beckoned to the head of the other line, and was now marching him into
the hall.

"No use for you to try for a pass," said the inner doorkeeper after a
few words with the petitioner. "You must have a certificate from some
well-known, responsible person that your means were all lost by the
fire, or you cannot get an audience. Must have your certificate, sir,
before I can pass you to the committee."

The man thus turned back went sorrowfully down the steps into the
street, and the next man passed in-doors.

"You want a pass for yourself," said the inner keeper. "The committee
refuse in any circumstances to issue passes to able-bodied men. If you
are able to work, you can earn your fare: plenty of work for willing
hands. No use in arguing the matter, sir," he continued resolutely:
"you can't get a pass."

"But I haven't a dollar in the world," persisted the man.

"Plenty of work at big prices, sir. Women and children and the sick
and helpless we'll pass out of the city, but we need men, and we won't
pass them out."

He turned away from the petitioner and beckoned the head woman to
enter. This one had her audience, and came back crying. Mrs. Lively
was now at the head of the line. Her turn had at last come.

"Session's over," announced the keeper, and closed the doors.