Last of all came William Coleman, lips pressed tightly together, eyes hard. He remained only a few moments. Benito hailed him as he emerged from the express office. "Any chance of recovery?" "Very little." The tone was grim. "I hate to think of what may happen if he dies?" Windham commented. "Hell will break loose," Coleman stated with conviction. "Better come along, Benito. I'm going to find Ike Bluxome. It's time we prepared." CHAPTER XLII THE COMMITTEE ORGANIZES When Benito rode up Montgomery street next morning he saw a litter being carried out of the Pacific Express Office. Beside it, were Mrs. King, Dr. Hammond and John Sime. They walked very slowly and the crowd fell back on either side as the litter-bearers progressed. Benito's heart stood still a moment. "Is he--?" the question formed reluctantly upon his lips. But David Broderick, standing by, reassured him. "No, not dead. Thank Heaven! They're taking him to more comfortable quarters. A room in the Montgomery Block. They've postponed the operation on the artery; as a last resort." "Dave," said Windham, seriously, "do you suppose you'll be blamed for this?" "Good God, man! No," returned the other. "Not even Gwin would dare to lay this at my door. There's no politics in it. At least none of mine." "Yet Casey was one of your men. They'll say that." "Let them," answered Broderick angrily. "I've no more to do with it than you--nor Coleman, who, they tell me, is forming another Vigilance Committee." "Yes," said Windham. "They're to meet at the old Know Nothing Hall on Sacramento street. I'm going there now." "Well I'm bound for a talk with Will Sherman; he's been appointed head of the militia. Just in time I should say. He'll be needed before order is restored." They shook hands. Benito looked after his friend uneasily. Broderick was on the wrong side, the young man thought; was taking an unwise tack. But no one could argue with Broderick ... unless it were Alice. They must have Dave to dinner again. * * * * * The street in front of Know Nothing Hall, a long two-story brick building was already crowded. One by one men were admitted--or rejected. Now and then a man would fall out of the line muttering wrathfully. "They're taking mighty good care not to let any of Scannell's friends get in," a man behind Benito confided. "The Sheriff's sent a dozen 'plants' this morning but Bluxome weeds them out unfailingly." After a time Benito found himself at the wicket, gazing into Isaac Bluxome's shrewd eyes. He was passed immediately with a smile of welcome and found himself in a large room of the "lodge" variety. There was a desk behind which sat William Coleman and Charles Doane. About one hundred men moved about talking animatedly in groups and among these Benito noted many of his fellows of the '51 committee. Presently Coleman spoke.