before the fire--just opposite? I thought so! And the bay used to come up
to Montgomery Street, only a block down! You see, I know it all! And when
we came in, and I saw all those idle ships lying at anchor, just as they
have lain since their crews deserted them in '49 to go to the mines--and I
know why they haven't been used since, why they will continue to lie there
at anchor until they rot or sink--"

"Do you?" said Sherwood, who was vastly amused and greatly taken by this
fresh enthusiasm.

"Yes, the clipper ships!" Keith swept on. "The first cargoes in this new
market make the money--the fastest clippers--poor old hulks--but you
brought in the argonauts!"

So he ran on, venting his impatience, so plainly divided between his sense
of duty in staying near his wife and his great desire to slip the leash,
that Sherwood smiled to himself. Once again he mentioned Coleman and the
Vigilantes of '51.

"I suppose he's around here? I may see him?"

"Oh, yes," said Sherwood, "you'll see him. But if you would accept a bit of
advice, go slow. You must remember that such a movement makes enemies,
arouses opposition. A great many excellent people--whom you will know--are
a little doubtful about all that."

Keith mentioned other names.

"I know them all. They are among the most influential members of the bar."
He glanced at a large watch. "Just at this hour we might find them at the