Then Angus's wife exclaimed he was safe enough. Billy Batters had come andgot him the night before. At the mention of Billy Batters there was asound of suppressed mirth all along the line. Mrs. Angus's sisterfairly shrieked. "Billy Batters! Don't you know he has turnedConservative!--he's working tooth and nail for Brown." Mrs. Anguscalled Angus excitedly. Everybody talked at once; somebody laughed; oneor two swore. Mrs. Porter told Milt Kennedy's wife she'd caught hereavesdropping this time sure. She'd know her cackle any place, andMilt's wife told Mrs. Porter to shut up--she needn't talk abouteavesdroppers,--good land! and Mrs. Porter told Mrs. Milt she shouldtry something for that voice of hers, and recommended machine oil, andCentral rang in and told them they'd all have their 'phones taken outif they didn't stop quarreling; and Harold Thomas, in the hay-mow, slepton, as peacefully as an innocent babe!

In the committee chambers, Jack's disappearance was excitedly discussed.The Conservatives were not sure that Bill Batters was not giving themthe double cross--once a Grit, always a Grit! Angus was threatening tohave him arrested for abduction--he had beguiled Harold Thomas from thehome of his friends, and then carelessly lost him.

William Batters realized that he had lost favor in both places, andanxiously longed for a sight of John Thomas's black face, vote or novote.

At four o'clock John Thomas awoke much refreshed, but somewhat hungry. Hewent into the house in search of something to eat. Milton and his wifehad gone into town many hours before, but he found what he wanted, andwas going back to the hay-mow to finish his sleep, just as Billy Adamswas going home after having cast his vote.

Billy Adams seized him eagerly, and rapidly drove back to town. Jack'svote would yet be saved to the party!