. Mr. Haynes is away from town, but
Dr. Templeton and Mr. Matheson have kindly consented to be present. They
will be here in half an hour's time."

A general and hearty approval of his action was expressed, after which
the Chairman invited suggestions as to the course to be pursued. But
no one was ready with a suggestion. Somehow the outlook upon life
was different this morning, and readjustment of vision appeared to be
necessary. No man felt himself qualified to offer advice.

From this dilemma they were relieved by a knock upon the door and the
Mayor appeared.

"Gentlemen," he said, "I have no wish to intrude, but a great many of
our citizens are in the larger hall. They are anxious to be advised upon
the present trying situation. It has been suggested that your committee
might join with us in a general public meeting."

After a few moments' consideration, the Mayor's proposition was accepted
and the committee adjourned to the larger hall, Mr. Farrington resigning
the chair to His Worship, the Mayor.

The Mayor's tongue was not so ready this morning. He explained the
circumstances of the meeting and thanked the committee for yielding to
his request. He was ready to receive any suggestions as to what the next
step should be.

The silence which followed was broken by Mr. McGinnis, who arose and, in
a voice much shaken, he inquired:

"Can anyone tell us just what is the last word concerning the young girl
this morning?"

Mr. Maitland replied: "Before I left the house, the last report was that
she was resting quietly and, while the doctor was not able to offer any
hope of her recovery, he ventured to say that he did not quite despair.
And that from Dr. Meredith, as we know, means something."

"Thank God for that," said McGinnis, and leaning his head upon his hand,
he sat with his eyes fixed upon the floor.

Again the Mayor asked for suggestions, but no one in the audience
appeared willing to assume the responsibility of offering guidance.

At length Rupert Stillwell arose. He apologised for speaking in the
presence of older men, but something had to be done and he ventured to
offer one suggestion at least.

"It occurs to me," he said, "that one thing at least should be
immediately done. Those responsible for the disgraceful riot of last
evening, and I mean more than the actual ringleaders in the affair,
should be brought to justice." He proceeded to elaborate upon the
enormity of the crime, the danger to th