ands. Briber, corrupter of government, ballot-box stuffer,
descending to the level of back-room politicians, of bar-room heelers,
he, Magnus Derrick, statesman of the old school, Roman in his iron
integrity, abandoning a career rather than enter the "new politics,"
had, in one moment of weakness, hazarding all, even honour, on a single
stake, taking great chances to achieve great results, swept away the
work of a lifetime.

Gambler that he was, he had at last chanced his highest stake, his
personal honour, in the greatest game of his life, and had lost.

It was Presley's morbidly keen observation that first noticed the
evidence of a new trouble in the Governor's face and manner. Presley was
sure that Lyman's defection had not so upset him. The morning after the
committee meeting, Magnus had called Harran and Annie Derrick into the
office, and, after telling his wife of Lyman's betrayal, had forbidden
either of them to mention his name again. His attitude towards his
prodigal son was that of stern, unrelenting resentment. But now, Presley
could not fail to detect traces of a more deep-seated travail. Something
was in the wind, the times were troublous. What next was about to
happen? What fresh calamity impended?

One morning, toward the very end of the week, Presley woke early in his
small, white-painted iron bed. He hastened to get up and dress. There
was much to be done that day. Until late the night before, he had
been at work on a collection of some of his verses, gathered from the
magazines in which they had first appeared. Presley had received a
liberal offer for the publication of these verses in book form. "The
Toilers" was to be included in this book, and, indeed, was to give it
its name--"The Toilers and Other Poems." Thus it was that, until the
previous midnight, he had been preparing the collection for publication,
revising, annotating, arranging. The book was to be sent off that
morning.

But also Presley had received a typewritten note from Annixter, inviting
him to Quien Sabe that same day. Annixter explained that it was Hilma's
birthday, and that he had planned a picnic on the high ground of his
ranch, at the headwaters of Broderson Creek. They were to go in the
carry-all, Hilma, Presley, Mrs. Dyke, Sidney, and himself, and were to
make a day of it. They would leave Quien Sabe at ten in the morning.
Presley had at once resolved to go. He was immensely fond of
Annixter--more so than ever since his marr