on the young reformer found was that they were increasingly
less difficult to end in the way such struggles must be ended if a
high-minded young man is to make a career in "practical" life.

On election day after he had voted he went for a long walk in the woods
to the south of the town, leaving word at his headquarters what
direction he had taken. After walking two hours he sat down on a log
in the shade near where the highroad crossed Foaming Creek. He became
so absorbed in his thoughts that he sprang to his feet with a wild look
when Selma's voice said, close by:

"May I interrupt a moment, Mr. Hull?"

He recovered slowly. His cheeks were pale and his voice uncertain as
he replied:

"You? I beg your pardon. This campaign has played smash with my
nerves."

He now noted that she was regarding him with a glance so intense that
it seemed to concentrate all the passion and energy in that slim,
nervous body of hers. He said uncomfortably:

"You wished to see me?"

"I wonder what you were thinking about," she said in her impetuous,
direct way. "It makes me almost afraid to ask what I came to ask."

"Won't you sit?" said he.

"No, thanks," replied she.

"Then you'll compel me to stand. And I'm horribly tired."

She seated herself upon the log. He made himself comfortable at its
other end.

"I've just come from Victor Dorn's house," said she. "There was a
consultation among the leaders of our party. We have learned that your
people--Kelly and House--are going to steal the election on the count
this evening. They are committing wholesale frauds now--sending round
gangs of repeaters, intimidating our voters, openly buying votes at the
polling places--paying men as much not to vote as they usually pay for
votes."

Davy, though latterly he had grown so much older and graver that no one
now thought of him as Davy, contrived to muster a smile of amusement.
"You oughtn't to let them deceive you with that silly talk, Miss
Gordon. The losers always indulge in it. Your good sense must tell
you how foolish it is. The police are on guard, and the courts of
justice are open."

"Yes--the police are on guard--to protect fraud and to drive us away
from the polls. And the courts are open--but not for us."

David was gentle with her. "I know how sincere you are, Selma," said
he. "No doubt you believe those things. Perhaps Dorn believes them,
also--from repeating them so often. But all the same I'm sorry