"I made it! Out there a few minutes ago! Boys, you heard what I said, didn't you?"
"Yes."
"Well, I talked more than I intended to! Boil it down to a few lines and let it go at that!"
"We want to get the matter just right, Mister Mayor, and give credit where it's due."
"I covered the matter of credit. There's nothing more to say," replied
Stewart, curtly.
The reporters surveyed him with considerable wonderment; his manner in times past had always been distinguished by frank graciousness.
"We'd like to see Senator Corson and Governor North."
That request seemed to provoke the mayor's irritability still more. "I'm not the guardian of those gentlemen or of this State House!" He turned on his heel abruptly. "Miss Corson!" She was waiting a few paces away. He rejoined her and by a gesture invited her to walk along. "I'm sorry! I did not mean to delay you!"
The newspaper men followed on as far as the door of the Executive Chamber.
Morrison faced them there. "I don't mean to interfere with you, boys, in any way. And you mustn't interfere with me. As soon as the Senator and the Governor finish with me they'll give you all the time you want, no doubt! Please wait outside!" He tapped on the door and gave his name. Rellihan opened. Morrison seized the officer's arm and pulled him outside. "Keep everybody away from the door for a few moments—till further orders."