The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-01-13
(Continued.l


 As we drove through the streets in the dark to the hotel an occasional cheer was raised, whether for myself o1 the veterans I did not know, but l was greatly uplifted and encouraged by the presence of my friends, and the heart- ness of their greeting.
 At the hotel another committee re- ceived me and there were many people, much hustle, much shaking Of hands and many formal exchanges of compi1- ments. The great lobby was crowded, but among the faces 1 soon saw that of Harrison, though changed. If had been sore troubled ill mind so had he or else what was writ large upon his cOuntenance was written in lylnG words. It was pale and weary face, that of a man sick of his life, and l felt a certain pity for him, so much in fact, that when he came forward and offered his hand, though consider ing myself to have great cause to hate him, I took it and shook it as if he had been a good friend
 There were those who said you would not come," he said in 8 low tone.
 Why"
 Because of the attacks You would not dare to face the multitude they claimed. but I knew better.'~
 He passed on, because the occasion allowed him only a. moment, and l noticed on the outskirts of the crowd the mean features of ConnOr, distorted now in a malicious grin of irony. l allowed my glance to pass over his face without any sign of recognition and he did not come forward to speak.
 I dined with Guthrie and Warfield and a few other of my friends, and after dinner Guthrie and Warfeld came to my room. We smoked a little while and I saw that they were hesitatlng about something. Hesitation to speak implies that the words to be spoken are disagreeable, and to help them l said:
 .You want to tell me about the meet ing tomorrow. Any advice that you can give me, old friends, I shall be glad to have"
 Warfield glanced at Guthrie. and Guthrie glanced at Warf1eld. but this time it was Guthrie who spoke.
 You are to address the meeting to- morrow afternoon Governor said Guthrie, your speech is down for 3 o'clock. and you are sure of a great reception. but-we think we ought to tell you-there is a cabal here against you've don't know just who is lead ing it-but' they are bent on making trouble for you tomorrow. We thought we ought to warn you ill order that you may be on your guard"
 felt my face flush and I was sorry now that I had shaken hands with Harrison. could not forget that l was the Governor of the State and as such I was entitled to respect.
 T am ready to face them whoever they are,' I said with confidence.
 We knew that replied Guthrie warmly, "but we were not willing to let them surprise you. This thing that they are planning is an outrage
 was grateful to them for their frit ndship, as true friendship as man ever had. and ] said so, but they light ly turned my words aside
 Your friends far outnumber your enemies, Harry" said Jimmy Warfield, "and they are going to be heard.'
 When they left me, and when the lateness of the hour told me that l should have no more callers that even ing I drew my chair to the window and looked out at the dim city, the dark mass of the buildings and the electric lights twinkling here and there through the dusk. The words of Guthrie and Warfield had sunk deep, though per haps not in the way they intended It was indeed a pretty pass if I had to face conflict every time I came out of seclusiOn. The memory of the hiss fingered and still stung like the rattle snakes poison. Was it fair to either me. my friends or the State that I
  was Governor! Then the Governor should not be forced to stand on the defensive. 1t was his place to com mand and to lead, it was his duty to do both, but looking as far ahead as could I could see no solution. no escape from the snare of the fowler. Young people, evidently a party from a thea tre passed in the street opposite, and though I could not hear them I could tell by their faces that they were laughing and talking. How l envied them!
 spent the next zrnorning at the hotel. My dignity as Governor and custom directed that I should remain away from the great hall until the time came for me to make my speech, but I was informed that all my friends, enemies were in the city. Alicia was visiting the Guthries and I wished to ask about her. but I checked the de- sire, fearing lest my simple questions might be misinterpreted.
 The day was crisp and cool with a brilliant sunlight over the city. and the early editions of the evening papers nificent success. The hall. the largest in the city, was crowded and Northern and Southern enthusiasm were united in one grand. rolling volume that often sent cheers in thunder against the roof and that thrilled everybody with the sense of humanity and fellowship. Moved as I was by the forid accounts felt that the reality would stir me much more deeply. I supposed that a sentimental strain is in us all and lucky it is that it is so. Jimmy War field took luncheon with me and short ly afterward the committee came for me.
 They are all tuned up," said War field. as we drove the short distance from the hotel to the hall land you can play on their emotions as you will, Harry
 "I'n do my best,'' I said.
 We stopped at a side door in a side street and entered behind the stage. Here occurred the usual formalities, l was received by a committee, shook hands with all it's members, and we made polite remarks to each other, but my ear was turned to the scene that shut us out from the stage. Through it's paper wall came the deep hum and murmur of a great crowd, and now and then a vast burst of cheering that made the building tremble. Some one was speaking, and he was doing it we'll Guthrie, called suddenly to fill a va sence of another speaker, and moro than filling the missing mans place.
 I thrilled at the sound of the ap- plause. Only those who have had it know how sweet it is. The cynic who despises the acclaim of the multitude is one in whose veins poison has been HStiIlo6 Nor m ono of tbOco who