The lean and dry authority on economics, an ardent apostle of Embree’s policies and his chief adviser on all corporation matters, spent an hour in the editorial den of The Guardian. All points of the bill were carefully discussed. Jeremy committed his unqualified editorial support to it. “Will you forward it to Mr. Kimball, of The Bellair Journal?” asked the professor. “Yes, if you wish.” “We can be sure of his aid?” “Probably. Though he will be very sore on Governor Embree if the ‘Surrender Bill’ is signed.” “That has no bearing whatsoever upon this measure.” “Only as a matter of political barter and trade. What do you think of the ‘Surrender Bill’ yourself, Professor Rappelje?” “I was requested to come here to discuss the Corporation Control Act,” returned the economist austerely. “Another dodger!” thought Jem disgustedly, as he bade his visitor a somewhat curt good-day. Such advisement as Governor Embree bestowed upon the “Surrender Bill” was brief. Two days after its passage he signed it without comment. Jeremy’s editorial on the final step in the enactment was dignified and regretful, but carefully guarded against offense. It indicated plainly that there would be no split between The Guardian and the Governor. On the morning following the signature, as Jeremy was at his desk, Andrew Galpin burst in upon him, his face vivid with emotions in which unholy glee, such as might be evoked by some Satanic jest, seemed to predominate. “Come out here!” he gasped. “What’s the matter?” demanded his Boss, struggling against a powerful grip. “Come out. I can’t tell it. You’ve got to see it.” Galpin hurried him downstairs and out upon the sidewalk. The street was full of people with faces turned upward and to the northeast where Capitol Hill reared its height. The typical characteristic of the faces was a staringly incredulous eye and a fallen jaw. Jeremy followed the line of vision to the dome wherefrom projected the State’s official flagstaff. In place of the Stars and Stripes there blew, stiff in the brisk wind, the banner of Imperial Germany. CHAPTER IV