listen to reason.

"Now," said Nora, the order having been given, "I'll tell you some facts
about myself and my family you never knew. I know who has brought this
strike about, and I know how to stop it." She spoke calmly, methodically.
Dr. Morgan seated herself to listen. Miss O'Day began her story. When she
had finished, the horses were at the door, Jefferies with them. Dr. Morgan
hesitated.

"I've known Jefferies for years. He is a friend of my father. He will take
care of us," said Nora, studying the expression of Dr. Morgan's face.

"Then go, Nora. My prayers go with you."

A few minutes later, Elizabeth, the center of a laughing group, was drawn
hurriedly aside by Nora.

"Here's a long storm coat. Put it on over your light dress. We have no
time to change. Put on the cap, and tie a heavy veil upon it. It is
raining; but it will matter little." The speaker was enveloped in a long,
dark, travelling cloak, beneath which her orange colored gown showed. A
soft hat swathed in a heavy veil hid her head and face.

Elizabeth did as she was bid, being wholly carried away by the excitement
and force in the speaker's voice.

"Why--what--" she began.

"Don't waste time talking. There, you are ready. Come!"

"Go with your friend," said Dr. Morgan. "She will tell you on the way."

She walked with them to the door. The girls passed out into the storm and
the night.

CHAPTER XV.

VICTORY.

The country roads were almost ankle deep with mud. The soft drizzling rain
had resolved itself into a steady downpour. The carriage seemed swallowed
up in the darkness. It was well that Jefferies knew the way and the horses
he was driving. He chirruped and called them by name and they went
plunging on through the mire.

No sooner were the girls seated in the conveyance, the storm-robes being
drawn about them, than Elizabeth turned to her companion with eager
questioning. She was quivering with suppressed excitement.

Nora, on the contrary, was quite calm. She had made her plans, and now saw
her way clear to carry them out. Her self-confidence spared her
unnecessary alarm. However, appreciating Elizabeth's state of mind, she at
once explained the condition of affairs at Bitumen. She was sufficiently
tactful to tell her only that which was necessary for her to know. She
also warned her to be careful what she said should anyone stop them on the
road.

"If we meet the strikers, they will help us along because I am the
d