to rule the civic affairs of Grey
Town had not Denis Quirk come to the town to turn things upside down and
sweep away certain municipal cobwebs.

The question as to the purchase of a block of land in the town for the
erection of Council stables and cart houses was made a test question by
both parties as to who should control the future destinies of Grey Town.

It had already been decided to erect the necessary buildings. Councillor
Garnett had then moved that a certain vacant section in one of the
streets should be purchased, when Denis Quirk rose to his feet.

Immediately there was a certain electrical excitement in the Council
Chambers, that was reflected in the alert faces of the councillors. They
sat attentively with expectant ears as he began to speak.

"Sir," he said, "I am here to oppose anything that approaches municipal
corruption."

"I object to that word," growled Garnett.

"You object to the word and I object to the deed," Denis replied,
quietly. "We are not here to line our own pockets, or, if we are here
for that purpose, we are in the wrong place. Our purpose should be to
act as watch-dogs for the ratepayers, to guard their interests. What if
the dogs start to worry the sheep? I accuse Councillor Garnett in this
matter of abusing his position as a councillor. I accuse him of
disingenuousness that borders on fraud."

"Oh, come, come," said an elderly councillor, who was constantly
scandalised by Denis Quirk's want of municipal decorum. "Fraud is an
unpleasant word."

"Undoubtedly," Denis continued. "But it amounts to that. Councillor
Garnett is directly interested in the land that he is urging the Council
to purchase at a false price."

The words were spoken quietly, and with a certain deliberation that was
impressive.

"That is a lie!" cried Councillor Garnett, now aroused to fury.

"Order! Order!" cried the Mayor. "I ask Councillor Garnett to withdraw
that word."

"Let Councillor Quirk withdraw his accusation first," suggested another
councillor.

"I intend to prove it," answered Denis. "Will Councillor Garnett tell me
who is George Haynes?"

"How should I know?" replied Councillor Garnett, doggedly thrusting his
hands in his trousers pockets and tilting his chair backwards.

"Who should know better than you? George Haynes is a dummy, a former
clerk in your office, who has been made to appear the owner of this land
to cover you in this transaction. I have the copy of a deed here that