t appeared that most of these would not
be operating another 24 hours.

As they approached the hall, Professor Maddox chuckled and pointed a
finger ahead of them. "Look there. I'm sure that every citizen of
Mayfield is present or accounted for, now."

Ken glanced in the direction of his father's gesture. The creaky wagon
of Granny Wicks was drawn slowly along by her emaciated horse. Granny's
stick-thin body jounced harshly on the rough seat. Ken fought against a
ridiculous uneasiness as he recognized her.

He knew his father had not heard Granny's speech on the post office
steps, but he was little surprised when his father said, "I'm afraid
Granny Wicks, with her profound knowledge of omens and signs, is about
as much an authority on this matter as any of the rest of us here
tonight!"

Chapter 5. _Thief_

The hall was already filled. Several scores of chairs had been placed in
the corridors, and these were occupied also. People were being ushered
to nearby classrooms where they would hear the proceedings over the
school's public-address system.

"It looks as if we'll have to get it by remote pickup," said Ken. At
that moment Sally Teasdale, the Mayor's secretary, spotted their group
and hurried over.

"Mayor Hilliard told me to watch for you," she said. "He wants you to
sit on the platform, Professor Maddox, and also Dr. Douglas and Dr.
Larsen. The others of your party can sit in the wings."

Professor Maddox agreed and they followed Sally to the stage entrance.
The platform was already occupied by the Mayor and the town councilmen,
the college department heads, and leading citizens of Mayfield. The
professors took their places, while Ken and the others found chairs in
the wings. It was the best seat in the house, Ken decided. They could
see both the platform and the audience below.

It was undoubtedly the largest group that had ever gathered in one place
in Mayfield. In spite of the enormous number present it was a solemn
group. There was almost no talking or jostling. To Ken, it seemed the
faces about him had a uniform appearance of bewildered searching for
reassurance that nothing could really destroy the way of life they had
always known.

Mayor Hilliard arose and called the meeting to order. "I think everyone
knows why we've been called here," he said. "Because of the nature of
the circumstances I think it appropriate that we ask Dr. Aylesworth,
pastor of the Community Church, to offer prayer."