another in the crowd.

"The pack is off!" muttered the Duke in Presson's ear.

"Why don't you introduce him right," called another. "Reverend Dudley is
the next representative from this district, Mr. Chairman. And we know
where _he_ stands!"

"An humble little platform is mine," stated the minister. "But it's down
where all can step aboard with me. That's all I can say."

There was a growl of approval in chorus from the larger group at the
foot of the stairs. Thornton's men were at one side and looked troubled.

"War Eagle" Ivus Niles stepped forth then. He had recovered his buck
sheep. He was hoarse, but still full of zeal.

"I want to ask you this, Tyrant Thornton: You ain't quite so sure that
you're Lord Gull, monarch of all you survey, since my brother
Bartholomew showed you the power of the law triumphant, are you?" But
the taunt did not alter the tolerant smile on the Duke's face.

"Go ahead and get in all your yelps," he said, under his breath. "A
hound loves company."

"When we start in to purify, we propose to purify in good shape!" cried
another. "And a reverend elder ain't a mite too good for us as
representative to the legislature."

"Some people think they are purifying when they burn a rag," observed