ry and was commissioned
at the last meeting of the governor and council. And I know that," he
added, attempting a bit of a swagger, "for I secured the commission for
him myself." He came out of his corner and shook his cane at Farr. "I
want you to understand that I have political power in this state!"

"I wouldn't brag about that kind of political power, when you can use it
to make notaries out of jailbirds. That must be a nice bunch you have up
at your State House!"

"On your way!" Again the cane swished in front of Farr's face.

"I beg your pardon, madam," apologized Farr, bowing to the girl. "You
seem to be the only one in this room entitled to that courtesy," he
added, with a touch of his cynicism. "Am I intruding on your personal
business?"

"You are not," she answered, her eyes flashing. "I am glad you came
in here. I could have stopped the wretched folly myself, but you have
helped me, and I thank you." She delivered that little speech with
vigor.

"Kate!" pleaded Dodd. "This isn't fair. I meant it all right. Here's
your mother here! You wouldn't be reasonable the other way. We had to do
something. For the love of Heaven, be good. You know I--"

She had turned her back on him. Now she whirled and spat furious words
at him, commanding him to be silent.

"Do you want to spread all this miserable business before this
gentleman?" she demanded. "I am ashamed--ashamed! My mother to consent
to such a thing!"

She turned her back on him again and walked to and fro, beating her
hands together in her passion. And now ire boiled in Dodd. He directed
it all at the man who had interfered.

"This is no business of yours, you loafer. I don't know who you are, but
you--"

Farr grabbed the switching cane as he would have swept into his palm an
annoying insect. He broke it into many pieces between his sinewy fingers
and tossed the bits into Dodd's convulsed face.

"You'll know me better later on--you and your uncle, too. Ask him what
I advised him to do about having his weapon loose on his hip--take the
same advice for yourself."

Then his expression altered suddenly. A disquieting jog of memory
prompted him to yank out the cheap watch.

Twelve minutes to nine.

It was a long way to the foot of the steps of the Mellicite Club! And
Union Hall was filled with men who were patiently waiting for him to
keep his pledged word!

"I hope you'll be all right now," he said to the girl, haste in his
tones. "I'm sorry--I