“That's sufficient,” snapped Converse. “I am not in politics. I do not address public meetings. Mr. Farr, you would have wasted your time planning. Absolutely!” “But is there not some appeal that--” “Useless--useless, sir.” He tapped his cane, and his tones showed irritation. He whirled on his heels. “It is decidedly evident that you are a stranger in these parts, sir. On that account I forgive your presumption.” At that moment a jigger-wagon rumbled to a halt near them. The corner light had revealed them to the driver. “Mr. Farr,” called the man, “it hasn't taken long for the news of what you did at the meeting to-night to travel around among the boys. And we ain't going to let you get ahead of us, sir.” “The more, the merrier, in a good cause,” said Farr; but he was staring regretfully at the back of Mr. Converse, who had begun his retreat. “I want to tell you I'm on the executive committee of the State Teamsters Union, Mr. Farr. I've been talking the matter up and I can promise you that the union as a body will vote to lend horses and men to carry your spring-water free gratis. And I hope that gent who's starting up-town where the dudes are will tell 'em that there are honest men enough left to protect the poor folks from that poison water him and his rich friends are pumping out of the river to us.” The Honorable Archer Converse halted his departure very suddenly. “You are not referring to me, are you, my man?” “I am if you're tied up with that Consolidated Water Company bunch,” stated the unterrified member of the proletariat. Mr. Converse retraced his steps. He shook his cane at the driver. “I want to inform you very distinctly, sir, that I am _not_ interested in the Consolidated.” “Dawson, apologize to this gentleman,” Farr admonished the driver. “I'm sorry I said anything,” muttered the man. “But all dudes look alike to me,” he told himself under his breath. Mr. Converse appeared to be considerably disturbed by the humble citizen's sneer in regard to the Consolidated matter. He addressed himself to Farr. “I have been touched on a point where I am very sensitive,” he informed the young man. “I do not condone the policies of the Consolidated in regard to their control of franchises. Their system of operation has introduced a bad element into our finance and politics. I would be sorry to be misunderstood by the people of this state.” “I hope you will not be misunderstood, sir,” averred Farr, with humility. “In order to show you my stand in the matter and so that you may correct any misunderstanding among your friends in these quarters,” proceeded Mr. Converse, stiffly, “I will inform you that I am taking the case of the citizens' syndicate of Danburg on appeal up to our highest court. We hope to prove criminal conspiracy. We hope to show up some of the corruption in the state. That is why I have gone into the case.” “I thank you for informing me. I have been trying to fight the Consolidated in my own humble way.”