ing a bit better, I am going to break one of my
rules." As they walked along he remarked: "A man's affairs are sometimes
directed and controlled for him in a most singular fashion. Little
things change preconceived notions very suddenly."

"They do, sir," agreed Walker Farr.

XIX

CONSCIENCE ENLISTING A RECRUIT

A man who stood at the head of the stairs, an outpost, saw them coming
and ran and opened a door ahead of them. The door admitted to a hall
which was packed with men who were ranged on settees and stood in the
aisles and at the sides of the big room.

"Make way for the Honorable Archer Converse," shrieked their _avant
courier_, excitedly.

"Three cheers for the Honorable Archer Converse," called a voice, and
all the men came on to their feet and yelled lustily.

The distinguished guest climbed upon the platform--Farr close at
his heels. The young man placed a chair for the lawyer and remained
standing. He raised his hand to command silence.

"This is rather unexpected, boys. But this distinguished man happened
to be passing our hall to-night and has dropped in on us in a purely
informal manner. It's a great honor, and I want to say to him for all of
us that the old Square Deal Club is mighty grateful. I ask you to rise,
gentlemen of the club."

All came to their feet again.

"Bow your heads and for thirty seconds of deep silence pay your respect
and veneration to the memory of our great war governor, General Aaron
Converse."

The Honorable Archer Converse looked forth over those bowed and bared
heads. The most of them were gray heads, and toil-worn hands were
clasped in front of those men. And when at last the faces were raised to
his there was an appealing earnestness in their gaze which touched him
poignantly.

"Boys, the son of that great man is present. How will you express your
admiration and respect for him?"

They cheered again tumultuously.

Farr walked to the edge of the platform.

"It is kind and generous of Mr. Converse to consent to step in here for
a few moments this evening. I will leave the meeting in his hands."

There was a hush for a moment. Then the guest carried his chair to the
extreme front edge of the platform.

"I don't know just what sort of meeting this is--I have not been fully
informed," he said, very crisply. "But I want it distinctly understood
that I am not here to make any speech. Your faces indicate that you are
very much in earnest in regard to the b