d go so far as to overrule his plainly
expressed decision.

"Then," he said, "you must proceed to take it. As stipulated in the
charter it must be by ballot."

A man who had not spoken yet, stood up. "To save time I move as an
amendment that a committee be appointed to confer with Mr. Lorimer, who is
here for the purpose, as to the construction of the creamery and to
prepare a workable scheme which will if possible be submitted to this
meeting."

It was seconded, and Lyle moved down the long table with a handful of
little papers. It was clear that the supporters of the scheme had
everything ready, and for the first time a shadow of doubt seemed to creep
into Carrington's eyes.

"You are all supplied?" he said at length. "Then we will, as usual, take
the amendment first."

One or two of them borrowed a pencil from a neighbor, but it seemed very
significant to me that most had one ready, and though I had no part in
what was being done, I felt the tension when a man moved down the table
collecting the little folded papers on a tray. Then the Colonel signed for
him and another man to open them, and I think every eye was fixed on the
two men who stood by the window tossing the papers upon a growing pile.
There was only one pile, though three little slips were laid suggestively
by themselves. Then in the midst of a very impressive silence through
which the footsteps broke with a startling distinctness the two men moved
toward the head of the table. The rest leaned forward watching their ruler
who sat very still and grim in face. I fancied that though he was anxious
he could not realize what awaited him.

"They have all voted?" he asked.

"Yes sir," said one of the men in a voice that sounded somewhat strained,
and Carrington looked at him sharply.

"The result?" he asked.

"The amendment is carried, sir. There are only three dissentients."

No one spoke, but I think a thrill ran through everybody in the room, and
I know the blood rose to my face. Still, I fancy their own sensations
troubled very few of my companions for every eye was fixed on their
leader, as the stiffness seemed suddenly to melt out of him. He gasped,
and for a moment or two seemed to be struggling to recover himself.

Though I had not expected this I felt sorry for him. All but three of his
followers had turned against him, and it was evident after what had been
said that their decision implied the subversion of his authority. To a man
of his