dealt a better stroke for him than well-considered planning. It was
surely something to know that the honorable gentleman was interested.

"If you had had time to think out a method of approaching me--Let me
see, your name is--"

"Farr."

"Mr. Farr, supposing I had been amenable to your suggestions, what is it
you wanted of me?"

"I wanted you to attend a public meeting," blurted the young man. "They
are men who need help--they need--"

"That's sufficient," snapped Converse. "I am not in politics. I do
not address public meetings. Mr. Farr, you would have wasted your time
planning. Absolutely!"

"But is there not some appeal that--"

"Useless--useless, sir." He tapped his cane, and his tones showed
irritation. He whirled on his heels. "It is decidedly evident that
you are a stranger in these parts, sir. On that account I forgive your
presumption."

At that moment a jigger-wagon rumbled to a halt near them. The corner
light had revealed them to the driver.

"Mr. Farr," called the man, "it hasn't taken long for the news of what
you did at the meeting to-night to travel around among the boys. And we
ain't going to let you get ahead of us, sir."

"The more, the merrier, in a good cause," said Farr; but he was staring
regretfully at the back of Mr. Converse, who had begun his retreat.

"I want to tell you I'm on the executive committee of the State
Teamsters Union, Mr. Farr. I've been talking the matter up and I can
promise you that the union as a body will vote to lend horses and men to
carry your spring-water free gratis. And I hope that gent who's starting
up-town where the dudes are will tell 'em that there are honest men
enough left to protect the poor folks from that poison water him and his
rich friends are pumping out of the river to us."

The Honorable Archer Converse halted his departure very suddenly.

"You are not referring to me, are you, my man?"

"I am if you're tied up with that Consolidated Water Company bunch,"
stated the unterrified member of the proletariat.

Mr. Converse retraced his steps. He shook his cane at the driver.

"I want to inform you very distinctly, sir, that I am _not_ interested
in the Consolidated."

"Dawson, apologize to this gentleman," Farr admonished the driver.

"I'm sorry I said anything," muttered the man. "But all dudes look alike
to me," he told himself under his breath.

Mr. Converse appeared to be considerably disturbed by the humble
citizen's sneer in r