He glanced up, almost
startled, as Benito entered.
"Fred Macondray and his party are outside," said Windham. "They would
like to see you."
"What do they wish?" asked Coleman in a harassed tone.
"They're leaving for Benicia today to see the Governor," Benito
answered. "Want your final word on mediation matters."
Coleman rose with a brisk movement. He paced the room half a dozen
times, his hands behind him, his head slightly bent, before he spoke.
"Bring 'em in. Call Bluxome and as many of the Executive Committee as
you can find."
Benito departed. Presently there filed into the room nine gentlemen,
headed by Macondray. They belonged neither to the Vigilantes nor to the
Law and Order Party. And they were now bent on averting a clash
between the two.
"William," Macondray, acting as the spokesman, "what message shall we
take the Governor?"
Bluxome, Smiley, Dempster and others of the Executive Committee entered.
Coleman explained to them the purpose of Macondray and his friends.
"What shall we say to them, boys?" he asked.
"Put it in your own words," Bluxome said. "We'll stand by what you
say."
Coleman faced Macondray and his companions.
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