The great doors swung open slowly. They remained open.
Now curiosity replaced astonishment and held the rioters in their tracks; their mouths were wide, the voices mute.
The mayor of Marion walked into view.
The columns of the porte-cochère were supported on a broad base, and he climbed up and was elevated in the radiance high above their heads.
He smiled hospitably. "Boys, it's open house, and the house is yours. Hope you like its looks! But what's the big idea of the surprise party?"
No one took it on himself to reply. He waited tolerantly.
"Well, out with it!" he suggested.
Somebody with a raucous voice ventured. "You probably know what they've been trying to hide away from the people inside there. Suppose you do the talking."
"I'm not here to make a speech."
"Well, answer a question, then!" This was a shrill voice. "What about those soldiers and those machine-guns in there?"