this! His son, his eldest son, descend to this! Once more and
for the last time he turned to him and in his voice there was that ring
that compelled silence.

"Lyman," he said, "I adjure you--I--I demand of you as you are my son
and an honourable man, explain yourself. What is there behind all this?
It is no longer as Chairman of the Committee I speak to you, you a
member of the Railroad Commission. It is your father who speaks, and I
address you as my son. Do you understand the gravity of this crisis;
do you realise the responsibility of your position; do you not see the
importance of this moment? Explain yourself."

"There is nothing to explain."

"You have not reduced rates in the San Joaquin? You have not reduced
rates between Bonneville and tidewater?"

"I repeat, sir, what I said before. An average ten per cent. cut----"

"Lyman, answer me, yes or no. Have you reduced the Bonneville rate?"

"It could not be done so soon. Give us time. We----"

"Yes or no! By God, sir, do you dare equivocate with me? Yes or no; have
you reduced the Bonneville rate?"

"No."

"And answer ME," shouted Harran, leaning far across the table, "answer
ME. Were you paid by the Railroad to leave the San Joaquin rate
untouched?"

Lyman, whiter than ever, turned furious upon his brother.

"Don't you dare put that question to me again."

"No, I won't," cried Harran, "because I'll TELL you to your villain's
face that you WERE paid to do it."

On the instant the clamour burst forth afresh. Still on their feet, the
ranchers had, little by little, worked around the table, Magnus alone
keeping his place. The others were in a group before Lyman, crowding
him, as it were, to the wall, shouting into his face with menacing
gestures. The truth that was a lie, the certainty of a trust betrayed, a
pledge ruthlessly broken, was plain to every one of them.

"By the Lord! men have been shot for less than this," cried Osterman.
"You've sold us out, you, and if you ever bring that dago face of yours
on a level with mine again, I'll slap it."

"Keep your hands off," exclaimed Lyman quickly, the aggressiveness of
the cornered rat flaming up within him. "No violence. Don't you go too
far."

"How much were you paid? How much were you paid?" vociferated Harran.

"Yes, yes, what was your price?" cried the others. They were beside
themselves with anger; their words came harsh from between their set
teeth; their gestures were made with their fists