So Merival heard the sheriff. As he knew The governor's mind, and how the governor Gave heed to public thought, or what is deemed The public thought, what's printed in the press, He wondered at the governor. For no crime Had stirred the county like this crime. And if A jury and the courts adjudged this boy Of nineteen in his mind, what was the right Of interference by the governor? So Merival was puzzled. They were chums, The governor and Merival in old days. Had known club-life together, ate and drank Together in the days when Merival Came to Chicago living down the hurt He took from her who left him. In those days The governor was struggling, Merival Had helped with friends and purse--and later helped The governor's ambition from the time He went to congress. So the two were friends With memories and secrets for the stuff Of friendship, glad renewal of the surge Of lasting friendship when they met. And now He sensed a secret, meant to bring it forth. And telegraphed the governor, who said: "I'll see you in Chicago." Merival Went up to see the governor and talk. They had not met for months for leisured talk. And now the governor said: "I'll tell you all, And make it like a drama. I'll bring in My wife who figured in this murder case. It was this way: It's nearly one o'clock, I'm back from hearing lawyers plead. I wish To make this vivid so you'll get my mind. I tell you what I said to her. It's this:" THE GOVERNOR