ou're in here, what is that business?"

"I'll tell you first what it is _not_, so that there won't be any
misunderstanding in your mind about me. I am not here to borrow money,
beg money, ask for work, ask for a personal favor of any kind, solicit a
political job, nor have I anything to sell to you or to give to you. So,
you see, my business is different."

With a quick motion he brought out a parcel which he had held concealed
in the broad-brimmed hat.

Briggs straightened up on his knees and remained thus, seemingly
paralyzed, staring at the parcel.

The capitalist sank back in his chair, his face growing greenish white.

"Don't you throw that bomb!" he gasped. In his panic he was not able to
deduce any other explanation for the presence of this stranger who
had so strenuously disclaimed all reasonable motives for his visit. He
quailed before this man who seemed to be a dangerous crank--for Farr's
attire was out of the ordinary and his eyes were flashing and his poise
was that of a man sure of himself.

"What do you think I have here in this package?"

"Dynamite!" mumbled the magnate.

"It's worse."

Colonel Dodd rolled his head to and fro on the back of his chair,
shutting his eyes in vain attempt to find somebody to whom to appeal
for help. He started a furtive hand in the direction of the battery of
buttons.

"Keep your hands in your lap," commanded Farr. "I say that what I have
here in this package is worse than dynamite." He tore the paper and
disclosed a half-dozen faucets that were still dripping with slime. "You
know now what I mean, Colonel Dodd. This is the stuff your water company
is pumping through the pipes in this state."

The president of the Consolidated straightened in his chair, but he had
been thoroughly frightened.

While Farr talked on the colonel seemed to be gathering
himself--recovering his voice.

"It's a mighty bold act for me to come in here like this, Colonel
Dodd. I understand it. I'm a poor man and a stranger in this city. Just
consider me a voice--call me Balaam's ass if you want to. But I've come
up from the tenement-house districts where the children are dying."

"What do you want?" The magnate discharged the question explosively.

"Pure water in the city mains."

"Whom do you represent?"

Farr hesitated. Colonel Dodd scented possible political strategy in this
visit, and was controlling his ire in order to probe the matter.

"Come, my man. Out with it! Who commi