promising Northerner and Abolitionist. Yet they respected one
another, and a queer, almost secret friendship existed between them.
Farther down the street Broderick met Benito. "I've just been talking
with your boss," he said.

"No longer," Windham informed him. "McAllister didn't like my Vigilante
leanings. So we parted amiably enough. I'll study law on my own hook
from now on. I've had a bit of good luck."

"Ah," said the other. "Glad to hear it. An inheritance?"

"Something like it," Windham answered. "Do you remember when I went to
the mines I met a man named Burthen? Alice's father, you know. We had a
mining claim together," His brow clouded. "He was murdered at the
Eldorado.... Well, that's neither here nor there.... But it left me the
claim. I didn't think it was worth much. But I've sold it to an Eastern
syndicate."

"Good!" cried Broderick. "Congratulations."

They shook hands. "Ten thousand," Benito informed him. "We've had an
offer for the ranch, too. Company wants to make it into small
allotments.... Think of that! A few years ago we were far in the
country. Now it's suburban property. They're even talking of
street cars."

* * * * *

At Vigilante Headquarters Benito found unusual activity. Drays were
backing up to the doors, unloading bedding, cots, a number of
cook-stoves. Men were carrying in provisions. Coleman came out with
Bluxome. They surveyed the work a moment, chatting earnestly,
then parted.

"We're equipping a commissary and barracks," thus a member informed
Benito. "Doesn't look much like disbanding, does it? The Chivs. think
we're through. No such luck. This is costing me $50 a day in my
business," he sighed. "We've got a dozen blacklegs, shoulder-strikers
and ballot-stuffers in there now, awaiting trial. We've turned all the
petty offenders over to the police."

Benito laughed. "And have you noticed this: The Police Courts are
convicting every single one of them promptly!"

"Yes, they're learning their lessons ... but we've trouble ahead. These
Southerners and politicians have the Governor in their pocket. He's sent
two men to Washington to ask the President for troops. Farragut has
been asked to bombard the city. He's refused. But General Wool has
promised them arms from Benicia if the Governor and Sherman prove that
anarchy exists."

"They can't," Benito contended.

"Not by fair means, no.... But that won't stop them. Yesterday Chief
Justice Te