against us." For the first time he realized the strength of the masses
which he controlled.

"Yes," said Perrine, "but they are with us because we are with them."

"Yes, little girl, and it is all due to you," he replied. "This is very
different from the day when the service for your dear father was held in
that empty church."

"Yes, they are all here now," said Perrine, "and this is the Order of
the Day, grandpapa dear: I am to guide you to the steps exactly at two
o'clock. From there everyone will be able to see you. A man representing
each village where you have your factories will come up the steps, and
fatherly old Gathoye in the name of all is to make a speech."

At this moment the clock struck two.

"Now give me your hand, grandpapa, dear," said Perrine.

They reached the top of the steps and a great cheer broke out. Then the
dear old Gathoye, who was the oldest employe, came forward alone. He was
followed by the five delegates. Ten times the old man had been made to
go over his speech that morning.

"Monsieur Vulfran, sir," he began, "it is to wish you ... it is to
congratulate you ... to congratulate you on...."

Here he stopped short and began gesticulating with his hands, and the
crowd, who saw his eloquent gestures, thought that he making an
elaborate speech.

After some vain efforts, during which he scratched his head several
times, he said: "This is how it is: I had a fine speech all ready, but
I've gone and forgot all I got to say. I had to congratulate you and
thank you in the name of all from the bottom of our hearts...."

He raised his hand solemnly.

"I swear that's so on the faith of your oldest employe, Gathoye."

Although the speech was very incoherent, nevertheless it touched M.
Vulfran deeply. With his hand on Perrine's shoulder, he moved forward to
the balustrade. There all could see him from below.

"My friends," he called out in a loud voice, "your sincere kind wishes
give me the greatest pleasure, all the more so as you bring them to me
on the happiest day of my life, the day when I have found my little
granddaughter, the daughter of my only son whom I have lost. You know
her; you have seen her at the factory. She will go on with the work we
have already begun, and I promise you that your future, and your
children's future, is in good hands."

Thereupon he leaned down towards Perrine and before she could protest he
lifted her up in his arms that were still strong, and presen