before he died, he said to me:
'Herbert, when your soul's in trouble, go to Alice Windham ...'"

Mrs. Windham put aside her knitting rather hastily, rose and walked to
the window. She made no answer.

Presently the boy continued: "That time has come--now--Mrs. Windham."

Alice crossed the room and laid a hand upon his shoulder. "Herbert!
What's the matter?"

His voice sank almost to a whisper. "There's a plot to overthrow the
government in California. I'm a part of it.... I don't know what to do."

"You don't mean ... you're a traitor?" she asked unbelievably.

"I suppose I am or must be--to some one," he said wearily. "I'm caught
in a net, Mrs. Windham. Will you help me get out? Advise me ... as you
did him. Oh, I know what you meant to Mr. Broderick. Your faith,
your counsel!"

"Please," said Alice sharply. "We won't speak of that. What can I do for
YOU?"

"I beg your pardon. I'm a thoughtless ass ... that's why I got into the
pickle probably. They asked me to join...."

"They? Who?" she asked. "Is he--Benito--?"

"Oh, no, Benito's out of it completely. I'm a Southern boy, you know.
That's why they let me in; a lot of them have money. A man we call 'The
President' is our chief. And there's a committee of thirty, each of whom
is pledged to organize a fighting force; a hundred men."

Waters hesitated. "I took an oath to keep this all a secret ... but I'll
trust you, Mrs. Windham. You've got to know something about it.... These
men are hired desperadoes or adventurers. They know there's fighting to
be done; they've no scruples.... Meanwhile they're well paid, ostensibly
engaged in various peaceful occupations all around the bay. When our
President gives the order they'll be massed--three thousand of 'em; well
armed, drilled--professional fighters. You can see what'll happen...."

"You mean they'll seize the forts ... deliver us to the enemy?" she
spoke aghast.

"I'm afraid you're right, Mrs. Windham."

"Has your--ah--society approached General Johnson?"

"Not yet--they're a little afraid of him."

Alice Windham thought a moment. "When is your next meeting?"

"Tomorrow. We are called by word of mouth. I've just received my
summons."

"Well, then," Alice told him, "make a motion--or whatever you call
it--that the General be approached, sounded. They'll appoint a
committee. They'll put you on it, of course. Thus you can apprise him of
the plot without violating your oath. I don't believe he will aid y