"My friends," he began, in the indulgent tone of a grieved parent, "the gentleman who spoke a moment ago was quite right in remarking that this is a meeting of citizens. No one denies his right to speak or to interrupt other speakers if such be his idea of courtesy. But he will pardon me for suggesting that it is remarkable that he of all men should interrupt our friendly conference here and demand that names be mentioned, when, prompted by a sense of delicacy, I have refrained from mentioning his own name in this unpleasant connection. It's a name that has been identified far too closely with the affairs of this town. I should like to know how a member of the Holton family dare come to this meeting, when the suspension of one of our chief industries and the embarrassments of the Sycamore Traction Company are directly attributable to the family of which this young gentleman is a member. And while we sit here in conference, there are grave rumors afloat that we are threatened with even more serious difficulties. Within a few minutes word has reached me that a run is in progress upon certain of our banks." (There was a commotion throughout the room, and those near the doors were already pushing toward the street.) "I beg of you, be not hasty; the hour calls for wise counsel--" The shuffling of feet and overturning of chairs deadened the remainder of his speech. Phil escaped quickly from the court-house, and seeing the throng in Main Street began a detour to reach Montgomery's Bank. Fred caught up with her and begged her to go home. "There's going to be a row, Phil, and you'd better keep out of the way." "If there's a row, that silly Waterman is responsible," Phil replied. "I'm going to the bank to see Amy." People were flocking to Main Street from all directions, and finding that she persisted in going on, Fred kept close beside her. "He'll scold you if you do; you'd better go home," Fred urged as they reached Franklin Street, a block south of Main, and saw the packed streets at the First National corner. They debated a moment; then Phil was seized with an idea. "Fred, run over to the college and bring all the boys you can find at Mill's Field. Bring them up Main Street singing, and send a flying wedge through the mob;--that will smash it. Beat it, before the boys hear the row and mix in!" Fred was off for the athletic field before she had finished speaking, and Phil sought the side door of Montgomery's Bank.