Willmar tribune., 1904-02-24
Copyright, 1899, by Herbert S. Stone & Co.
CHAPTER VI.-CoNr1SCEn.

DER lNO), whose Jump had been ac-
cOmpanled by word unaccustOmed to
ears polite, but whose sins were not
all uncovered by that cloak to the
wearer of which much may be for
given, that cloak which can transform
the raggedest of rascals into present.
able parsonage and an agreeable COM
panion-need l say l mean a sense Of
humor?-took advantage of the diver
sion to make sensible suggestion.
He remarked that he had always been
taught and was quite prepared to ad-
mit~the truth of the Scriptural pre-
cept that the way of transgressors is
hard" but as for himself he did not
see why the transgressors-as he pre-
sumed the occupants of that wagon
were-should be poisoned in this world
as we'll as roasted in the next, and he
begged leave TO move that either the
door or the window be opened
1t was not brilliant observation, but
1t brought about two good results
the letting in Of some fresh air and
the letting out of the awkward con-
straint which had bound us. Laughter
is the greatest Of Jewelers. To ask a
man to drink with yOu-which. ac-
cordlng to our English social code. is
the very running up Of the flag of fell
lo"shlp-iS not half so effective in
setting you and him upon good terms
with each other, as is hearty laugh in
common. From laughing at this allu-
sion to the way of transgressors we
went on to discussing the situation as
1t then presented itself, and as there
was still no sign of the advent of Num-
Der One, We decided that something
had happened to detaln him. and thai.
as we could do nothing without him, we
had best postpone the discussion of
business till the next day. when he
would, no doubt. make an opportunity
to join us. In the meantime we must
pass the night where we were, so each
comfortable--or. rather as little uncom-
fortable-as he could in our very luz
urlons lodgings. For myself, wha,
with the unusual circumstances, the
tragic struggle in the train the i'm
patient tossings, turnings, twistings
and sighings of my companions, vainly
straining after ease on their most un-
easy couches, slept never a wink all
night. and was glad indeed when morn
Ing was far enough advanced for one
or us to venture abroad in search of
breakfast for his colleagues 1t was
not long before he hurried back empty
handed. bringing us. in place of break
tast, news which was no news to me-
Fellow councillors he said. with
evident agitation. Il have terrible It'd
lngs for you. Our chief, Number One,
was killed on the railway last night.
He must have been walking along the
line on his way to join us, when he
was knocked down between Benfleer
and Leigh by passing train. They
we're bringing his body in when got
into the village, and, though he was
wearing no beard, l recognized him az
once"
For half minute no one spoke. and
then one Of the councillors said Gu
riously-
How did you recognize him if he
wasn't disguised?'
by his clothes, in the first place."
was the answer. He had the blue
serge suit. turn-down collar and spot
ted tie which We all wear. But I
should have recognized him quite
apart from that. for l was to some ex-
tent in his confidence, and, in fact,
met him by appointment only two days
ago."
Who are you. them said the man
who had constituted himself spokes-
man.
Il am Councillor Number Two-the
Oldest member of the society, next to
our late chief. l was the first man to
whom he unfolded his sch emes and |
was the first whom he invited to be-
come councillor"
Can you prove this?' asked the
other. Il don't mean that I doubt
Your word. but, as none of us knows
each others name, there is nothing to
prevent any of us from claiming that
he is the senior member of the council.
And If Number One is really dead, it
will be necessary to elect his successor
without delay, if the work Of this So
Clety is 10 De carried on.
Quite so" said Number Two. "Who
is to be that successor will be for the
council to decide, and need not yet be
discussed, but as you challenge my
statement and call upon me to prove
that l really was in our dead chiefs
confidence let me ask if you or any
other councillor can tell us what busi-
ness was to be discussed at the meet
ing last night?"
mo, can't" said the spokesman.
"Is there any other councillor present !
who can"
He looked around inquiringly, but
no one spoke, and with something of
a triumphant air, Number Two went
on.
"The business which was to come
before the meeting was two-fold. First
the newly-appointed Councillor Num-
Der Seven was to make his report in
regard to the removal of the traitor,
Councillor Number Seven that was''
"Go on,' said the other, nodding.
I'VE might have guessed that far, even
without being in the confidence of the
Chief
The second business" said Council
lor Number Two, without noticing the
was to arrange a mat
ter of importance. A week or so ago
the police raided house, No. 80 Fas-
sett Square, Dalston, in which a con-
siderable quantity of dynamite was
stored. That dynamite had been
brought there from the continent by
man in the pay of our chief, acting on