That's a little mixed but pertinent. I'm for letting them have the
try. They're only crying because they think we don't want 'em to have
it--maybe they'll go back to the cradle and rock all the better for being
free citizens!"

"And not a cussed one of those three old lady cats has ever shown a
kitten!" exploded Cap from behind his pile of papers.

"Anyway, the worst is over now--must be!" answered David as he began to
read over some bulletins and telegrams. But he had troubles yet to come.
In the next two hours he had a conference with the head of the chamber of
commerce which heated his blood to the boiling-point and brought forth an
ultimatum, delivered in no uncertain terms but with such perfect courtesy
and clean-sightedness that the gentleman departed in haste to look into
certain matters which he now suspected to have been cooked to lead him
astray.

This event had been followed by the advent of five of the old fellows who
had obtained furloughs and ridden in from the Soldiers' Home for the
express purpose of assuring him of their support, as the vindicator of
their honor, wringing his hand and cheering on the fight. They retired
with Cap into the back room and emerged shortly, beaming and refreshed.
They had no votes to cast in the city, but what matter?

On their heels, Mike O'Rourke rushed in with two budgets of false
registrations which he had been able to ferret out by the aid of the
drivers of his grocery wagons. He embraced David, exchanged shots with
the major, and departed in high spirits. Then quiet came to the _Gray
Picket_ for a time and Kildare plunged into his papers with desperation.