peak of it on the way to
the station."

Ranged in front of the door of his suite was the delegation from the
temperance societies, patiently waiting, more saturnine than before.

The Reverend Mr. Prouty intercepted them with determination.

"I do not like to seem too persistent in this matter, but we feel that
we have a right to a few moments of your time, sir. You are accepting
public office, and--"

"I do not care to have any lessons in politics read to me, Mr. Prouty.
State your business."

"We prefer to see you in private."

"And I prefer to have you talk before a reliable witness. Mr. Thornton
is such, and he is entirely in my confidence."

He did not invite them into his room.

"We represent the united temperance societies of this State," began the
clergyman.

"I understand perfectly," put in the General. "And in order that we may
thoroughly understand each other I will inform you that I know exactly
what corporate interests are furnishing money to you and your campaign
managers. I have been very careful to keep posted on these matters,
gentlemen!"

For a moment Mr. Prouty was visibly taken aback.

"It is necessary to finance even righteousness," he said, at last.

"Beyond question," admitted the General. "I only ask you to meet me on
the business basis where you belong. I'll not allow you to mask
factional interests behind religion or a moral issue. I don't mean to be
curt or disobliging, gentlemen, but you must get out in the open. You
have something to ask me? Ask it. You'll receive a plain answer."

"Do you intend to enforce the prohibitory law?"

"I question your good taste, Mr. Prouty, in selecting one law and asking
a prospective Governor whether he intends to do his sworn duty in regard
to it."

"But other Governors have not done so. We propose to have pledges after
this. We'll vote for no more nullifiers."

"Other Governors have had no direct power to enforce the law, sir. I had
no power when I was Governor. But I'll assure you that if I am the next
Governor I shall demand that power from the legislature, and I'll
enforce that law with all the resources of the State treasury. If it's
in the power of man to accomplish it, the sale of liquor shall be
stopped in this State."

They plainly had not expected that. His attitude toward them, his
association with the nullifier Presson had suggested that he intended to
carry out the usual "let it alone" programme. They applauded.

"One momen