the biggest thing out. You have only to signify the day, sir, that
you will address us, and I can promise you the largest audience in
San Francisco."

"I'm instructed by the proprietor of the 'Union Press,'" said Mr.
Slate, feeling for his notebook and pencil, "to offer you its
columns for any explanations you may desire to make in the form of
a personal letter or an editorial in reply to the 'Advertiser's'
strictures on your speech, or to take any information you may have
for the benefit of our readers and the party."

"If you are ever down my way, Mr. Hathaway," said Mr. Hoskins,
placing a large business card in Hathaway's hand, "and will drop in
as a friend, I can show you about the largest business in the way
of canned provisions and domestic groceries in the State, and give
you a look around Battery Street generally. Or if you'll name your
day, I've got a pair of 2.35 Blue Grass horses that'll spin you out
to the Cliff House to dinner and back. I've had Governor Fiske,
and Senator Doolan, and that big English capitalist who was here
last year, and they--well, sir,--they were PLEASED! Or if you'd
like to see the town--if this is your first visit--I'm a hand to
show you.

Nothing could exceed Mr. Hathaway's sympathetic acceptance of their
courtesies, nor was there the least affectation in it. Thoroughly
enjoying his fellowmen, even in their foibles, they found him
irresistibly attractive. "I lived here seven years ago," he said,
smiling, to the last speaker.

"When the water came up to Montgomery Street," interposed Mr.