Lalla’s impetuous nature was capable of a good deal of self-sacrifice—mistaken at times, but nevertheless genuine in motive. She had a warm feeling of gratitude toward the girl who had not, by even so much as a look, hinted at her adventures with the master key. Indeed, Lalla felt that Gincy had entire confidence in her assurance that she would be perfectly straightforward from that time on. It was the mountain warfare over again, and Lalla did not feel any real compunction about the methods. She knew instinctively, however, that Gincy and Abner would look at it differently and was prepared for questions. However, they did not come. “These seem like dandy points; they might do me a heap of good when it comes to the final touchdown.” Abner showed her the result of his digging for the last few weeks—a whole tablet full of notes, disorderly enough but right to the point. Lalla glanced over them with a shrewd eye, and nodded. “Abner, they’re splendid! But won’t you be scared half to death in front of that crowd?” He shook his head resolutely. “I’m going to bluff it if I am; it doesn’t do to show one’s feelings.” “No, and Goose Creek folks aren’t the scary kind.” “You bet they aren’t—not the girls, anyhow.” Abner spoke with conviction. Devotional exercises the next morning were brief. Then the excitement began. Banners went up all over the chapel, and nominations were made for governor of Appalachian America. There were speeches and special music to arouse enthusiasm for the Mountain Congress. The girls from Clay sat in the gallery—a row of bright faces keenly watching every movement below to see what counties were represented. “There’s Pike, and Letcher, and Magoffin!” whispered Gincy excitedly. “And Floyd, and Knott, and Breathitt!” added Talitha. “Perry, Harlan, Leslie, and—Oh, look at Clay! Goody! Goody!” Mallie almost lost her balance and fell into the crowd below. Nancy Jane pulled her back and kept a firm grip on the excited girl for some time. “It’s awfully interesting!” sighed Lalla, her eyes growing bigger as she watched the platform. “But I suppose the congress itself will be twice as exciting.” There were funny speeches from the candidates, each vying with the other in promising favour to his particular section of the country. The applause was frequent, and the college band played “Dixie.” Every one filed out full of enthusiasm; they would know the result of the election by evening. Lalla and Gincy walked over to Memorial Hall behind Abner and Martin. There was a grand rally out in front—practising yells and singing class songs. The noise was deafening. “I’m saving my voice until Friday night,” Lalla told Abner in the first lull. “I know you’re going to beat and then you’ll hear me yell!” Gincy smiled happily. “Abner’s going to do his best; that’s the main thing. I’m proud to think he’s even got a chance to do it, without his beating.”