Her husband looked at her evenly. "There has never been any insanity in either side of the family, or I would think Pelham came by this naturally." "He isn't a fool, Paul." "Where does he think this will end? It's bad enough when we are united against the perpetual unrest of the ignorant mob. But to have my son turn against all that his ancestors fought for!" Mary watched him thoughtfully. "You two cannot pull together, Paul. Why not help him get somewhere else?" "You mean----" "You mentioned that Governor Tennant wanted to do you a favor, and suggested Pell as mining inspector, or something. Wouldn't that straighten out this situation?" Paul looked at her doubtfully. "One of us has to make the break. Of course, he'll make trouble wherever he is. But he is my son. A thing like that might make him behave." Finishing his coffee, he pushed his chair back raspingly over the hardwood floor. Over in the boys' wing he called Ned. "Will you tell Pelham I would like to speak to him?" Father and eldest son walked quietly out over the untouched portion of the outcrop before the house. "You don't want me to discuss with you the unusual line of activity you have taken up, Pelham...." "It is only fair to tell you, father, that I have joined the socialist party." "You don't intend to remain with the mining company." Pelham gulped. This was what it must mean. "I can get Bob Tennant to appoint you a State Mining Inspector. You can live on the salary." "There is no work I would rather do.... Of course, I can not change my ideas." "We'll regard it as settled. I'll wire him this morning." Two days later, Pelham received the notification of the appointment, just before Spence, the labor lawyer, had him on the phone. The young mine-operator at once shared his information. "That's splendid, Judson! I've got news too--the referendum was eight to one for strike--and the national's wired that John Dawson's on the way! Big John Dawson--now for some fireworks!" This was progress, with a vengeance! Pelham was free at last of the company; the revolution--at least in Adamsville--was heartily on its way. With Jane's spirit backing him, and always beside him, he felt that this hectic week had justified itself. Now for the triumphant clash! XIV John Dawson, organizer of the National Federation of Miners, picked his way through the raw grayness of the Union Depot, in the muscle-cramped crowd that came in on the day coaches of the 5:10, until he reached the station itself. His eyes picked out the hesitant clot of four men off to one side. "You the committee?"