heir bags. "Edith has been put in a camp; her mother's
work, of course. Not a bad idea. All I want to be sure of is that the
child's in good hands. This is a beastly hole but I guess we can make
out for a day or two and I'll see if I can get a glimpse of Edith."

"Oh, we'll have to study the situation a little," Archie answered. "I
don't question your daughter's all right. We can make out here for a few
days anyhow."

The house had been renovated and their rooms were better than the grim
exterior promised.

"There'll be dinner at twelve," said Leary; "and if you want to try your
hand at trollin' for pickerel I'll fix you up later in the afternoon.
Mr. Saulsbury's been snatchin' up perch all mornin'. I'm tired out jest
from settin' on the porch and watchin' 'im."

Mrs. Leary, in spite of the fact disclosed by the Governor at Walker's,
that she had conducted a fence in Chicago and was prone to view precious
stones with a covetous eye, bore all the marks of respectability. She
entered the dining-room briskly, her motherly face heated from the
range, and placed a large platter of fried chicken on the table.

"Jes' help yerselves, gents. We've hardly got goin' yet but I got a
waitress on the way from Chicago and she'll spare me some steps."

"Ah!" ejaculated the Governor, pausing dramatically in the door and
eyeing the newly arrived guests as though their presence filled him with
astonishment. He bowed to them and remarked upon the fineness of the
day.

"I guess you folks'll get acquainted without bein' introduced," observed
Mrs. Leary. "It's always nicer in a summer resort when folks get
together sociable-like. You wanted radishes, Mr. Saulsbury, and you'll
notice I got 'em fer you."

"Madam," said the Governor in his most elaborate manner, "I knew you at
once for a woman of kind heart! I am not in the least surprised to find
myself in the presence of the noblest radishes I have ever seen."

In a moment more he had introduced himself to Archie and Congdon. He had
spent a jolly morning, he announced. Not in years had he enjoyed himself
so hugely. He delivered a lecture on fish only to celebrate in sonorous
periods the humble perch, scorned by epicures. It was the most
delectable of all the finny genus, superior even to the pompano.
Congdon, first irritated by the Governor's volubility, was soon laughing
at his whimsical speeches and by the time they moved to the narrow
veranda to smoke he was both puzzled and amuse