op keepers and
mechanics; so when he had heard all the old Iron King had to say on the
subject, he promptly gave a promise which neither favor, affection nor
self-interest could ever have won from him, but which reason, conscience
and the public good constrained him to give--namely, to present the
petition for the charter to the assembly, and to support it with all his
might.

After this Regulas Rothsay came often and more often, until at length he
passed every evening with the Rockharrts when they were at home. Old
Aaron Rockharrt esteemed him as he esteemed very, very few of his fellow
creatures. Mrs. Rockharrt really loved him. Mr. Fabian and Mr. Clarence
liked him. Cora admired and honored him. He was made so welcome in the
family circle that he felt himself quite at home among them.

On the second of January the first business taken up was that of the
bill to charter the projected railroad. It was presented by Mr. Rothsay,
and referred to the proper committee.

The charter bill was reported with certain amendments, sent back again
and reported again, with modified amendments, laid on the table, taken
up and generally tormented for ten days, and then passed by a small
majority.

Rule had conscientiously done his best, and this was the result: Old
Aaron Rockharrt thanked him stiffly.

"You have worked it through, sir! No one but yourself could have done
it! And it is a wonder that even you could do so with such a set of
pig-headed rascals as our assemblymen. And now, will it pass the
senate?"

"I believe it will, Mr. Rockharrt. I have been speaking to many of the
senators, and find them well disposed toward it," said Rule.

To be brief, the bill was soon taken up by the senate; and after much
the same treatment it had received in the assembly, it came safely
through the ordeal, and was passed--again by a small majority.

Old Aaron Rockharrt was triumphant, in his sullen, dogged and
undemonstrative way.

But having gained his ends, for which alone he had come to the city, he
ordered his family to pack up and be ready to leave town for Rockhold
the next day but one.

But the worst was to come.

When all the household were assembled at luncheon, he shot his last
bolt.

"Now look you here, all of you! We are going to Rockhold to-morrow. I do
not wish to have any company there. I am tired of company! I hate
company! I am going to the country to get rid of company. So see that
you do not, any of you, invit