ff, turning his head and gazing out
of the window, 'but I was mistaken--I find I was mistaken.'

"'But I am not mistaken,' persisted Holcomb. 'You must be bewitched! I
don't understand.'

"'Well, don't try to, old man. I'd do anything for you--you know, but I
can't do this.'

"'I don't want you to do anything for me!' interrupted Holcomb,
indignantly. 'I only want you to enforce the law as you find it, and
not----'

"He paused, feeling that he might say too much.

"'You'll have to excuse me,' murmured the Sheriff, impatiently, 'I'd do
anything to oblige, but really, this time----'

"Holcomb gazed at the man in silence for a moment--nodding his head in
comprehending pity and contempt, and left the room without another
word."

--"When did you say your friend dreamed all this rot?"

It was Hartruff who roughly interrupted the story.

At the sound of his voice Norris turned his gaze toward the window, and
continued looking out of it while he answered slowly:

"Why do you think he dreamed it? Have you heard the rest of the story?"

"No--but anyone can see what's coming."

"Is it such an every-day affair with you? So much the less reason for
thinking Holcomb dreamed it."

Hartruff laughed contemptuously.

"O, well, never mind--go on with your tarradiddle."

"You will pardon me then for telling what must, of course, be
commonplace to a member of the General Committee?"

"O, go to the devil!"

"You forget yourself, my dear Hartruff. Why direct me to headquarters,
when his deputies are members of decent down-town clubs?"

"Come, come, gentlemen," interposed Lawton, "this is going too far."

"Precisely what I just remarked to Hartruff," drawled Norris.

Hartruff saw the smile on the faces of the company, and rose from his
seat.

"I will leave this gentleman to continue his pipe-dreaming, advising
him, however, that it is a dangerous practice."

"Is that a warning, Hartruff? If so, write it out, please. Those
warnings always look so much fiercer in mis-spelled words signed with
crosses. But I forget, your Organisation never puts itself on paper."

"No--but it puts itself on record!"

"Makes its mark, you mean? Well, that's merely a defect of early
education, easily overcome with men like you to guide its fist."

"Take care you don't feel the weight of it."

"My dear Hartruff, haven't they taught you yet to keep your teeth on
your temper? Really, you'll never rise from the ranks unless you learn
to