, of course he is to be admitted at once."

Later in the morning the messenger to the governor stood at the window
of the business office, idly looking out.

"Dollars to doughnuts," he exclaimed suddenly and confidently, "that
this is Barnabas Brumble coming up the front walk!"

The secretary hastened to the window. A grizzled old man in
butternut-colored, tightly buttoned overcoat, and carrying a telescope
bag, was ascending the steps.

"I don't know why you think so," said the secretary resentfully to the
boy. "Barnabas Brumble isn't the only farmer in the world. Sometimes,"
he added, pursuing a train of thought beyond the boy's knowledge, "it
seems as if no one but farmers came into this capitol nowadays."

A few moments later one of the guards ushered into the executive
office the old man carrying the telescope. The secretary caught the
infection of the boy's belief.

"What can I do for you?" he asked courteously.

"I want to see the guvner," replied the old man in a curt tone.

"Your name?" asked the secretary.

"Barnabas Brumble," was the terse response.

He had not read the newspapers for a week past, and so he could hardly
know the importance attached to his name in the ears of those
assembled. The click of the typewriters ceased, the executive clerk
looked quickly up from his papers, the messenger assumed a triumphant
pose, and the janitor peered curiously in from an outer room.

"Come this way, Mr. Brumble," said the secretary deferentially, as he
passed to the end of the room and knocked at a closed door.

David Dunne knew, when he heard the knock, to whom he would open the
door, and he was glad the strain of suspense was ended. But when he
looked into the familiar face a host of old memories crowded in upon
his recollection, and obliterated the significance of the call.

"Uncle Barnabas!" he said, extending a cordial hand to the visitor,
while his stern, strong face softened under his slow, sweet smile.
Then he turned to his secretary.

"Admit no one else, Major."

David took the telescope from his guest and set it on the table,
wondering if it contained the "documents in evidence."

"Take off your coat, Uncle Barnabas. They keep it pretty warm in
here!"

"I callate they do--in more ways than one," chuckled Barnabas,
removing his coat. "I hed to start purty early this mornin', when it
was cool-like. Wal, Dave, times has changed! To think of little Dave
Dunne bein' guvner! I never seemed