however, he did NOT stand on his head or call out a confederate
youth from a closet, as the woman might have expected. To the left
was a green baize door, outlined with brass-studded rivets like a
cheerful coffin-lid, and bearing the mortuary inscription,
"Private." This he pushed open, and entered the Mayor's private
office.

The municipal dignitary of San Francisco, although an erect,
soldier-like man of strong middle age, was seated with his official
chair tilted back against the wall and kept in position by his feet
on the rungs of another, which in turn acted as a support for a
second man, who was seated a few feet from him in an easy-chair.
Both were lazily smoking.

The Mayor took the card from his secretary, glanced at it, said
"Hullo!" and handed it to his companion, who read aloud "Kate
Howard," and gave a prolonged whistle.

"Where is she?" asked the Mayor.

"In the anteroom, sir."

"Any one else there?"

"No, sir."

"Did you say I was engaged?"

"Yes, sir; but it appears she asked Sam who was with you, and when
he told her, she said, All right, she wanted to see Colonel