get later. If we put all to the test in our first fight
against forces that have been in power for all the years and lose, then
the cause gets a setback which may discourage our men for ever."

And Mr. Converse, having so declared, had remained away from the
convention that day, feeling that no more was to be gained.

"And I move you, Mr. Chairman," called a voice, "that the nominations
for governor do now close."

This had been the custom in the past.

It was not in the minds of that convention that another candidate would
be put forward. Governor Harwood was waiting in an anteroom, thumbing
the leaves of his speech, and all the delegates knew it. All desired to
expedite matters, nominate by acclamation, hear the inevitable speech,
and go home.

"One moment before that motion is seconded!"

The voice was so loud, so clear, so dominant, so ringing, that the
effect on the convention was as galvanically intense as if somebody had
blown upon a bugle.

Walker Farr had risen to his feet.

Colonel Dodd set his curved palm at his mouth and from behind the
chairman shot a few words at the presiding officer as one might shoot
pellets from a bean-shooter. The chairman scowled impatiently at Farr,
and a delegate among those who watched eagerly for signals from the
throne rose half-way to his feet and bellowed, "Question!" The cry
was taken up by other delegates, just as the unthinking mob follows a
cheer-master.

Farr climbed upon a settee. He stood there, silent and waiting, and
his expression, poise, and mien wrought for him more effectively than
speech.

He towered over all the heads. He was markedly not one of those
New-Englanders there assembled. His mass of dark-brown hair, his garb,
the very set of his head on his shoulders, differed from the physical
attributes of all others in the hall. And, as the delegates continued
to shout for the question to be put, he turned slowly so that his
expression of dignified and mild protest and appeal was visible to all.
And as he turned he gave the girl in the gallery a long look.

The chairman pounded with his gavel.

"I second the motion," called a delegate, taking advantage of the first
moment of silence.

There was another roaring chorus of, "Question!"

But Walker Farr remained standing on the settee, waiting patiently. He
showed no confusion. There was added dignity as well as appeal in his
attitude and expression.

"Before that vote is taken I want to say one wo