if there are any here to-day, don't let the thought of Wilson's possible profit rob you of this golden opportunity. I live at Darley, but, as many of you know, this is my father's native county, and I want to see it bloom in progress and blossom like the rose of prosperity. I want to see the vast mineral wealth buried in these mountains dug out for the benefit of mankind wherever God's sunlight falls.” Miller sat down amid much applause, a faint part of which came even from the ranks of Bartell's faction. After this a pause ensued in which no one seemed willing to speak. Colonel Barclay rose and came to Miller. “That was a good talk,” he whispered. “You understand how to touch 'em up. You set them to laughin'; that's the thing. I wonder if it would do any good for me to try my hand.” “Do they know you have any timber-land over here?” asked Miller. “Oh yes, I guess they do,” replied the Colonel. “Then I don't believe I'd chip in,” advised Miller. “Bartell would throw it up to you.” “I reckon you are right,” said Barclay, “but for the Lord's sake do something. It never will do to let this thing fall through.” “I've done all I can,” said Miller, dejectedly. “Bartell's got the whole gang hoodooed--the blasted blockhead! Wouldn't he make a fine representative in the legislature?” The Colonel went back to his seat, and Wilson came to Miller, just as Alan approached. “It's going to fall flatter than a pancake,” said Wilson. “My company simply cannot afford to buy the right of way. Can' t you choke that illiterate fellow over there or--or buy him off?” “He ain't that sort,” said Miller, disconsolately. Alan glanced at his father and mother. On their wrinkled faces lay ample evidences of dejection. The old man seemed scarcely to breathe. Up to Bartell's speech he had seemed buoyantly hopeful, but his horizon had changed; he looked as if he were wondering why he had treated himself to such a bright view of a thing which had no foundation at all. At this juncture Abner Daniel rose from his seat near the stove and slowly walked forward till he stood facing the audience. Immediately quiet reigned, for he was a man who was invariably listened to.