"I hate to think of what may happen if he dies?" Windham commented.
"Hell will break loose," Coleman stated with conviction. "Better come along, Benito. I'm going to find Ike Bluxome. It's time we prepared."
CHAPTER XLII
THE COMMITTEE ORGANIZES
When Benito rode up Montgomery street next morning he saw a litter being carried out of the Pacific Express Office. Beside it, were Mrs. King, Dr. Hammond and John Sime. They walked very slowly and the crowd fell back on either side as the litter-bearers progressed.
Benito's heart stood still a moment. "Is he--?" the question formed reluctantly upon his lips. But David Broderick, standing by, reassured him.
"No, not dead. Thank Heaven! They're taking him to more comfortable quarters. A room in the Montgomery Block. They've postponed the operation on the artery; as a last resort."
"Dave," said Windham, seriously, "do you suppose you'll be blamed for this?"
"Good God, man! No," returned the other. "Not even Gwin would dare to lay this at my door. There's no politics in it. At least none of mine."