The question was confession that the chairman had been unable to get at the political property he had paid dearly for. It indicated that he suspected but did not realize fully how deeply Spinney was in the toils.
"Explain!" shouted Presson, standing on tiptoe to thrust features convulsed with rage into the young man's face.
"General Waymouth is waiting to explain, sir. He's across the stage, there! And Mr. Spinney is with him. I'd advise you to hurry."
"I don't need any of your advice! If you've got him on exhibition at last where the public can be admitted, I can't get there any too quick."
He rushed out, charging like a bull, and the others followed.
The State committeeman who closed file with Harlan did not appreciate the gravity of the situation.
"You seem to be introducing new features into a State Convention to-day, cap'n," he observed, sarcastically. "The way you're handling Brother Spinney is like the song about
"'Old Jud Cole, who went by freight To Newry Corner in this State; Packed him in a crate to get him there, With a two-cent stamp to pay his fare.'"
He added, "Spinney is light enough to travel on that tariff, but you're going to find he's got friends that are heavier."
Young Thornton waited till all had entered the anteroom, and again took his post as guard on the inside of the door.