St. Mary's now."

He stepped off almost before the train came to a halt and looked
curiously about.

"Good day," he said to the nearest man. "Will you please tell me who
is mayor and where I will find him?"

Now it happened that the individual to whom this query was addressed
was none other than Bowers, the town solicitor, for Bowers had a habit
of deserting his office about train time and surveying new arrivals
from a corner of the platform with the lurking hope of unearthing
something which might relieve the monotony of days which were not only
wearisome but unprofitable. When the stranger spoke to him, the lawyer
noticed that he was of medium height with a strong barrel-like body and
rather sloping shoulders. His face was smooth, his jaw somewhat heavy,
his eyes exceedingly keen, and he carried with him an indefinable air
of authority. He observed, also, that the voice had in it something
peculiarly clear and incisive. With a little thrill and a sudden
flicker of the flame of hope, he pointed down the street that led to
the river.

"Filmer is the mayor and his store is at the second corner down. His
office is just behind."

The stranger nodded and strode briskly off. Presently Bowers heard
another voice.

"Who's that, do you suppose, commercial?"

The lawyer wrinkled his brows. "In a way, yes, but in another way, no.
That fellow isn't selling anything, he's a buyer."

As the stranger approached Filmer's store, he noted that it was the
largest building in sight, as well it might be. It was the local
emporium, and so successfully had Filmer managed his business that the
Hudson Bay Company saw nothing inviting in competition. From a plow to
a needle, from an ax to a kettle, from ammunition to sugar, Filmer had
all things, and what he had not he secured with surprising promptness.
He had been mayor so long that his first term was now almost forgotten.
By ability, courage, and fairness he was easily the leader in the
community. Broad and strong, with a ruddy, good natured face, a fine
tenor voice, a keen sense of humor and repartee, he was universally
popular. No one had known Filmer to complain or repine, though there
must have been moments when he longed for touch with those of his own
caliber. His was the case of a big man who though bigger than his
surroundings accepted them cheerfully. Thus, when Filmer looked up and
saw the stranger standing at his office door he was conscious of a
curious f