He found Johnson, accompanied by Sherman, Garrison, and two strangers, lounging in the anteroom. The governor sprawled in a chair, his hat pulled over his eyes, a cigar in the corner of his mouth. His companions arose and bowed gravely as Coleman entered the room, but he remained seated, nodding at Coleman with an air of cavalier bravado that was plainly intended to conceal his nervousness. Without waiting for the exchange of spoken greetings, he burst out: "We have come to ask what you intend to do," he demanded truculently of Coleman, as though he had never seen or talked to him before. Coleman stared at him for an instant, completely surprised; read him; set his mouth grimly. "Outrages are of constant occurrence," he recited briefly; "our suffrages are profaned, our fellow-citizens shot down in the street, our courts afford us no redress, we will endure it no longer." "I agree with you as to the grievances," rejoined the governor, almost as though reciting a learned lesson; "but I think the courts are the proper remedy. The judges are good men, and there is no necessity for the people to turn themselves into a mob and obstruct the execution of the laws." A flush mounted Coleman's cheek. "Sir!" he cried indignantly, "this is no mob! You know this is no mob!" Johnson looked at him from between half-closed lids, as though from a great distance. "The opposition is stronger than you imagine," he said. "There is danger to the city--great danger of bloodshed--which should be prevented if possible." He paused, focussed his whole attention on Coleman, and went on with deliberate significance: _"It may be necessary to bring out all the force at my command._ I strongly advise you to leave the case of Casey to the courts; and I pledge myself to his fair and speedy trial." Although realizing fully what a formidable element this change of front threw into the situation, Coleman's expression did not change: Sherman, watching him closely, could not see that his eyes even flickered. "That will not satisfy the people," he told the governor, coldly and formally. "However they might consider your intention, they will doubt your ability to keep such a promise," He was going to say more, but checked, himself abruptly. The silent but intent attitude of the governor's four companions had struck his attention. "They are present as witnesses!" he told himself. Aloud he said, "Sir, I will report your remarks to my associates," Coleman wanted witnesses, too. He returned to the committee, interrupting the proceedings, "The governor has flopped over the fence." he informed them. "He is out there with Sherman and some others threatening to bring in the State troops unless we turn Casey over to the courts and disband. He personally guarantees a fair and speedy trial." "What did you tell him?" demanded Hossfros. "I haven't told him anything. It suddenly occurred to me that I ought to have witnesses for my side of the conversation, What do you think?"