for a talk with Will Sherman; he's been appointed head
of the militia. Just in time I should say. He'll be needed before order
is restored."

They shook hands. Benito looked after his friend uneasily. Broderick
was on the wrong side, the young man thought; was taking an unwise tack.
But no one could argue with Broderick ... unless it were Alice. They
must have Dave to dinner again.

* * * * *

The street in front of Know Nothing Hall, a long two-story brick
building was already crowded. One by one men were admitted--or rejected.
Now and then a man would fall out of the line muttering wrathfully.

"They're taking mighty good care not to let any of Scannell's friends
get in," a man behind Benito confided. "The Sheriff's sent a dozen
'plants' this morning but Bluxome weeds them out unfailingly."

After a time Benito found himself at the wicket, gazing into Isaac
Bluxome's shrewd eyes. He was passed immediately with a smile of welcome
and found himself in a large room of the "lodge" variety. There was a
desk behind which sat William Coleman and Charles Doane.

About one hundred men moved about talking animatedly in groups and among
these Benito noted many of his fellows of the '51 committee.

Presently Coleman spoke.

"Gentlemen, it has been decided to reorganize the Vigilance Committee.
Mr. Bluxome and I have assumed the initiative, without any idea of
placing ourselves at the head of the organization. Neither of us desire
more than a chance to serve--in whatever capacity you may determine. We
have prepared a form of oath, which I suggest shall be signed by each of
us with his name and the number of his enrollment. Afterward he shall be
known by that number only."

He read the oath: "I do solemnly swear to act with the Vigilance
Committee and second and sustain in full all their actions as expressed
through the executive committee."

"That's good!" "That's the ticket!" affirmed a score of voices. Coleman
held up a quill pen invitingly, "Who'll be first to sign?"

"You, Mr. Coleman," said Benito firmly, "you must be our chief."

A cheer followed. Coleman demurred but in vain. They would have no one
else. So, at last he put his name upon the paper, adding after it
"No. 1."

Others came up and affixed their signatures: C.J. Dempster, the Post
brothers, Alfred Rix, P.G. Childs and so on. Bluxome, relieved from his
post, was No. 33. It proved in after days a potent numeral for it
r