imit. He swept it along Powers Avenue, dodging in and out among
the traffic of the busy city like a halfback through a broken field
after a kick. With a twist of the wheel he put the machine at the steep
hill of Yarnell Way, climbed the brow of it, and plunged with a flying
leap down the long incline to the State House.

James clung to the swaying side of the car as it raced down. It was
raining hard, and the drops stung their faces like bird shot. Two
hundred yards in front appeared a farm wagon, leaped toward them, and
disappeared in the gulf behind. A dog barking at them from the roadside
was for an instant and then was not. In their wake they left cursing
teamsters, frightened horses, women and children scurrying for safety;
and in the driver's seat Rawson sat goggle-eyed and rigid, swallowing
the miles that lay in front of him.

The car took the last incline superbly and swung up the asphalt carriage
way to a Yale finish at the marble stairway of the State House. Rawson
was running up the steps almost before the machine had stopped. Farnum
caught him at the elevator and a minute later they entered together the
assembly room of the House.

One swift glance told Rawson that Killen was not in his seat, and as
his eyes swept the room he noted also the absence of Pitts, Bentley, and
Miller. Of the doubtful votes only Ashton and Reilly were present.

He flung a question, "anything of Bentley, Akers?"

"Mr. Bentley! Why, yes, sir. He was called to the telephone a few
minutes ago and he left at once. Mr. Miller went with him, and Mr.
Pitts."

"Were Ashton and Reilly here then?"

"No, sir. They came in a moment before you did."

Rawson drew Farnum to one side and whispered.

"Killen must have gone right from your room to Big Tim. They got the
others on the phone. They must have been on that street car we met a
mile back. There's just a chance to head 'em off. I'll chase back in my
machine while you call up Jeff and have him meet the car as it comes in.
Tell him not to let them out of his sight if he has to hold them with a
gun. You keep an eye on Reilly and Ashton. Don't let anyone talk to them
or get them on the phone. Better take them up to the library."

James nodded sulkily. He did not like Rawson's peremptory manner any
the better because he knew his indiscretion had called it down upon him.
What he had been unable to forget for the past hour was that if this
break to Frome had happened yesterday it would ha