"Well," said Rockwell, "I'm not sure but that it would have been better to let him go as soon as you had told him your yarn, but on the whole I think you did mighty well. Those pictures may come in handy."
Aunt Mary rose. "You certainly are an enterprising young man, Mr. Merriam," she said dryly. "Now go to bed and get some sleep. You make your début as an orator at noon, you know! Come, Mollie June."
"Good night, Miss Norman," said Merriam, and he advanced to Mollie June, who had also risen.
"Good night, Mrs. Mollie June." He dropped his voice for the last three words and held out his hand.
She took it with an unconscious happy smile.
"Good night--Mr. John," she said.
Whatever she may have feared or suspected his story had established an alibi for him.
CHAPTER XXIV
THE REFORM LEAGUE
"Quarter to ten," said Rockwell cheerily. "I've let you sleep to the last possible moment. Here's your breakfast on the stand. Better eat it and drink your coffee first. Then a shave and get at this." He indicated a small pile of manuscript on the writing table. "Your speech, Senator!" he grinned.