"Idon'tknow。Dryfoosthoughtofhavingladies，butitseemsyourinfallibleFulkersonoverruledhim。TheirpresencemighthavekeptLindauandourhostinbounds。"
　　IthadbecomepartoftheMarches'conjugaljokeforhimtopretendthatshecouldallownothingwronginFulkerson，andhenowlaughedwithamockingairofhavingexpecteditwhenshesaid:"Well，then，ifMr。
　　Fulkersonsayshewillseethatitallcomesoutright，Isupposeyoumusttrusthistact。Iwouldn'ttrustyours，Basil。ThefirstwrongstepwastakenwhenMr。Lindauwasaskedtohelponthemagazine。"
　　"Well，itwasyourinfallibleFulkersonthattookthestep，oratleastsuggestedit。I'mhappytosayIhadtotallyforgottenmyearlyfriend。"
　　Mrs。Marchwasdauntedandsilencedforamoment。Thenshesaid:"Oh，pshaw!Youknowwellenoughhedidittopleaseyou。"
　　"I'mverygladhedidn'tdoittopleaseyou，Isabel，"saidherhusband，withaffectedseriousness。"Thoughperhapshedid。"
　　Hebegantolookatthehumorousaspectoftheaffair，whichitcertainlyhad，andtocommentonthesingularincongruitieswhich'EveryOtherWeek'wasdestinedtoinvolveateverymomentofitscareer。
　　"IwonderifI'mmistakeninsupposingthatnootherperiodicalwaseverlikeit。Perhapsallperiodicalsarelikeit。ButIdon'tbelievethere'sanotherpublicationinNewYorkthatcouldbringtogether，inhonorofitself，afraternityandequalitycranklikepooroldLindau，andabelatedsociologicalcranklikeWoodburn，andatruculentspeculatorlikeoldDryfoos，andahumanitariandreamerlikeyoungDryfoos，andasentimentalistlikeme，andanondescriptlikeBeaton，andapureadvertisingessencelikeFulkerson，andasocietyspiritlikeKendricks。Ifwecouldonlyallowoneanothertotalkuninterruptedlyallthetime，thedinnerwouldbethegreatestsuccessintheworld，andweshouldcomehomefullofthehighestmutualrespect。ButI
　　suspectwecan'tmanagethat——evenyourinfallibleFulkersoncouldn'tworkit——andI'mafraidthatthere'llbesomelisteningthat'llspoilthepleasureofthetime。"
　　MarchwassowellpleasedwiththisviewofthecasethathesuggestedtheideainvolvedtoFulkerson。Fulkersonwastoogoodafellownottolaughatanotherman'sjoke，buthelaughedalittleruefully，andheseemedwornwithmorethanonekindofcareintheintervalthatpassedbetweenthepresenttimeandthenightofthedinner。
　　Dryfoosnecessarilydependeduponhimforadviceconcerningthescopeandnatureofthedinner，buthereceivedtheadvicesuspiciously，andcontestedpointsofobviousproprietywithpertinaciousstupidity。
　　Fulkersonsaidthatwhenitcametothepointhewouldratherhavehadthething，ashecalledit，atDelmonico'sorsomeotherrestaurant；butwhenhefoundthatDryfoos'spridewasboundupinhavingitathisownhouse，hegavewaytohim。Dryfoosalsowantedhiswoman-cooktopreparethedinner，butFulkersonpersuadedhimthatthiswouldnotdo；hemusthaveitfromacaterer。ThenDryfooswantedhismaidstowaitattable，butFulkersonconvincedhimthatthiswouldbeincongruousataman'sdinner。ItwasdecidedthatthedinnershouldbesentinfromFrescobaldi's，andDryfooswentwithFulkersontodiscussitwiththecaterer。Heinsisteduponhavingeverythingexplainedtohim，andthereasonforhavingit，andnotsomethingelseinitsplace；andhetreatedFulkersonandFrescobaldiasiftheywereinleaguetoimposeuponhim。
　　ThereweremomentswhenFulkersonsawthevarnishofprofessionalpolitenesscrackingontheNeapolitan'svolcanicsurface，andcaughtaglimpseofthelavafiresofthecook'snaturebeneath；hetrembledforDryfoos，whowaswalkingrough-shodoverhiminthesecurityofanAmericanwhohadknownhowtomakehismoney，andmustknowhowtospendit；buthegothimsafelyawayatlast，andgaveFrescobaldiawinkofsympathyforhisshrugofexhaustionastheyturnedtoleavehim。
　　ItwasatfirstareliefandthenananxietywithFulkersonthatLindaudidnotcomeaboutafteracceptingtheinvitationtodinner，untilheappearedatDryfoos'shouse，prompttothehour。Therewas，tobesure，nothingtobringhim；butFulkersonwasuneasilyawarethatDryfoosexpectedtomeethimattheoffice，andperhapsreceivesomeverbalacknowledgmentofthehonordonehim。Dryfoos，hecouldsee，thoughthewasdoingallhisinvitedguestsafavor；andwhilehestoodinacertainaweofthemaspeopleofmuchgreatersocialexperiencethanhimself，regardedthemwithakindofcontempt，aspeoplewhoweregoingtohaveabetterdinnerathishousethantheycouldeveraffordtohaveattheirown。Hehadfinallynotsparedexpenseuponit；afterpushingFrescobalditothepointoferuptionwithhismisgivingsandsuspicionsatthefirstinterview，hehadgonetohimasecondtimealone，andtoldhimnottoletthemoneystandbetweenhimandanythinghewouldliketodo。IntheabsenceofFrescobaldi'sfellow-conspiratorherestoredhimselfinthecaterer'sesteembyaddingwhateverhesuggested；andFulkerson，aftertremblingfortheoldman'sniggardliness，wasnowafraidofafantasticprofusioninthefeast。Dryfooshadreducedthescaleofthebanquetasregardedthenumberofguests，butaconfusingremembranceofwhatFulkersonhadwishedtodoremainedwithhiminpart，anduptothedayofthedinnerhedroppedinatFrescobaldi'sandorderedmoredishesandmoreofthem。HeimpressedtheItalianasanAmericanoriginalofanovelkind；andwhenheaskedFulkersonhowDryfooshadmadehismoney，andlearnedthatitwasprimarilyinnaturalgas，hemadenoteofsomeofhiseccentrictastesaspeculiaritiesthatweretobecaressedinanyfuturenatural-gasmillionairewhomightfallintohishands。HedidnotbegrudgethetimehehadtogiveinexplainingtoDryfoostherelationofthedifferentwinestothedifferentdishes；Dryfooswasapttosubstituteacostlierwinewherehecouldforacheaperone，andhegaveFrescobaldicarteblancheforthedecorationofthetablewithpiecesofartisticconfectionery。Amongthesethecatererdesignedoneforasurprisetohispatronandadelicaterecognitionofthesourceofhiswealth，whichhefoundDryfoosverywillingtotalkabout，whenheintimatedthatheknewwhatitwas。
　　DryfoosleftittoFulkersontoinvitetheguests，andhefoundreadyacceptanceofhispolitenessfromKendricks，whorightlyregardedthedinnerasapartofthe'EveryOtherWeek'business，andwastoosweetandkind-hearted，anyway，nottoseemverygladtocome。Marchwasamatterofcourse；butinColonelWoodburn，Fulkersonencounteredareluctancewhichembarrassedhimthemorebecausehewasconsciousofhaving，formotivesofhisown，ratherstrainedapointinsuggestingthecoloneltoDryfoosasafitsubjectforinvitation。Therehadbeenonlyoneofthecolonel'sarticlesprintedasyet，andthoughithadmadeasensationinitsway，andstartedthetalkaboutthatnumber，stillitdidnotfairlyconstitutehimamemberofthestaff，orevenentitlehimtorecognitionasaregularcontributor。FulkersonfeltsosureofpleasinghimwithDryfoos'smessagethathedelivereditinfullfamilycouncilatthewidow's。HisdaughterreceiveditwithalltheenthusiasmthatFulkersonhadhopedfor，butthecolonelsaid，stiffly，"IhavenotthepleasureofknowingMr。Dryfoos。"MissWoodburnappearedreadytofalluponhimatthis，butcontrolledherself，asifawarethatfilialauthorityhaditslimits，andpressedherlipstogetherwithoutsayinganything。
　　"Yes，Iknow，"Fulkersonadmitted。"Butitisn'tausualcase。Mr。
　　Dryfoosdon'tgoinmuchfortheconventionalities；Ireckonhedon'tknowmuchabout'em，cometoboilitdown；andhehoped"——hereFulkersonfeltthenecessityofinventingalittle——"thatyouwouldexcuseanywantofceremony；it'stobesuchaninformalaffair，anyway；we'reallgoinginbusinessdress，andthereain'tgoingtobeanyladies。He'dhavecomehimselftoaskyou，buthe'sakindofabashfuloldfellow。It'sallright，ColonelWoodburn。"
　　"Itakeitthatitis，sir，"saidthecolonel，courteously，butwithunabatedstate，"comingfromyou。Butinthesematterswehavenorighttoburdenourfriendswithourdecisions。"
　　"Ofcourse，ofcourse，"saidFulkerson，feelingthathehadbeendelicatelytoldtomindhisownbusiness。
　　"Iunderstand，"thecolonelwenton，"therelationthatMr。Dryfoosbearstotheperiodicalinwhichyouhavedonemethehonortoprintmypapah，butthisisaquestionofpassingtheboundsofapurelybusinessconnection，andofeatingthesaltofamanwhomyoudonotdefinitelyknowtobeagentleman。"
　　"Mahgoodness!"hisdaughterbrokein。"Ifyoubahyourownsaltwithhismoney——"
　　"ItissupposedthatIearnhismoneybeforeIbuymysaltwithit，"
　　returnedherfather，severely。"Andinthesetimes，whenmoneyisgotinheaps，throughthenaturaldecayofournefariouscommercialism，itbehoovesagentlemantobescrupulousthatthehospitalityofferedhimisnottheprofusionofathiefwithhisbooty。Idon'tsaythatMr。
　　Dryfoos'sgood-fortuneisnothonest。IsimplysaythatIknownothingaboutit，andthatIshouldprefertoknowsomethingbeforeIsatdownathisboard。"
　　"You'reallright，colonel，"saidFulkerson，"andsoisMr。Dryfoos。
　　Igiveyoumywordthattherearenofliesonhispersonalintegrity，ifthat'swhatyoumean。He'shard，andhe'dpushanadvantage，butI
　　don'tbelievehewouldtakeanunfairone。He'sspeculatedandmademoneyeverytime，butIneverheardofhiswreckingarailroadorbelongingtoanyswindlingcompanyoranygrindingmonopoly。Hedoeschanceitinstocks，buthe'salwaysplayedonthesquare，ifyoucallstocksgambling。"
　　"MayI，thinkthisovertillmorning?"askedthecolonel。
　　"Oh，certainly，certainly，"saidFulkerson，eagerly。"Idon'tknowasthere'sanyhurry。"
　　MissWoodburnfoundachancetomurmurtohimbeforehewent:"He'llcome。AndAh'msomuchoblahged，Mr。Fulkerson。Ahjostknowit'sallyou'doing，anditwillgivepapaachancetotoaktosomenewpeople，andgetawayfromusevahlastin'womenforonce。"
　　"Idon'tseewhyanyoneshouldwanttodothat，"saidFulkerson，withgratefulgallantry。"ButI'llbedogged，"hesaidtoMarchwhenhetoldhimaboutthisoddexperience，"ifIeverexpectedtofindColonelWoodburnonoldLindau'sground。Hedidcomeroundhandsomelythismorningatbreakfastandapologizedfortakingtimetothinktheinvitationoverbeforeheaccepted。'Youunderstand，'hesays，'thatifithadbeentothetableofsomefriendnotsoprosperousasMr。Dryfoos——yourfriendMr。March，forinstance——itwouldhavebeensufficienttoknowthathewasyourfriend。Butinthesedaysitisadutythatagentlemanoweshimselftoconsiderwhetherhewishestoknowarichmanornot。Thechancesofmakingmoneydisreputablyaresogreatthatthechancesareagainstamanwhohasmademoneyifhe'smadeagreatdealofit。'"
　　Marchlistenedwithafaceofironicalinsinuation。"Thatwasverygood；
　　andheseemstohavehadagooddealofconfidenceinyourpatienceandinyoursenseofhisimportancetotheoccasion——"
　　"No，no，"Fulkersonprotested，"there'snoneofthatkindofthingaboutthecolonel。Itoldhimtotaketimetothinkitover；he'sthesimplest-heartedoldfellowintheworld。"
　　"Ishouldsayso。Afterall，hedidn'tgiveanyreasonhehadforaccepting。Butperhapstheyoungladyhadthereason。"
　　"Pshaw，March!"saidFulkerson。
　　VI。
　　SofarastheDryfoosfamilywasconcerned，thedinnermightaswellhavebeengivenatFrescobaldi'srooms。Noneoftheladiesappeared。Mrs。
　　Dryfooswasgladtoescapetoherownchamber，whereshesatbeforeanautumnalfire，shakingherheadandtalkingtoherselfattimes，withtheforebodingofevilwhicholdwomenlikehermakepartoftheirreligion。
　　Thegirlsstoodjustoutofsightattheheadofthestairs，anddisputedwhichguestitwasateacharrival；Mrs。Mandelhadgonetoherroomtowriteletters，afterbeseechingthemnottostandthere。WhenKendrickscame，ChristinegaveMelaalittlepinch，equivalenttoalittlemockingshriek；for，onthegroundofhislongtalkwithMelaatMrs。Horn's，intheabsenceofanyotheradmirer，theybasedasuperstitionofhisinterestinher；whenBeatoncame，Melareturnedthepinch，butawkwardly，sothatithurt，andthenChristineinvoluntarilystruckher。
　　Frescobaldi'smenwereinpossessioneverywheretheyhadturnedthecookoutofherkitchenandthewaitressoutofherpantry；thereluctantIrishmanatthedoorwassupplementedbyavividItalian，whospokeFrenchwiththeguests，andsaid，"Bien，Monsieur，"and"toutesuite，"
　　and"Merci!"toall，ashetooktheirhatsandcoats，andeffusedahospitalitythatneedednolanguagebutthegleamofhiseyesandteethandtheplayofhiseloquenthands。Fromhisprofessionaldress-coat，lustrouswiththegreasespottedonitatformerdinnersandparties，theypassedtothefrocksoftheelderandyoungerDryfoosinthedrawing-room，whichassumedinformalityfortheaffair，butdidnotputtheirwearerswhollyattheirease。Thefather'scoatwasofblackbroadcloth，andheworeitunbuttoned；theskirtswerelong，andthesleevescamedowntohisknuckles；heshookhandswithhisguests，andthesamedrynessseemedtobeinhispalmandthroat，ashehuskilyaskedeachtotakeachair。Conrad'scoatwasofmoderntextureandcut，andwasbuttonedabouthimasifitconcealedabadconsciencewithinitslapels；hemetMarchwithhisentreatingsmile，andheseemednomorecapableofcopingwiththesituationthanhisfather。TheybothwaitedforFulkerson，whowentaboutanddidhisbesttokeeplifeinthepartyduringthehalf-hourthatpassedbeforetheysatdownatdinner。Beatonstoodgloomilyaloof，asifwaitingtobeapproachedontherightbasisbeforeyieldinganinchofhisground；ColonelWoodburn，awaitingthemomentwhenhecouldsallyoutonhishobby，kepthimselfintrenchedwithinthedignityofagentleman，andexaminedaskancethefigureofoldLindauashestaredabouttheroom，withhisfineheadup，andhisemptysleevedanglingoverhiswrist。Marchfeltobligedtohimforwearinganewcoatinthemidstofthathostileluxury，andhewasgladtoseeDryfoosmakeuptohimandbegintotalkwithhim，asifhewishedtoshowhimparticularrespect，thoughitmighthavebeenbecausehewaslessafraidofhimthanoftheothers。HeheardLindausaying，"Boat，thenameisChoarman?"andDryfoosbeginningtoexplainhisPennsylvaniaDutchorigin，andhesufferedhimself，withasighofrelief，tofallintotalkwithKendricks，whowasalwayspleasant；hewaswillingtotalkaboutsomethingbesideshimself，andhadnoopinionsthathewasnotreadytoholdinabeyanceforthetimebeingoutofkindnesstoothers。
　　Inthatgroupofimpassionedindividualities，Marchfelthimarefugeandcomfort——withhisharmlessdilettanteintentionofsomedaywritinganovel，andhisbeliefthathewasmeantimecollectingmaterialforit。
　　Fulkerson，whilebreakingtheiceforthewholecompany，wasmainlyengagedinkeepingColonelWoodburnthawedout。HetookKendricksawayfromMarchandpresentedhimtothecolonelasapersonwho，likehimself，waslookingintosocialconditions；heputonehandonKendricks'sshoulder，andoneonthecolonel's，andmadesomeflatteringjoke，apparentlyattheexpenseoftheyoungfellow，andthenleftthem。
　　MarchheardKendricksprotestinvain，andthecolonelsay，gravely:
　　"Idonotwonder，sir，thatthesethingsinterestyou。Theyconstituteaproblemwhichsocietymustsolveorwhichwilldissolvesociety，"andheknewfromthatformula，whichthecolonelhad，onceusedwithhim，thathewaslayingoutaroadfortheexhibitionofthehobby'spaceslater。
　　FulkersoncamebacktoMarch，whohadturnedtowardConradDryfoos，andsaid，"Ifwedon'tgetthisthinggoingprettysoon，it'llbethedeathofme，"andjustthenFrescobaldi'sbutlercameinandannouncedtoDryfoosthatdinnerwasserved。TheoldmanlookedtowardFulkersonwithatroubledglance，asifhedidnotknowwhattodo；hemadeagesturetotouchLindau'selbow。Fulkersoncalledout，"Here'sColonelWoodburn，Mr。Dryfoos，"asifDryfooswerelookingforhim；andhesettheexampleofwhathewastodobytakingLindau'sarmhimself。"Mr。Lindauisgoingtositatmyendofthetable，alongsideofMarch。Standnotupontheorderofyourgoing，gentlemen，butfallinatonce。"HecontrivedtogetDryfoosandthecolonelbeforehim，andheletMarchfollowwithKendricks。ConradcamelastwithBeaton，whohadbeenturningoverthemusicatthepiano，andchafinginwardlyatthewholeaffair。AtthetableColonelWoodburnwasplacedonDryfoos'sright，andMarchonhisleft。MarchsatonFulkerson'sright，withLindaunexthim；andtheyoungmenoccupiedtheotherseats。
　　"PutyounexttoMarch，Mr。Lindau，"saidFulkerson，"soyoucanbegintoputApollinarisinhischampagne-glassattherightmoment；youknowhislittleweaknessofold；sorrytosayit'sgrownonhim。"
　　MarchlaughedwithkindlyacquiescenceinFulkerson'swishtostartthegayety，andLindaupattedhimontheshoulder。"Iknowhissveakness。
　　Ifheligesaclassofvine，itissbegausehisloafingludesefenhissenemy，asShakespearegalledit。"
　　"Ah，butShakespearecouldn'thavebeenthinkingofchampagne，"saidKendricks。
　　"Isuppose，sir，"ColonelWoodburninterposed，withloftycourtesy，"champagnecouldhardlyhavebeenknowninhisday。"
　　"Isupposenot，colonel，"returnedtheyoungerman，deferentially。
　　"Heseemedtothinkthatsackandsugarmightbeafault；buthedidn'tmentionchampagne。"
　　"Perhapshefelttherewasnoquestionaboutthat，"suggestedBeaton，whothenfeltthathehadnotdonehimselfjusticeinthesally。
　　"Iwonderjustwhenchampagnedidcomein，"saidMarch。
　　"Iknowwhenitoughttocomein，"saidFulkerson。"Beforethesoup!"
　　Theyalllaughed，andgavethemselvestheairofdrinkingchampagneoutoftumblerseveryday，asmenliketodo。Dryfooslisteneduneasily；hedidnotquiteunderstandtheallusions，thoughheknewwhatShakespearewas，wellenough；Conrad'sfaceexpressedagentledeprecationofjokingonsuchasubject，buthesaidnothing。
　　Thetalkranonbrisklythroughthedinner。Theyoungmentossedtheballbackandforth；theymadesomewildshots，buttheykeptitgoing，andtheylaughedwhentheywerehit。ThewineloosedColonelWoodburn'stongue；hebecameverycompanionablewiththeyoungfellows；withthefeelingthataliterarydinneroughttohaveadidacticscope，hepraisedScottandAddisonastheonlyauthorsfittoformthemindsofgentlemen。
　　Kendricksagreedwithhim，butwishedtoaddthenameofFlaubertasamasterofstyle。"Style，youknow，"headded，"istheman。"
　　"Verytrue，sir；youarequiteright，sir，"thecolonelassented；hewonderedwhoFlaubertwas。
　　BeatonpraisedBaudelaireandMaupassant；hesaidthesewerethemasters。
　　HerecitedsomeluridversesfromBaudelaire；Lindaupronouncedthemadisgracetohumannature，andgaveapassagefromVictorHugoonLouisNapoleon，withhisheavyGermanaccent，andthenhequotedSchiller。
　　"Ach，boatthatisapeaudifool!Notzo?"hedemandedofMarch。
　　"Yes，beautiful；but，ofcourse，youknowIthinkthere'snobodylikeHeine!"
　　Lindauthrewbackhisgreatoldheadandlaughed，showingawantofteethunderhismustache。HeputhishandonMarch'sback。"Thispoy——hewasapoyden——warssogracytopekinreadingHeinethathegommencewiththetictionarybevoreheknowsanyGrammar，andvebickitoutvortbyvorttogeder。"
　　"Hewasaprettycaypoyinthosedays，heigh，Lindau?"askedFulkerson，burlesquingtheoldman'saccent，withanimpudentwinkthatmadeLindauhimselflaugh。"Butinthedarkages，Imean，thereinIndianapolis。Justhowlongagodidyouoldcodgersmeetthere，anyway?"
　　FulkersonsawtherestivenessinDryfoos'seyeatthepurelyliterarycoursethetalkhadtaken；hehadintendedittoleadupthatwaytobusiness，to'EveryOtherWeek；'buthesawthatitwasleavingDryfoostoofarout，andhewishedtogetitonthepersonalground，whereeverybodyisathome。
　　"Ledtmezee，"musedLindau。"Wassitinfifty-nineorzixty，Passil?
　　Idtwassayearordwopeforethewarprokeoudt，anyway。"
　　"Thosewereexcitingtimes，"saidDryfoos，makinghisfirstentryintothegeneraltalk。"IwentdowntoIndianapoliswiththefirstcompanyfromourplace，andIsawthered-shirtspouringineverywhere。Theyhadasong，"Oh，nevermindtheweather，butgitoverdoubletrouble，Forwe'reboundforthelandofCanaan。"
　　Thefellowslockedarmsandwentsingin'itupanddownfourorfiveabreastinthemoonlight；crowdedeverybody'elseoffthesidewalk。"
　　"Iremember，Iremember，"saidLindau，noddinghisheadslowlyupanddown。"AcoodtmanyoffthemnefergomepackfromthatlandtofGanaan，Mr。Dryfoos?"
　　"You'reright，Mr。Lindau。ButIreckonitwasworthit——thecountrywe'vegotnow。Here，youngman!"Hecaughtthearmofthewaiterwhowasgoingroundwiththechampagnebottle。"FillupMr。Lindau'sglass，there。Iwanttodrinkthehealthofthoseoldtimeswithhim。Here'stoyouremptysleeve，Mr。Lindau。Godblessit!Nooffencetoyou，ColonelWoodburn，"saidDryfoos，turningtohimbeforehedrank。
　　"Notatall，sir，notatall，"saidthecolonel。"Iwilldrinkwithyou，ifyouwillpermitme。"
　　"We'llalldrink-standing!"criedFulkerson。"HelpMarchtogetup，somebody!FillhighthebowlwithSamianApollinarisforCoonrod!Now，then，hurrahforLindau!"
　　Theycheered，andhammeredonthetablewiththebuttsoftheirknife-
　　handles。Lindauremainedseated。Thetearscameintohiseyes；hesaid，"Ithankyou，chendlemen，"andhiccoughed。
　　"I'd'a'wentintothewarmyself，"saidDryfoos，"butIwasraisin'
　　afamilyofyoungchildren，andIdidn'tseehowIcouldleavemyfarm。
　　ButIhelpedtofillupthequotaateverycall，andwhenthevolunteeringstoppedIwentroundwiththesubscriptionpapermyself；
　　andweofferedasgoodbountiesasanyintheState。Mysubstitutewaskilledinoneofthelastskirmishes——infact，afterLee'ssurrender——
　　andI'vetookcareofhisfamily，moreorless，eversince。"
　　"By-the-way，March，"saidFulkerson，"whatsortofanideawoulditbetohaveagoodwarstory——mightbeaserial——inthemagazine?Thewarhasneverfullypannedoutinfictionyet。Itwasusedagooddealjustafteritwasover，andthenitwasdropped。Ithinkit'stimetotakeitupagain。Ibelieveitwouldbeacard。"
　　ItwasrunninginMarch'smindthatDryfooshadanoldranklingshameinhisheartfornothavinggoneintothewar，andthathehadoftenmadethatexplanationofhiscoursewithouthavingeverbeensatisfiedwithit。Hefeltsorryforhim；thefactseemedpathetic；itsuggestedadormantnoblenessintheman。
　　BeatonwassayingtoFulkerson:"Youmightgetaseriesofsketchesbysubstitutes；thesubstituteshaven'tbeenmuchheardfrominthewarliterature。Howwould'TheAutobiographyofaSubstitute'do?Youmightfollowhimuptothemomenthewaskilledintheotherman'splace，andinquirewhetherhehadanyrighttothefeelingsofaherowhenhewasonlyhiredintheplaceofone。Mightcallit'TheCareerofaDeputyHero。'"
　　"Ifancy，"saidMarch，"thattherewasagreatdealofmixedmotiveinthemenwhowentintothewaraswellasinthosewhokeptoutofit。
　　Wecanonizedallthatdiedorsufferedinit，butsomeofthemmusthavebeenself-seekingandlow-minded，likemeninothervocations。"HefoundhimselfsayingthisinDryfoos'sbehalf；theoldmanlookedathimgratefullyatfirst，hethought，andthensuspiciously。
　　Lindauturnedhisheadtowardhimandsaid:"Youarerighdt，Passil；youarerighdt。Ihafzeenonthefieldtofpattlethevoarsteggsipitionsofhumanpaseness——chelousy，fanity，ecodisticbridte。Ihafzeenmeninthefaceoffdeathitselfgoffernedbymotifesaslowas——aspusinessmotifes。"
　　"Well，"saidFulkerson，。"itwouldbeagrandthingfor'EveryOtherWeek'
　　ifwecouldgetsomeofthoseideasworkedupintoaseries。Itwouldmakealotoftalk。"
　　ColonelWoodburnignoredhiminsaying，"Ithink，MajorLindau——"
　　"Highbrifate；prefetgorporal，"theoldmaninterrupted，inrejectionofthetitle。
　　Hendrickslaughedandsaid，withaglanceofappreciationatLindau，"Brevetcorporalisgood。"
　　ColonelWoodburnfrownedalittle，andpassedoverthejoke。"IthinkMr。Lindauisright。Suchexhibitionswerecommontobothsides，thoughifyougentlemenwillpardonmeforsayingso，Ithinktheywerelessfrequentonours。Wewerefightingmoreimmediatelyforexistence。
　　Wewerefewerthanyouwere，andweknewit；wefeltmoreintenselythatifeachwerenotforall，thennonewasforany。"
　　Thecolonel'swordsmadetheirimpression。Dryfoossaid，withauthority，"Thatisso。"
　　"ColonelWoodburn，"Fulkersoncalledout，"ifyou'llworkupthoseideasintoashortpaper——say，threethousandwords——I'llengagetomakeMarchtakeit。"
　　Thecolonelwentonwithoutreplying:"ButMr。Lindauisrightincharacterizingsomeofthemotivesthatledmentothecannon'smouthasnohigherthanbusinessmotives，andhiscomparisonisthemostforciblethathecouldhaveused。Iwasverymuchstruckbyit。"
　　Thehobbywasout，thecolonelwasinthesaddlewithsofirmaseatthatnoeffortsufficedtodislodgehim。Thedinnerwentonfromcoursetocoursewithbarbaricprofusion，andfromtimetotimeFulkersontriedtobringthetalkbackto'EveryOtherWeek。'Butperhapsbecausethatwasonlytheostensibleandnottherealobjectofthedinner，whichwastobringanumberofmentogetherunderDryfoos'sroof，andmakethemthewitnessesofhissplendor，makethemfeelthepowerofhiswealth，Fulkerson'sattemptsfailed。Thecolonelshowedhowcommercialismwasthepoisonattheheartofournationallife；howwebeganasasimple，agriculturalpeople，whohadfledtotheseshoreswiththeinstinct，divinelyimplanted，ofbuildingastatesuchasthesunnevershoneuponbefore；howwehadconqueredthewildernessandthesavage；howwehadflungoff，inourstrugglewiththemother-country，thetrammelsoftraditionandprecedent，andhadsettleddown，afreenation，tothepracticeoftheartsofpeace；howthespiritofcommercialismhadstoleninsidiouslyuponus，andtheinfernalimpulseofcompetitionhadembroiledusinaperpetualwarfareofinterests，developingtheworstpassionsofournature，andteachingustotrickandbetrayanddestroyoneanotherinthestrifeformoney，tillnowthatimpulsehadexhausteditself，andwefoundcompetitiongoneandthewholeeconomicprobleminthehandsofmonopolies——theStandardOilCompany，theSugarTrust，theRubberTrust，andwhatnot。Andnowwhatwasthenextthing?Affairscouldnotremainastheywere；itwasimpossible；andwhatwasthenextthing?"
　　Thecompanylistenedforthemainpartsilently。Dryfoostriedtograsptheideaofcommercialismasthecolonelseemedtoholdit；heconceivedofitassomethinglikethedry-goodsbusinessonavastscale，andheknewhehadneverbeeninthat。Hedidnotliketohearcompetitioncalledinfernal；hehadalwayssupposeditwassomethingsacred；butheapprovedofwhatColonelWoodburnsaidoftheStandardOilCompany；itwasalltrue；theStandardOilhassqueezedDryfoosonce，andmadehimsellitalotofoil-wellsbyputtingdownthepriceofoilsolowinthatregionthathelostmoneyoneverybarrelhepumped。
　　Alltherestlistenedsilently，exceptLindau；ateverypointthecolonelmadeagainstthepresentconditionofthingshesaidmoreandmorefiercely，"Youarerighdt，youarerighdt。"Hiseyesglowed，hishandplayedwithhisknife-hilt。Whenthecoloneldemanded，"Andwhatisthenextthing?"hethrewhimselfforward，andrepeated:"Yes，sir!Whatisthenextthing?"
　　"Naturalgas，bythunder!"shoutedFulkerson。
　　OneofthewaitershadprofitedbyLindau'sposturetoleanoverhimandputdowninthemiddleofthetableastructureinwhitesugar。ItexpressedFrescobaldi'sconceptionofaderrick，andatouchofnaturehadbeenaddedintheflameofbrandy，whichburnedluridlyupfromasmallpitinthecentreofthebase，andrepresentedthegasincombustionasitissuedfromtheground。FulkersonburstintoaroaroflaughterwiththewordsthatrecognizedFrescobaldi'spersonaltributetoDryfoos。Everybodyroseandpeeredoveratthething，whileheexplainedtheworkofsinkingagas-well，ashehadalreadyexplainedittoFrescobaldi。Inthemidstofhislecturehecaughtsightofthecatererhimself，wherehestoodinthepantrydoorway，smilingwithanartist'sanxietyfortheeffectofhismasterpiece。
　　"Comein，comein，Frescobaldi!Wewanttocongratulateyou，"Fulkersoncalledtohim。"Here，gentlemen!Here'sFrescobaldi'shealth。"
　　Theyalldrank；andFrescobaldi，smilingbrilliantlyandrubbinghishandsashebowedrightandleft，permittedhimselftosaytoDryfoos:
　　"Youareplease；no?Youlike?"
　　"First-rate，first-rate!"saidtheoldman；butwhentheItalianhadbowedhimselfoutandhisguestshadsunkintotheirseatsagain，hesaiddrylytoFulkerson，"Ireckontheydidn'thavetotorpedothatwell，orthederrickwouldn'tlookquitesoniceandclean。"
　　"Yes，"Fulkersonanswered，"andthatain'tquitethestyle——thatlittlewiggly-wagglyblueflame——thatthegasactswhenyoutouchoffagoodveinofit。Thismightdoforweakgas"；andhewentontoexplain:
　　"Theycallitweakgaswhentheytapittwoorthreehundredfeetdown；
　　andanybodycansinkawellinhisbackyardandgetenoughgastolightandheathishouse。Irememberonefellowthathaditblazingupfromapipethroughaflower-bed，justlikeajetofwaterfromafountain。
　　My，my，my!Youfel——yougentlemen——oughttogooutandseethatcountry，allofyou。Wishwecouldtorpedothiswell，Mr。Dryfoos，andlet'emseehowitworks!Mindthatoneyoutorpedoedforme?Youknow，whentheysinkawell，"hewentontothecompany，"theycan'talwaysmostgenerallysometimestellwhetherthey'regoin'togetgasoroilorsaltwater。Why，whentheyfirstbegantoboreforsaltwateroutontheKanawha，backaboutthebeginningofthecentury，theyusedtogetgasnowandthen，andthentheyconsidereditafailure；theycalledagas-
　　wellablower，andgiveitupindisgust；thetimewasn'tripeforgasyet。Nowtheyboreawaysometimestilltheygethalf-waytoChina，anddon'tseemtostrikeanythingworthspeakingof。Thentheyputadynamitetorpedodowninthewellandexplodeit。TheyhavealittlebarofironthattheycallaGo-devil，andtheyjustdropitdownonthebusinessendofthetorpedo，andthenstandfromunder，ifyouplease!
　　Youhearanoise，andinabouthalfaminuteyoubegintoseeone，anditbeginstorainoilandmudandsaltwaterandrocksandpitchforksandadoptivecitizens；andwhenitclearsupthederrick'spainted——gotacoatonthat'llwearinanyclimate。That'swhatourhonoredhostmeant。Generallygetsomevisitinglady，whenthere'soneround，todroptheGo-devil。ButthatdaywehadtoputupwithConradhere。Theyofferedtoletmedropit，butIdeclined。Itold'emIhadn'tmuchpracticewithGo-devilsinthenewspapersyndicatebusiness，andIwasn'tverywellmyself，anyway。Astonishing，"Fulkersoncontinued，withtheairofrelievinghisexplanationbyananecdote，"howrecklesstheygetusingdynamitewhenthey'retorpedoingwells。Westoppedatoneplacewhereafellowwashandlingthecartridgesprettyfreely，andMr。Dryfooshappenedtocautionhimalittle，andthatasscameupwithoneof'eminhishand，andbegantopounditonthebuggy-wheeltoshowushowsafeitwas。Iturnedgreen，Iwassoscared；butMr。Dryfooskepthiscolor，andkindofcoaxedthefellowtillhequit。Youcouldseehewasthefoolkind，thatifyoutriedtostophimhe'dkeeponhammeringthatcartridge，justtoshowthatitwouldn'texplode，tillheblewyouintoKingdomCome。Whenwegothimtogoaway，Mr。Dryfoosdroveuptohisforeman。'PaySheneyoff，anddischargehimonthespot，'sayshe。
　　'He'stoosafeamantohaveround；heknowstoomuchaboutdynamite。'
　　Ineversawanybodysocool。"
　　DryfoosmodestlydroppedhisheadunderFulkerson'sflatteryand，withoutliftingit，turnedhiseyestowardColonelWoodburn。"Ihadallsortsofmentodealwithindevelopingmypropertyoutthere，butIhadverylittletroublewiththem，generallyspeaking。"
　　"Ah，ah!youfoundtthelaboring-manreasonable——dractable——tocile?"
　　Lindauputin。
　　"Yes，generallyspeaking，"Dryfoosanswered。"Theymostlyknewwhichsideoftheirbreadwasbuttered。Ididhaveonelittledifficultyatonetime。IthappenedtobewhenMr。Fulkersonwasoutthere。Someofthementriedtoformaunion——"
　　"No，no!"criedFulkerson。"Letmetellthat!Iknowyouwouldn'tdoyourselfjustice，Mr。Dryfoos，andIwant'emtoknowhowastrikecanbemanaged，ifyoutakeitintime。Yousee，someofthosefellowsgotanotionthatthereoughttobeaunionamongtheworking-mentokeepupwages，anddictatetotheemployers，andMr。Dryfoos'sforemanwastheringleaderinthebusiness。Theyunderstoodprettywellthatassoonashefounditoutthatforemanwouldwalktheplank，andsotheywatchedouttilltheythoughttheyhadMr。Dryfoosjustwheretheywantedhim——
　　everythingonthekeenjump，andeverymanworthhisweightindiamonds——andthentheycametohim，and——toldhimtosignapromisetokeepthatforemantotheendoftheseason，ortillhewasthroughwiththeworkontheDryfoosandHendryAddition，underpenaltyofhavingthemallknockoff。Mr。Dryfoossmelledamouse，buthecouldn'ttellwherethemousewas；hesawthattheydidhavehim，andhesigned，ofcourse。Therewasn'tanythingreallyagainstthefellow，anyway；hewasafirst-rateman，andhedidhisdutyeverytime；onlyhe'dgotsomeofthoseideasintohishead，andtheyturnedit。Mr。Dryfoossigned，andthenhelaidlow。"
　　MarchsawLindaulisteningwithamountingintensity，andheardhimmurmurinGerman，"Shameful!shameful!"
　　Fulkersonwenton:"Well，itwasn'tlongbeforetheybegantoshowtheirhand，butMr。Dryfooskeptdark。Heagreedtoeverything；thereneverwassuchanobligingcapitalistbefore；therewasn'tathingtheyaskedofhimthathedidn'tdo，withthegreatestofpleasure，andallwentmerryasamarriage-belltillonemorningawholegangoffreshmenmarchedintotheDryfoosandHendryAddition，undertheescortofadozenPinkertonswithrepeatingriflesathalf-cock，andaboutfiftyfellowsfoundthemselvesoutofajob。Youneversawsuchamadset。"
　　"Prettyneat，"saidKendricks，wholookedattheaffairpurelyfromanaestheticpointofview。"Suchacoupasthatwouldtelltremendouslyinaplay。"
　　"Thatwasviletreason，"saidLindauinGermantoMarch。"He'saninfamoustraitor!Icannotstayhere。Imustgo。"
　　Hestruggledtorise，whileMarchheldhimbythecoat，andimploredhimunderhisvoice:"ForHeaven'ssake，don't，Lindau!Youoweittoyourselfnottomakeascene，ifyoucomehere。"Somethinginitallaffectedhimcomically；hecouldnothelplaughing。
　　Theotherswerediscussingthematter，andseemednottohavenoticedLindau，whocontrolledhimselfandsighed:"Youareright。Imusthavepatience。"
　　BeatonwassayingtoDryfoos，"PityyourPinkertonscouldn'thavegiventhemafewshotsbeforetheyleft。"
　　"No，thatwasn'tnecessary，"saidDryfoos。"Isucceededinbreakinguptheunion。Ienteredintoanagreementwithotherpartiesnottoemployanymanwhowouldnotswearthathewasnon-union。Iftheyhadattemptedviolence，ofcoursetheycouldhavebeenshot。Buttherewasnofearofthat。Thosefellowscanalwaysbedependedupontocutoneanother'sthroatsinthelongrun。"
　　"Butsometimes，"saidColonelWoodburn，whohadbeenwatchingthroughout。
　　forachancetomounthishobbyagain，"theymakeagooddealoftroublefirst。Howwasitinthegreatrailroadstrikeof'77?"
　　"Well，Iguesstherewasalittletroublethattime，colonel，"saidFulkerson。"Butthementhatundertaketooverridethelawsandparalyzetheindustriesofacountrylikethisgenerallygetleftintheend。"
　　"Yes，sir，generally；anduptoacertainpoint，always。Butit'stheexceptionalthatisapttohappen，aswellastheunexpected。Andalittlereflectionwillconvinceanygentlemanherethatthereisalwaysadangeroftheexceptionalinyoursystem。Thefactis，thosefellowshavethegameintheirownhandsalready。AstrikeofthewholebodyoftheBrotherhoodofEngineersalonewouldstarveouttheentireAtlanticseaboardinaweek；laborinsurrectioncouldmakeheadatadozengivenpoints，andyourgovernmentcouldn'tmoveamanovertheroadswithoutthehelpoftheengineers。"
　　"Thatisso，"saidKendrick，struckbythedramaticcharacteroftheconjecture。Heimaginedafictiondealingwiththesituationassomethingalreadyaccomplished。
　　"Whydon'tsomefellowdotheBattleofDorkingactwiththatthing?"
　　saidFulkerson。"Itwouldbeacard。"
　　"ExactlywhatIwasthinking，Mr。Fulkerson，"saidKendricks。
　　Fulkersonlaughed。"Telepathy——clearcaseofmindtransference。BetterseeMarch，here，aboutit。I'dliketohaveitin'EveryOtherWeek。'
　　Itwouldmaketalk。"
　　"Perhapsitmightsetyourpeopletothinkingaswellastalking，"saidthecolonel。
　　"Well，sir，"saidDryfoos，settinghislipssotightlytogetherthathisimperialstuckstraightoutward，"ifIhadmyway，therewouldn'tbeanyBrotherhoodofEngineers，noranyotherkindoflaborunioninthewholecountry。"
　　"What!"shoutedLindau。"Youwouldsobbresstheunionssofthevoarking-
　　men?"
　　"Yes，Iwould。"
　　"Andwhatwouldyoudowiththeunionssofthegabidalists——thedrosts——
　　andgompines，andboolss?Wouldyoudaketherighdtfromoneandgifittotheodder?"
　　"Yes，sir，Iwould，"saidDryfoos，withawickedlookathim。
　　Lindauwasabouttoroarbackathimwithsomefuriousprotest，butMarchputhishandonhisshoulderimploringly，andLindauturnedtohimtosayinGerman:"Butitisinfamous——infamous!Whatkindofmanisthis?Whoishe?Hehastheheartofatyrant。"
　　ColonelWoodburncutin。"Youcouldn'tdothat，Mr。Dryfoos，underyoursystem。Andifyouattemptedit，withyourconspiracylaws，andthatkindofthing，itmightbringtheclimaxsoonerthanyouexpected。Yourcommercializedsocietyhasbuiltitshouseonthesands。Itwillhavetogo。ButIshouldbesorryifitwentbeforeitstime。"
　　"Youarerighdt，sir，"saidLindau。"Itwouldbeabity。Ihobeitwilllasttillitfeelssitsrottenness，likeHerodt。Boat，whenitshourgomes，whenittropetobieceswiththeveightoffitsowngorrubtion——
　　whatthen?"
　　"It'snottobesupposedthatasystemofthingslikethiscandroptopiecesofitsownaccord，liketheoldRepublicofVenice，"saidthecolonel。"Butwhenthelastvestigeofcommercialsocietyisgone，thenwecanbegintobuildanew；andweshallbuilduponthecentralidea，notofthefalselibertyyounowworship，butofresponsibility——
　　responsibility。Theenlightened，themoneyed，thecultivatedclassshallberesponsibletothecentralauthority——emperor，duke，president；thenamedoesnotmatter——forthenationalexpenseandthenationaldefence，anditshallberesponsibletotheworking-classesofallkindsforhomesandlandsandimplements，andtheopportunitytolaboratalltimes。
　　Theworking-classesshallberesponsibletotheleisureclassforthesupportofitsdignityinpeace，andshallbesubjecttoitscommandinwar。Therichshallwarrantthepooragainstplanlessproductionandtheruinthatnowfollows，againstdangerfromwithoutandfaminefromwithin，andthepoor——"
　　"No，no，no!"shoutedLindau。"TheStateshalldothat——thewholebeople。Themenwhovoarkshallhaveandshalleat；andthementhatwillnotvoark，theyshallsdarfe。Butnomanneedsdarfe。HewillgototheState，andtheStatewillseethathehafvoark，andthathehaffoodt。Alltheroadtsandmillsandminesandlandtsshallbethebeople'sandberonbythebeopleforthebeople。Thereshallbenorichandnoboor；andthereshallnotbewaranymore，forwhatbowerwouldtdaretoaddackabeopleboundtogederinabroderhoodlikethat?"
　　"Lionandlambact，"saidFulkerson，notwellknowing，aftersomuchchampagne，whatwordshewasusing。
　　Noonenoticedhim，andColonelWoodburnsaidcoldlytoLindau，"Youaretalkingpaternalism，sir。"
　　"Andyouaredalkingfeutalism!"retortedtheoldman。
　　Thecoloneldidnotreply。Asilenceensued，whichnoonebroketillFulkersonsaid:"Well，now，lookhere。Ifeitheroneofthesemillenniumswasbroughtabout，byforceofarms，orotherwise，whatwouldbecomeof'EveryOtherWeek'?WhowouldwantMarchforaneditor?HowwouldBeatonsellhispictures?WhowouldprintMr。Kendricks'slittlesocietyversesandshortstories?WhatwouldbecomeofConradandhisgoodworks?"ThosenamedgrinnedinsupportofFulkerson'sdiversion，butLindauandthecoloneldidnotspeak；Dryfooslookeddownathisplate，frowning。
　　Awaitercameroundwithcigars，andFulkersontookone。"Ah，"hesaid，ashebitofftheend，andleanedovertotheemblematicmasterpiece，wherethebrandywasstillfeeblyflickering，"Iwonderifthere'senoughnaturalgaslefttolightmycigar。"Hiseffortputtheflameoutandknockedthederrickover；itbrokeinfragmentsonthetable。Fulkersoncackledovertheruin:"IwonderifallMoffittwilllookthatwayafterlaborandcapitalhavefoughtitouttogether。Ihopethisain'tominousofanythingpersonal，Dryfoos?"
　　"I'lltaketheriskofit，"saidtheoldman，harshly。
　　Herosemechanically，andFulkersonsaidtoFrescobaldi'sman，"Youcanbringusthecoffeeinthelibrary。"
　　Thetalkdidnotrecoveritselfthere。Landauwouldnotsitdown；herefusedcoffee，anddismissedhimselfwithahaughtybowtothecompany；
　　ColonelWoodburnshookhandselaboratelyallround，whenhehadsmokedhiscigar；theothersfollowedhim。ItseemedtoMarchthathisowngood-nightfromDryfooswasdryandcold。
　　VII。
　　MarchmetFulkersononthestepsoftheofficenextmorning，whenhearrivedratherlaterthanhiswont。Fulkersondidnotshowanyofthesignsofsufferingfromthelastnight'spleasurewhichpaintedthemselvesinMarch'sface。Heflirtedhishandgaylyintheair，andsaid，"How'syourpoorhead?"andbrokeintoaknowinglaugh。
　　"Youdon'tseemtohavegotupwiththelarkthismorning。TheoldgentlemanisintherewithConrad，asbrightasabiscuit；he'sbeatyoudown。Well，wedidhaveagoodtime，didn'twe?AndoldLindauandthecolonel，didn'ttheyhaveagoodtime?Idon'tsupposetheyeverhadachancebeforetogivetheirtheoriesquitesomuchair。Oh，my!howtheydidrideoverus!I'mjustgoingdowntoseeBeatonaboutthecoveroftheChristmasnumber。Ithinkweoughttotryitinthreeorfourcolors，ifwearegoingtoobservethedayatall。"HewasoffbeforeMarchcouldpullhimselftogethertoaskwhatDryfooswantedattheofficeatthathourofthemorning；healwayscameintheafternoononhiswayup-town。
　　ThefactofhispresencerenewedthesinistermisgivingswithwhichMarchhadpartedfromhimthenightbefore，butFulkerson'scheerfulnessseemedtogainsaythem；afterwardMarchdidnotknowwhethertoattributethismoodtotheslipperinessthathewasawareofattimesinFulkerson，ortoacynicalamusementhemighthavefeltatleavinghimalonetotheoldman，whomountedtohisroomshortlyafterMarchhadreachedit。
　　Asortofdumbangershoweditselfinhisface；hisjawwassetsofirmlythathedidnotseemableatoncetoopenit。Heasked，withouttheceremoniesofgreeting，"Whatdoesthatone-armedDutchmandoonthisbook?"
　　"Whatdoeshedo?"Marchechoed，aspeopleareapttodowithaquestionthatismandatoryandoffensive。
　　"Yes，sir，whatdoeshedo?Doeshewriteforit?"
　　"IsupposeyoumeanLindau，"saidMarch。HesawnoreasonforrefusingtoanswerDryfoos'sdemand，andhedecidedtoignoreitsterms。"No，hedoesn'twriteforitintheusualway。Hetranslatesforit；
　　heexaminestheforeignmagazines，anddrawsmyattentiontoanythinghethinksofinterest。ButItoldyouaboutthisbefore——"
　　"Iknowwhatyoutoldme，wellenough。AndIknowwhatheis。Heisared-mouthedlaboragitator。He'soneofthoseforeignersthatcomeherefromplaceswherethey'veneverhadadecentmeal'svictualsintheirlives，andassoonastheygettheirstomachsfull，theybegintomaketroublebetweenourpeopleandtheirhands。There'swherethestrikescomefrom，andtheunionsandthesecretsocieties。TheycomehereandbreakourSabbath，andteachtheiratheism。Theyoughttobehung!
　　Let'emgobackiftheydon'tlikeitoverhere。Theywanttoruinthecountry。"
　　Marchcouldnothelpsmilingalittleatthewords，whichcamefastenoughnowinthehoarsestaccatoofDryfoos'spassion。"Idon'tknowwhomyoumeanbythey，generallyspeaking；butIhadtheimpressionthatpooroldLindauhadoncedonehisbesttosavethecountry。Idon'talwayslikehiswayoftalking，butIknowthatheisoneofthetruestandkindestsoulsintheworld；andheisnomoreanatheistthanIam。
　　Heismyfriend，andIcan'tallowhimtobemisunderstood。"
　　"Idon'tcarewhatheis，"Dryfoosbrokeout，"Iwon'thavehimround。
　　Hecan'thaveanymoreworkfromthisoffice。Iwantyoutostopit。
　　Iwantyoutoturnhimoff。"
　　Marchwasstandingathisdesk，ashehadrisentoreceiveDryfooswhenheentered。Henowsatdown，andbegantoopenhisletters。
　　"Doyouhear?"theoldmanroaredathim。"Iwantyoutoturnhimoff。"
　　"Excuseme，Mr。Dryfoos，"saidMarch，succeedinginanefforttospeakcalmly，"Idon'tknowyou，insuchamatterasthis。Myarrangementsaseditorof'EveryOtherWeek'weremadewithMr。Fulkerson。Ihavealwayslistenedtoanysuggestionhehashadtomake。"
　　"Idon'tcareforMr。Fulkerson?Hehasnothingtodowithit，"retortedDryfoos；butheseemedalittledauntedbyMarch'sposition。
　　"HehaseverythingtodowithitasfarasIamconcerned，"Marchanswered，withasteadinessthathedidnotfeel。"Iknowthatyouaretheowneroftheperiodical，butIcan'treceiveanysuggestionfromyou，forthereasonthatIhavegiven。NobodybutMr。Fulkersonhasanyrighttotalkwithmeaboutitsmanagement。"
　　Dryfoosglaredathimforamoment，anddemanded，threateningly:"Thenyousayyouwon'tturnthatoldloaferoff?YousaythatIhavegottokeeponpayingmymoneyouttobuybeerforamanthatwouldcutmythroatifhegotthechance?"
　　"Isaynothingatall，Mr。Dryfoos，"Marchanswered。Thebloodcameintohisface，andheadded:"ButIwillsaythatifyouspeakagainofMr。
　　Lindauinthoseterms，oneofusmustleavethisroom。Iwillnothearyou。"
　　Dryfooslookedathimwithastonishment；thenhestruckhishatdownonhishead，andstampedoutoftheroomanddownthestairs；andavaguepitycameintoMarch'sheartthatwasnotaltogetherforhimself。
　　Hemightbethegreatersuffererintheend，buthewassorrytohavegotthebetterofthatoldmanforthemoment；andhefeltashamedoftheangerintowhichDryfoos'sangerhadsurprisedhim。HeknewhecouldnotsaytoomuchindefenceofLindau'sgenerosityandunselfishness，andhehadnotattemptedtodefendhimasapoliticaleconomist。HecouldnothavetakenanygroundinrelationtoDryfoosbutthatwhichheheld，andhefeltsatisfiedthathewasrightinrefusingtoreceiveinstructionsorcommandsfromhim。Yetsomehowhewasnotsatisfiedwiththewholeaffair，andnotmerelybecausehispresenttriumphthreatenedhisfinaladvantage，butbecausehefeltthatinhisheathehadhardlydonejusticetoDryfoos'srightsinthematter；itdidnotquiteconsolehimtoreflectthatDryfooshadhimselfmadeitimpossible。Hewastemptedtogohomeandtellhiswifewhathadhappened，andbeginhispreparationsforthefutureatonce。Butheresistedthisweaknessandkeptmechanicallyabouthiswork，openingthelettersandthemanuscriptsbeforehimwiththatcuriousdoubleactionofthemindcommoninmenofvividimaginations。ItwasareliefwhenConradDryfoos，havingapparentlywaitedtomakesurethathisfatherwouldnotreturn，cameupfromthecounting-roomandlookedinonMarchwithatroubledface。
　　"Mr。March，"hebegan，"Ihopefatherhasn'tbeensayinganythingtoyouthatyoucan'toverlook。Iknowhewasverymuchexcited，andwhenheisexcitedheisapttosaythingsthatheissorryfor。"
　　TheapologeticattitudetakenforDryfoos，sodifferentfromanyattitudetheperemptoryoldmanwouldhaveconceivablytakenforhimself，madeMarchsmile。"Ohno。Ifancythebootisontheotherleg。IsuspectI'vesaidsomethingsyourfathercan'toverlook，Conrad。"HecalledtheyoungmanbyhisChristiannamepartlytodistinguishhimfromhisfather，partlyfromtheinfectionofFulkerson'shabit，andpartlyfromakindnessforhimthatseemednaturallytoexpressitselfinthatway。