"I like his personality," stated Stewart, heartily. "But I have only a
general notion of his plans."

"Same here," admitted the chairman, though not in a tone of convincing
sincerity. "The Senator brought him into my office for a minute or so
before they started up-river. Told me to get the boys together and come
for lunch. But if it's to put the water-power of this state on a bigger
and broader basis, you and the storage commission are with us, aren't
you?" Despeaux demanded rather than queried; his air was a bit offensive.

"I'm a citizen of Marion and a native of this state, body and soul for all
the good that can come to us, by our own efforts or through the aid of
outsiders," declared Morrison, spacking his palm upon the arm of his
chair.

"Well, I guess we don't need any better promise than that, for a starter,
at any rate. Of course, we knew it--but there's nothing like having a
right-out word of mouth." Despeaux rose and pulled out his watch. "We'd
better move on toward the eats, boys!"

"Just a moment, however, Despeaux! My father was a Morrison and my mother
a Mac Dougal. I can't help what's in me!"

"What is it that's in you?" inquired Despeaux, pausing in the act of
putting back his watch.

"Scotch cautiousness!"

"You don't suspect that a man like the big Silas Daunt, of Daunt and