"That is very nice of you, gentlemen," said she, bowing gracefully to them, "but I know about how much allowance to make for 'soft soap' in this case." "But what is the condition, Maggie?" asked Dr. Jones. "I go with you." "To Washington? Certainly you shall, honey." "I go with you in the globe, to the North Pole, or any other place the wind may blow us." "You--what!" "I have said it." The Doctor dropped into a chair with a groan. "I knew it! I knew she meant mischief all the time." "But my dear woman," cried he, jumping from his chair again, "don't you see the utter impossibility of your going on so hard and perilous a voyage? You could never endure it in the world." "Hardships and perils, indeed!" said she mischievously. "Haven't you said over and over in my presence that this was simply a beautiful picnic trip and perfectly safe?" "Well--er--er," stammered the Doctor, "but, Maggie, it would be no place for a woman, you know." "I beg your pardon, sir, but I do not know anything of the kind. Do you suppose that I have sat here all these months listening to you men talk of this scheme without becoming a convert to your theories? No, Doctor, I am as enthusiastic as any of you in this matter. The North Pole fever is like the measles, very contagious, and I have a severe attack of it. Now you have all agreed that I am the most reasonable woman living, and you cannot accuse me of being unreasonable simply because I wish to go with you on this safe, comfortable and perfectly beautiful picnic excursion." This turn of affairs was so complete a surprise to the three men that they sat silent with consternation for a few moments. "Come to think of it, gentlemen, I am pleased for one that Mrs. Jones wishes to accompany us. Why should she not?" said Marsh. Mrs. Jones beamed upon him so warmly that he blushed to his ears. "One vote for me," she gayly exclaimed. "Now, Mr. Denison, on the score of old friendship, I claim your franchise." "And you have it, my dear madam," cried Denison. "Yours for the North Pole, Mrs. Jones." She gave a hand to each of her coadjutors, and turning to Dr. Jones, said: "Don't you see what a splendid lobbyist I am, Doctor? You will need me when you get to Washington." The Doctor's face was a study. At length he said: "Woman is the most unaccountable creature in the universe. I expected to-night to have made the plea of my life, and I declare for it, if she hasn't turned the tables completely upon me, and actually stands there imploring to go with us, instead of going into hysterics and making no end of opposition. Well, honey," putting his arm about her waist, "I took you for better or worse, but I did not expect to take you to the North Pole. I yield to the inevitable, gentlemen. Allow me to introduce you to No. 4, North Pole Aluminum Globe Co." CHAPTER V. The Government Joins the Picnickers.