re himself to leave the coach.
In response to a letter from George Gerrish, he had wired from St.
Louis the time of his arrival. As he was stepping from the train to the
long platform, his hand baggage was seized by trusty hands and quickly
disappeared. He noted with amazement the gaily decorated station and the
throng of waiting people. Before he had recovered from his surprise,
Gertrude Gerrish, evidently striving to assume a very dignified
deportment, advanced to meet him. As she gave him a hearty welcome, she
said:

"As the leader of the reception committee, representing the membership
and children of the Solaris Farm Company, who are gathered here in
holiday attire, unanimous in a desire to do honor to you; I greet you! I
welcome you back to Solaris Farm!"

Turning quickly, with a wave of her hand, she said: "People of Solaris,
three cheers for our General Manager!" At this time, the train having
departed, the farm people almost covered the platform with two deep
lines, facing a narrow lane in the center, with heads uncovered,
prepared and waiting for the signal. The response came instantly in a
ringing cheer from six hundred well-trained throats: "Hurrah! Hurrah!
Hurrah for Fillmore Flagg! Welcome! Welcome! Welcome back to Solaris
Farm!"

Almost before Fillmore was aware of what had really happened, Gertrude
Gerrish had taken his arm, as with a mysterious smile she said: "I am
now to escort you to the carriage prepared for your reception. We are
then to be escorted by the procession to the public square, in front of
the hall of education and amusement, where the final ceremonies are to
take place. Of course you are surprised! We have planned for that very
purpose! So come along now without one word of protest! At the proper
moment you are to have as much time as you may desire in which to
relieve your mind. For the present you are to keep quiet and obey me--a
despotic master of ceremonies whose will is imperative and whose dignity
is not to be questioned, even for a moment!"

Fillmore Flagg, now obediently dumb, entered into the spirit of the
occasion. He was very much surprised--nay, well-nigh dazed--yet withal
delighted, as the happy significance of this unexpected welcome came
slowly into his mind. With hat in hand, bowing and smiling, arm in arm
with Gertrude Gerrish, he slowly passed between the long lines of happy
faces, keeping step with the throbbing measure of the soft sweet music
discoursed by the b