o what my oath demanded of me! I would clap that man McGrath into jail
for iniquitous inciting to riot, and place Colonel Broadcastle, at the
head of his regiment, in charge of the city to restore order and the
reign of law, and to redeem Alleghenia from the disgrace that is
overwhelming her. _Do?_ Before God, the Republic, and the state,
Governor Abbott, I would do my duty as a man!"

"_Then do it!_"

The words, spoken from the threshold of Barclay's office, rent the
silence like a thunderclap, and before those present had time to turn,
there came the sound of a pistol-shot, and Governor Abbott, wheeling
slowly on his heels, crashed headforemost through the plate-glass window
behind him, and lay, limp and motionless, across the sill.

"Then do it, by God, _Governor Barclay_!" repeated Cavendish, and flung
his revolver into the centre of the room.

The apartment was already filled with those attracted from the corridors
and adjacent offices by the sound of the shot. Several seized Cavendish,
who stood without movement, smiling. Barclay, Colonel Broadcastle, and
the other members of the committee lifted the Governor's body from the
position in which it had fallen, and laid it upon a couch. After a brief
examination, the Colonel looked up into Barclay's eyes.

"He's dead, sir," he said. "The assassin was right. You are Governor of
Alleghenia."

For an instant, Barclay returned his glance with one of earnest inquiry.

"Even in the face of this tragedy," added Colonel Broadcastle in a low
voice, "I trust you will not forget the exigencies of the situation. It
is for you to act, sir."

Barclay suddenly raised himself to his full height, and faced the silent
gathering.

"Gentlemen," he said firmly, "the Governor is dead. For the moment, at
least, I act in his stead. Kenton City is under martial law. Those who
have the assassin in charge will see that he is immediately turned over
to the chief of police. Mr. McGrath, you will consider yourself under
arrest. Colonel Broadcastle, you will immediately assemble your regiment
at its armory, issue three days' rations, and twenty rounds of ball
cartridge, and hold yourself and your command in readiness for riot
duty, subject to my orders."

Then he faced Cavendish.

"There's a message I'd like to have delivered, to the Fairy Princess,"
said the latter, still smiling. "It is that Diogenes has eaten the ugly
little bug."

XIV

THE VOICE OF ALLEGHENIA

As Barc