"Mr. President!" he began, suddenly panting with excitement, and Stoddard fixed him with his steely eyes.
"Very well, Mr. Lockhart," he responded curtly, "what is it you wish to say?"
"Why, I—I didn't know," began L. W. haltingly, "that she was going to vote—that way."
"Well, you know it now," answered Stoddard freezingly, "does that conclude your remarks?"
"Oh, no!" burst out L. W., his drawn face twitching. "I—in that case, I change my vote. I don't think Mr. Jones——"
"You haven't voted yet," corrected Stoddard shortly, "all in favor please say: 'Ay!'"
"Ay!" said Mary and as Stoddard echoed it he cast a sneering glance at L. W.
"Do I understand, Mr. Lockhart," he enquired pointedly, "that you wish to go on record as voting 'No'?"
"Yes, put me down 'No!'" directed L. W. feverishly. "I don't approve of this at all. Rimrock needs the money—he wrote me particularly—I wouldn't put him out for the world." He straightened the stoop from his long, bent back and his eyes opened up appealingly. "Put me down for a 'No,'" he repeated wildly. "My God, he'll kill me for this. I wouldn't cross that boy for anything in the world—he's the best friend a man ever had. But put me down 'No'—you will, won't you, Miss? I don't want Rimrock to know."
"Mr. Lockhart votes 'No,'" broke in Stoddard peremptorily, "the 'Ayes' have it and the motion is carried. Is there any other business?"