or standing about the huge cannon stove, that
was filled with soft coal, and sending out a flood of heat and gas.
They stopped talking when they saw the strangers enter, and gazed at
them curiously.

Then a tall man, with a military cut of beard, pushed his way forward.

"Good-evenin', Sisto' Wilboo, I'm right glad to see you."

"I am glad to see you, Brother Barker."

"I must apologize fo' not coming myself."

"This is Mr. Talcott," Ida interrupted, introducing Bradley.

"Glad to meet you, Brotho' Talcott. As I was sayin', Sisto' Wilboo, I
was late, and so I sent Brotho' Williams. I am ver' sawry"--

"Oh, no matter; we got here."

Colonel Barker introduced them to the people who stood near. The
crowded condition of the room did not allow of a general introduction,
although they all looked longingly at Ida, whom they knew by
reputation.

At first glance the effect was unpromising. Most of the men had their
hats on. All of them were fresh from the corn-fields, and their hands
were hard as leather, and cracked and seamed, and lumpy with great
muscles. Every man wore cots upon his fingers, which were rasped to the
quick with husking. Everyone had a certain unkempt look, and everywhere
color was in low tones: browns, grays, drabs; nothing light and gay
about dress or bearing. Bradley noticed a few girls in the middle
seats, but only a few.

It looked like an uncouth audience for Ida to address.

Colonel Barker called the meeting to order, and made an astonishingly
able and dignified speech. He then asked Brother Williams to say a
word.

Brother Williams was a middle-aged farmer with unkempt hair. His
clothes were faded to a russet brown; his collarless neck was like
wrinkled leather, and his fingers were covered with cots; but he was a
most impressive orator. His words were well chosen, and his gestures
dignified and appropriate. He spoke in a conversational way, but with
great power and sincerity. He ended by introducing "Sister Wilbur."

Ida began to speak in a low voice, as if talking to friends: "Brothers
and sisters, this is not the first time I've driven across the Western
prairies in a wagon to speak at such a meeting as this, and it isn't
the last time. I expect to continue to speak just as long as there is a
wrong to be righted, just as long as it does you good to have me come."

"That will be while you live," said the colonel gallantly.

"I hope not," she replied quickly. "I hope to see our refo