public life canget away with almost any kind of a fix, if it's taken seriously. But theright sort of a general laugh will snuff him like that!" He snapped hisfinger. "We're not dealing with politics and procedure in the case ofMorrison, "

"We're dealing with a fool and his folly!" the Governor shouted. 

It was another of those cases where the expected guest under discussionbecomes an eavesdropper at just the wrong moment; Morrison was notdeliberately an eavesdropper. He had followed the instructed secretary tothe study door, and the Governor had declared himself with a violence thatwas heard outside the room. 

The mayor stepped in when the secretary opened the door

After the secretary had closed the door and departed Morrison steppedforward. "Governor North, you're perfectly right, and I agree with youwithout resenting your remark. I did make quite a fool of myself lastnight. Perhaps you are not ready to concede that the ends justify themeans. "

"I do not, sir!"

"A result built on falsehoods is a pretty poor proposition, " declared theSenator. "I refer especially to those fake telegrams and to your impudentassertion to the mob that I said this or that!"

"Yes, that telegram job was a pretty raw one, sir, " Morrison admitted. "But I really didn't lie straight out to those men in the square aboutyour participation. I let 'em draw an inference from the way Icomplimented your fairness and good sense. I was a little hasty lastnight--but I didn't have much time to do advance thinking. "

"I'm going to express myself about last night, " stated Senator Corson. 

"Will you wait a moment, sir?" Morrison had not removed his overcoat; hehad not even unbuttoned it; he afforded the impression of a man whointended to transact business and be on his way with the least possibledelay. He glanced at the electric lights and at the shaded windows. "Thisseems too much like last night. Won't you allow me? It's a littleindulgence to my state of mind!"

He hurried across the room and snapped up the shades and pulled apart thecurtains. He reached his hand to the wall-switch and turned off thelights. 

"This isn't last night--it's this morning--and there's nothing like honestdaylight on a proposition, gentlemen! Nothing like it! Last night thingslooked sort of tragic. This morning the same things will look comicalif"--he raised his forefinger--"if the inside of 'em is reported. If thereal story is told, the people in this state will laugh their heads off. "Again the Governor and the Senator put a lot of expression into the lookwhich they exchanged. "I got that mob to laughing last night and, as Itold General Totten, that settled the civil war. If the people get tolaughing over what happened when Con Rellihan took his orders only fromthe mayor of Marion, it will--well, it'll be apt to settle some politicalhash. "

"Do you threaten?" demanded North. He was blinking into the matter-of-factdaylight where Morrison stood, framed in a window. 

"Governor North, take a good look at me. I'm not a pirate chief. I'mmerely a business man up here to do a little dickering. I can't trade onmy political influence, because I haven't any. You have all the politicson your side. I propose to do the best I can with the little stock intrade I have brought. " He walked to the table and flapped on it his hand, palm up. "You are two almighty keen and discerning gentlemen. I don't needto itemize the stock in trade I have laid down here. You see what I'vegot!"

He paused and, his eyes glinting with a suppressed emotion that thediscerning gentlemen understood, he glanced from one to the other of them. 

"You've got a cock-and-bull yarn in which you are shown up as a liar and alawbreaker, " the Governor declared. "You've got some guess--so abouterrors in returns--"

"Hold on! Hold on, North!" protested Senator Corson. "It's just asMorrison says--we don't need to itemize his stock in trade. I can estimateit for myself. Morrison, you say you're ready to dicker. What do youwant?"

"A legislature that's organized open and above-board, with all claimantsin their seats and having their word to say as to the sort of questionsthat will be sent up to the court. Staying in their seats, gentlemen, tillthe decisions are handed down! Let the legislature, as a whole, draft thequestions about the status of its membership. I've got my own interest inthis--and I'll be perfectly frank in stating it. I have a report onwater-power to submit. I don't want that report to go to a committee thathas been doctored up by a hand-picked House and Senate. "

"You don't expect that Governor North and myself are going to stand hereand give you guaranties as to proposed legislation, do you?"

"You are asking me, as an executive, to interfere with the legislativebranch, " expostulated His Excellency. 

"Gentlemen, I don't expect to settle the problems of the world here thismorning, or even this water-power question. I'm simply demanding that thething be given a fair start on the right track. " There was a great deal ofsignificance in his tone when he added: "I hope there'll be no need ofgoing into unpleasant details, gentlemen. All three of us know exactlywhat is meant. "

Senator Corson was distinctly without enthusiasm; he maintained his air ofchilly dignity. "What legislation is contemplated under that report thatyou will submit?"

"Some of the lawyers say that a general law prohibiting the shipping ofpower over wires out of the state must be backed by a change in ourconstitution. Until we can secure that change there must be a prohibitiveclause on every water-power charter granted by the legislature--a clausethat restricts all the developed power for consumption in this state. "

"A policy of selfishness, sir. "

"No, Senator Corson, a policy that protects our own development until wecan create a surplus of power. Sell our surplus, perhaps! That's a soundrule of business. If you'll allow me to volunteer a word or two more as toplans, I'll say that eventually I hope to see the state pay justcompensation and take back and control the water-power that was given awayby our forefathers. 

"As to power that is still undeveloped, I consider it the heritage of thepeople, and I refuse to be a party to putting a mortgage on it. My ideasmay be a little crude just now--I say again that everything can't besettled and made right in a moment, but I have stated the principle of thething and we fellows who believe in it are going ahead on that line. Irealize perfectly well, sir, that this plan discourages the kind ofcapital that Mr. Daunt represents, but if there is one thing in this God'scountry of ours that should not be put into the hands of monopoly it's thepower in the currents of the rivers that are fed by the lakes owned by thepeople. I'm a little warm on the subject, Senator Corson, I'll confess. Ihave been stubbing my toes around in pretty awkward shape. But I had to dothe best I could on short notice. "

"You have been very active in the affair, " was the Senator'suncompromising rejoinder. 

Governor North continued to be frankly a skeptic and had been expressinghis emotions by wagging his head and grunting. In the line of his generaldisbelief in every declaration and in everybody, he pulled his watch fromhis pocket as if to assure himself as to the real time; he had scowled atthe Senator's mantel clock as if he suspected that even the timepiecemight be trying to put something over on him. "I must be moving on towardthe State House. " He wore the air of a defendant headed for the court-roominstead of a Governor about to be inaugurated. "I must know where I stand!Morrison, what's it all about, anyway?"

The Governor was convincingly sincere in his query. He had the manner ofone who had decided, all of a sudden, to come into the open. There wassomething almost wistful in this new candor. Stewart's poise was plainlyjarred. 

"What's it all about?" He blinked with bewilderment. "Why, I have beentelling you, Governor!"

"Do you think for one minute that I believe all that Righteous Rollorant?"

"I have been stating my principles and--"

"Hold on! I've had all the statements that I can absorb. What's behind'em? That's what I want to know. Wait, I tell you! Don't insult myintelligence any more by telling me it's altruism, high-mindedunselfishness in behalf of the people! I have heard others and myself talkthat line of punk to a finish. Are you going to run for Governor nextelection?"

"Absolutely not!"

"Are you grooming a man?"

"No, sir!"

"Building up a political machine?"

"Certainly I am not, "

"Going to organize a water-power syndicate of your own after you getlegislation that will give you a clear field against outside capital?"

"No--no, most positively!"

"Senator Corson, you claim you know Morrison better than I do. How much ishe lying?"

"I think he means what he says. "

North picked up his overcoat and plunged his arms into the sleeves. "If Ishould think so--if I should place implicit faith in any man who talksthat way--I'd be ashamed of my weakness--and I've got too many thingsabout myself to be ashamed of, all the way from table manners to morals!There's one thing that I'm sort of holding on to, and that's the fact thatmy intellect seems to be unimpaired in my old age. Morrison, I don'tbelieve half what you say. "

The mayor of Marion made no reply for some moments. Corson, surveying him, showed uneasiness. A retort that would fit the provocation was likely tolead to results that would embarrass the host of the two Executives. 

"Oh, by the way, Governor, " said Stewart, quietly, "I just came from CityHall. I really did not intend to drift so far from strictly officialbusiness when I came up here. I want to assure you that there will be noexpense to the state connected with the police guard at the Capitol. Theyare at your service till after the inaugural ceremonies. Do you think youwill need the officers on duty at your residence any longer, SenatorCorson?"

"No, sir!"

"I agree with you that everything seems to have quieted down beautifully. Governor, you have my best wishes for your second term. I'm sorry I'll notbe able to go to the State House to hear your address. "

He went to the Governor and put out his hand, an act which compelledresponse in kind. 

"I'm much obliged!" His Excellency was curt and caustic. "After thevaudeville show of last night there won't be much to-day at the StateHouse to suit anybody who is fond of excitement. "

Before North, departing, reached the door Senator Corson's secretarytapped and entered. He gave several telegrams into the hand of hisemployer. 

"Pardon me, gentlemen!" apologized the Senator, tearing open an envelope. "Wait a moment, North. These messages may bear on the situation. "

He read them in silence one after the other, his face betraying nothing ofhis thoughts. 

He stacked the sheets on the table. "Evidently several notable gentlemenin our state rise early, read the newspapers before breakfast, and arehandy to telegraph offices, " he remarked, leveling steady gaze at Stewart. "These telegrams are addressed to me, but by good rights they belong toyou, Mister Mayor, I'm inclined to believe. "

There was irony in the Senator's tone; Morrison offered no reply. 

"They're all of the same tenor, North, " explained Senator Corson. "I'mbracketed with you. You'll probably find some of your own waiting at theState House for you. And more to come!"

"Well, what are they--what are they?"

"Compliments for the sane, safe, and statesmanlike way we handled a crisisand saved the good name of the state. "

"Now, Morrison, " raged the Governor, "you can begin to understand whatkind of a damnable mess you've jammed me into along with Corson, here!That steer of a policeman will blab, that Scotchman will snarl, and thatloose-mouthed girl will babble!"

"Governor, I haven't resented anything you have said to me, personally. You can go ahead and say a lot more to me, and I'll not resent it. But letme tell you that I can depend on the business loyalty of the folks whoserve me; and if you go to classing my kind of helpers in with the cheappoliticians with whom you have been associating, I shall say something toyou that will break up this friendly party. My folks will not talk! Saveyour sarcasm for your agents who have been running around getting you intoa real scrape by telling about those election returns. "

He snapped about face, on his heels, and walked out of the door. 

XXI

A WOMAN CHOOSES HER MATE

The haste displayed by Mayor Morrison in getting away from the study doorsuggested that he was glad to escape and was not fishing for anyinvitation to return for further parley. 

But when he approached the head of the stairway he moved more slowly. Hisdemeanor hinted that he would welcome some excuse, outside of politics, tokeep him longer in the Corson mansion. He paused on the stairs and made anelaborate arrangement of a neck muffler as if he expected to confrontpolar temperature outside. He pulled on his gloves, inspected themcritically as if to assure himself that there were no crevices where thecold could enter. He looked over the banisters. There was nobody in thereception-hall. He arranged the muffler some more. Step by step, veryslowly, he descended as far as the landing where he had met Lana Corsonjoyously the night before. Not expectantly, with visage downcast, helooked behind him. 

Lana was framed in the library door at the head of the stairs. 

"I was trying to make up my mind to call to you. But you seemed to be inso much of a hurry! I suppose you have a great deal to attend to thismorning. "

"The principal rush seems to be over. Was it anything--Did you want tospeak to me?"

"Perhaps it isn't of much importance. It did seem to be, for a moment. Butit's something of a family matter. I think, after all, it will beimprudent to mention it. "

He waited for her to go on. 

"Probably under the circumstances you'll not be especially interested, "she ventured. 

"The trouble is, I'm afraid I'll show too much interest and seem to beprying. "

"Will you please step up here where I'll not be obliged to shout at you?"

He obeyed so promptly that he fairly scrambled up the stairs. 

"You said down there in the hall last evening that my father was angry andthat an angry man says a great deal that he doesn't mean. My father wasvery, very angry when he and. I arrived home last night. "

"I reckoned he would be. "

"In his anger he talked to me very freely about you. The question is, should I believe anything he said?"

"I--I don't know, " he stammered, "You're not going back on your ownstatement about an angry man, are you?"

"I don't think it's fair to accept all his statements. "

"I'm sorry you still hold that opinion. You see I drew some conclusions ofmy own from what my father said to me, and those conclusions urge me toapologize to you for the Corson family. I'm afraid you didn't find myfather in an apologetic mood this morning. "

"Not exactly. "

"Doris tells me that I have a New England conscience. I'm not sure. At anyrate, I'm feeling very uncomfortable about something! It may be becauseyou're misunderstood by our family. Do I seem forward?"

"No! Of course you don't. But you're putting me in a terrible position. Idon't know what to say. I don't want any apologies. They'd make me feellike a fool--more of a fool than I have been. "

"Are you admitting now that you were wrong in the stand you took about thewater-power and--and--well, about everything?"

He had been listening in distress and perplexity, striving to understandher, groping for the meaning she was hiding behind her quiet manner. Buther question struck fire from the flint of his resolution. "That powermatter is a principle, and I am not wrong in it. As to the means I usedlast night, it was brass and blunder and I'm ashamed of acting that way. "

"There's no need of going into the matter. I received a great deal ofinformation from my father--when he was angry. And I woke up early thismorning and began to consider the evidence. I was hard at it when youdrove up in your car. I have been waiting for you to come from your talkwith my father and the Governor. I want to say, Stewart, that when I stoodup last night, like a fool, and lectured you about neglecting youropportunities in life I was considering you only as the boss of St. Ronan's mill. But my father told me what you really are. I have alwaysrespected him as a very truthful man, even when he is well worked up byany subject. I must take his word in this matter, though he didn't realizejust how complimentary he was in your case. And if you can spare me a fewmoments, I want you to come into the library. "

She walked ahead of him toward the door. 

"I think I'll leave the Corson family right out of it, Stewart. I'm aloyal daughter of this state. I'm home again and I've waked up. Humor mein a little conceit, won't you? Let me make believe that I'm the state andlisten to me while I tell you what a big, brave, unselfish--"

They were inside the door and he put his arm about her and led her towardthe big screen and broke in on her little speech that she was makingtremulously, apprehensively, with a sob in her voice, trying to hide herdeeper emotions under her mock-dramatics. 

"Hush, dear! I don't want to hear any state talk to me! I want to hearonly Lana Corson talk. I didn't understand her last night! Now, bless herhonest, true heart, I do understand her. "

Speech, long repressed, was rushing from his mouth. Then he struggled withwords; his excitement choked him. He looked down at her through his tears. "The bit poem, lassie! You remember it. The poem you recited, and when Isent you the big basket o' posies! All the time since yesterday it hasbeen running in my head. I sat alone in the State House last night and allI could remember was, 'But I will marry my own first love!' I tried to sayit out like a man, believing that God has meant you for me. But I couldn'tthink I'd be forgiven!"

Lana took his hand between her palms and stopped him at the edge of thescreen. She quoted, meeting his adoring eyes with full understanding:

 "And I think, in the lives of most women and men, There's a moment when all would go smooth and even--"

She drew him gently with her when she stepped backward. 

She had heard the Senator's voice in the corridor; he was escortingGovernor North. 

On the panels of the screen were embroidered some particularly grotesqueJapanese countenances. Those pictured personages seemed to be making upfaces at the dignitaries who passed the open door. 

"But I must go to your father, sweetheart, " Stewart insisted. "I'd best doit this morning and have it all over with. "

This declaration as to duty and deference was not made while SenatorCorson was passing the door; nor was it made with anything like thepromptitude the Senator might have expected in a matter which was sovitally concerned with a father's interests. In fact it was a long, longtime before Stewart had anything to say on that subject. If Senator Corsonhad been listening again on the other side of the screen, he, no doubt, would have been mightily offended by a delay which seemed to make thefather an afterthought in the whole business. 

If he had been eavesdropping he would not have heard much, anyway, of aninforming nature. He would have heard two voices, tenderly low andincoherent, interrupting eagerly, breaking in on each other to explain andprotest and plead. If Stewart's protracted neglect of the interests of afather would have availed to rouse resentment, Lana's reply to Stewart'srueful declaration more surely would have exasperated the Senator; sheemphatically commanded Stewart to say not one word on the subject to herfather. 

"Why, Stewart Morrison, for twenty-four hours you have been taking away mybreath by doing the unexpected! You have been grand. Now are you going tospoil everything by dropping right back into the conventional, every-dayway of doing things? You shall not! You shall not spoil my new worship ofa hero!"

"Well, I won't seem much like a hero if I act as though I'm afraid of yourfather!"

She raised her voice in amazed query. "For mercy's sake, haven't you beenproving that you're not afraid of him?" Once more, jubilantly, teasingly, wrought upon by the revived spirit of the intimacy of the old days, sheassumed a playful pose with him, but this time her sincerity of soul wasbehind the situation. "Don't you realize, sir, that the calendar of theHon. Jodrey Wadsworth Corson, on this day and date, is crowded withstrictly new business? He is due at the State House very soon. Do youthink he can afford to be bothered with unfinished business?"

He worshiped her with silence and a smile. 

"Yes, Mister Mayor of Marion, unfinished business--yours and mine! Ourbusiness of the old days. But the honorable Senator is perfectly wellaware that the business aforesaid is on the calendar. He had beensupposing that we had forgotten it. I see a big question in your eyes, Stewart dear! Well, now that you're a party to the action and interestedin the matter to be presented, I'll say that after Senator Corson had donehis talking to me last evening, or very early this morning, to be moreexact, I called on my family grit of which he's so proud and I did alittle talking to Senator Corson. And he knows that the business isunfinished--he knows it will be brought duly to his attention--and he'llbe in a better frame of mind after his present petulance has worn off. "

"Petulance!" Morrison was rather skeptical. 

"Exactly! He's just as much of a big child as most men are when anotherbig child tries to take away a plaything. Oh, he was furious, Stewart! Butlet me tell you something for your comfort. He dwelt most savagely on thefact that you had grabbed in single-handed and beaten a Governor and aUnited States Senator at their own game! Wonderful, isn't it--admissionlike that? He has always patronized you as a countryman who knew how tomake good cloth and who didn't amount to anything else in the world. Why, in a few days he'll be admitting that he admires you and respects you!"

She paused. After a few moments she went on, her tones low and thrilling. "I've been trying to explain myself to you, Stewart. You know, now, that Ihave always loved you. I have told you so in a way that leaves no doubtsin a man such as you are. You have forgiven me for being simply human andsilly before I woke up to understand you. And you don't misunderstand meany more, do you?" she pleaded, wistfully. "Last night I saw--your big_self_!"

"Lana, it was a wonderful night--more wonderful than I realized till now!"

After a time they became aware of a stir below-stairs and they came outfrom behind the screen where the Japanese faces grinned knowingly. 

"Please obey me, Stewart; you must! It's really my trial of you to see ifyou're obedient when I know it's for your own good. Go down and wait forme. " She left him in the corridor and ran away. 

He marched down the stairs with as much self-possession as he couldcommand. 

Below him he saw Senator Corson, Mrs. Stanton, Silas Daunt, and thebanker's son. All were garbed for outdoors and the Senator was inquiringof Mrs. Stanton why Lana was not ready. 

From the landing down to the hall Stewart found the ordeal an exactingone. Those below surveyed him with an open astonishment that was moredisconcerting than hostility; he was in a mood to fight for himself andhis own; but to deal in mere polite explanations, after Lana's imperiouscommand to keep silent on an important matter, was beyond any sagacity hepossessed in that period of abashed wonder what to say or do. 

It was his thought that Miss Corson, in her efforts to avoid an anticlimaxof conventional procedure, was making a rather too severe test of him inforcing him to endure the unusual. 

He did manage to say, "Good morning!" and smiled at them in a deprecatoryway. 

Coventry Daunt amiably responded as a spokesman for the group; but he hadwaited deferentially for his elders to make some response. 

The Senator held a packet of telegrams in his hand. After Stewart hadhalted in the hall, putting on the best face he could and evincing adetermination to stick the thing out, Senator Corson walked over andoffered to give the mayor the telegrams. "They're beginning to arrive fromWashington, sir. Better read 'em. They'll afford you a great deal of joy, I'm sure. "

Stewart shook his head, declining to receive the missives. He wanted totell the Senator that more joy right at that moment would overtask theMorrison capacity. 

"I wish I were younger and more of an opportunist, " Corson avowed. "Inthese guessing times among the booms, here is gas enough to inflate apretty good-sized presidential balloon. " He waved the papers. 

The Senator's tone was still rather ironical, but Stewart was seeking forstraws to buoy his new hopes; whether he was so recently away from Lana'sdark eyes that the encouragement in them lingered with him, he was notsure. He felt, however, that the Senator's eyes did seem a little lesshard than the polished ebony they had resembled. 

An awkward silence ensued. The Senator stood in front of the caller andqueried uncompromisingly with those eyes. 

The caller, having been enjoined from babbling about the business that hadbeen transacted behind the screen in the library, had no excuse to offerfor hanging around there. "I--I suppose you're going to the State House, "he suggested, after he decided that the weather called for no comments. 

"We are! We are waiting for my daughter, " stated Corson, with a severitywhich indicated that he was determined, then and there, to rebuke thecause of her delay. 

"I'm so sorry you have waited!" Lana called to them from the landing, andcame hurrying down, fastening the clasp of her furs. 

She went to Mrs. Stanton, her face expressing apologetic distress. "It'sso comforting, Doris, to know that you and I don't need to bother with allthese guest and hostess niceties. You'll understand--because you're a dearfriend! Father will make the doors of the Capitol fly open for hisparty--and you'll be looked after wonderfully. " She bestowed her graciousglances on the others of the Daunt family, "I know you'll all forgive meif I don't come along. "

She did not allow her amazed father to embarrass the situation by theoutburst that he threatened. She fled past him, patting his arm with aswift caress. "I'm going with Stewart--over to Jeanie Mac DougalMorrison's house. It's really dreadfully important. You know why, father. I'll tell you all about it later. Come, Stewart! We must hurry!"

Young Mr. Daunt was near the door. He opened it for her. When Stewartpassed, following the girl closely, the volunteer door-tender qualified asa good sport. He whispered, "Good luck, old man!"

When Coventry closed the door he gave his sister a prolonged and pregnantstare of actual triumph. 

It was only a look, but he put into it more significance than sufficed forDoris's perspicacity. 

He had confided to his sister, the evening before, his hopeful reliance ona girl's heart. 

But the Lana Corson who came down the stairs, who confronted them, who hadfearlessly chosen her mate before their hostile eyes, was a woman. 

And Coventry's gaze told his sister boastingly that he had made good inone respect--he had called the turn in his estimate of a woman. 

 THE END