The attitude to be assumed by the Vice-president was too obvious to be creditable to his sense of perception. "I would not give them the satisfaction of seeing us reverse our policy and confess ourselves defeated--surrender before a gun was fired. We can fight and win," said Mr. Gunterson, promptly. It was rudimentary cleverness; a babe could have perceived what reply Mr. Wintermuth desired. "Good!" said that gentleman, much encouraged. "I'm glad to hear you say so. That's exactly the way I feel about it, myself. I'll see O'Connor damned before I'll let him think he has forced our hand. I think your attitude is quite correct, Mr. Gunterson--I like the way you begin." "Thank you, sir," said the Vice-president, modestly; then, deprecatingly nodding toward Smith:-- "Probably from a strictly conservative viewpoint Mr. Smith's advice is good. And the Guardian is a conservative company. But a little properly placed radicalism is not a bad thing at times--is not that true, Mr. Wintermuth?" To which Mr. Wintermuth assented with a smile. "At all events the fight, if there is one, will be confined to the smaller places. They can't touch us in the big cities, can they?" pursued Mr. Gunterson, following up his advantage. "No," said Smith, shortly. "The rule won't affect us here in New York, nor in Boston, nor Philadelphia, nor Buffalo, nor Baltimore. At least those places, and some others, have always been excepted cities--making their own rules. Unless the local agents through the local boards vote for separation, we're safe there. I'd hate to see a fight started in those towns, though." "You seem a little reluctant to get into any controversy, Richard," said Mr. Wintermuth, kindly. "To be sure, you haven't been through so many as we have. But sometimes it is necessary to fight--and fight hard, too." "He has not weathered as many storms as you, sir," Gunterson interpolated with a smile. "Nor," he added, "as many as I myself, perhaps." "Perhaps not," said Smith, dryly. "Is there anything else you want of me, sir?" he turned to the President. "If not, I guess I'll get back to my mail." "Go ahead," returned his chief. "Mr. Gunterson and I will plan this thing out together."