A popular young member of the House overheard the remark. "By
George, Governor," he burst forth, after a minute's deep
study--"say--by Jove, I say, let's do it ourselves!"

They all laughed, but the Governor's laugh stopped suddenly, and he
looked hard at the young man.

"Why not?" the young legislator went on. "It's a big job, but there
are a lot of us. We've all put down carpets at home; what are we
afraid to tackle it here for?"

Again the others laughed, but the Governor did not. "Say, Weston,"
he said, "I'd give a lot--I tell you I'd give a lot--if we just
could!"

"Leave it to me!"--and he was lost in the crowd.

The Governor's eyes followed him. He had always liked Harry Weston.
He was the very sort to inspire people to do things. The Governor
smiled knowingly as he noted the men Weston was approaching, and his
different manner with the various ones. And then he had mounted a
few steps of the stairway, and was standing there facing the crowd.

"Now look here," he began, after silence had been obtained, "this
isn't a very formal meeting, but it's a mighty important one. It's a
clear case of Carpet-Tackers' Union against the State. What I want
to know is--Is the State going to lie down?"

There were loud cries of "No!"--"Well, I should say not!"