ow gave her a different
impression from the unwashed rabble that usually infests public courts
to feast on the carrion of criminal proceedings. Men predominated, of
course; but they were decent men, men of standing, not idlers and
blacklegs. As she passed up the aisle with Matthews and Mrs. Williams
to the front row of chairs where the news editor and Wayland and
Brydges and the youth from Washington were already seated, she heard a
man's voice say, "They've gone too far this time, by Jingo! It will
take more than wind-jamming to win next fall's elections with this
against them."

"You bet there's an awakening," returned another voice.
"The-dyed-in-the-woollies don't realize yet; but they will waken up
after election day!"

The news editor had only finished giving evidence; on the whole
immaterial testimony; for suspicions do not pass with juries and
coroners.

"How was it you attended the examination of this mine?" was the last
question asked him.

Considering the Smelter City lots, for which the news editor had yet to
pay and the "kiddies" which he had to support, it would have been an
easy matter for him 'to slink' that question. "A newspaper man's
pursuit of a good story" would have been answer enough to satisfy any
coroner; but the news editor did not give that answer. He took off his
glasses and polished the lenses with his handkerchief. Then, he put
them back on his nose and looked straight at the gentleman presiding.

"May I answer that question in my own way, taking plenty of time?" he
asked. "I take it this inquest is being held to get at the real truth."

The coroner said, "Go ahead!"

The attorney for the Smelter City Coking Company sat up and whispered
something to Brydges. The handy man turned lazily round. "Yes," he
said, "one of our staff."

The news editor cleared his throat, and a little sharp intersection of
lines bridged above his nose.

"For some little time, it has been known in the Valley that a quiet
contest has been going on."

The attorney for the Smelter City Coking Company jumped to his feet.

"The witness should keep to a strict recital of fact, not rumors," he
interjected; and the downy-lipped representative of the Federal
Government said nothing about the privileges of a witness, or the
impropriety of a special pleader opening his mouth at an inquest.

"Confine yourself to facts," ordered the coroner heavily.

Wayland and Eleanor suddenly leaned forward. The news