has been destroyed this afternoon," he said. "Our allies have stirred
up popular prejudice against us. We'll meet with opposition whichever
way we turn."

"There's something in that," Grant agreed. "Mrs. Nelson's a lady who
would wreck any cause. Still, she has closed the hotels."

"For one night. As a result of this afternoon's work, they will
probably be kept open altogether. You can imagine how the authorities
will receive any representations we can make, after our being
implicated in this disturbance."

"Have you thought of disowning the ladies? You could do so--you had no
hand in the thing."

The young clergyman flushed hotly.

"I'd have stopped this rashness, if I'd heard of it; but, after all,
I'm the real instigator, since I started the campaign. I'm willing to
face my share of the blame."

"You mean you'll let Beamish make you responsible?"

"Of course," said Hardie. "I can't deny I'm leader. The move was a
mistake, considered prudentially; but it was morally justifiable. I'll
defend it as strongly as I'm able."

Grant nodded, and Flora and Mrs. Nelson came in.

"Are you satisfied with what you've done?" Grant said to the girl.