"I confess I don't understand McNish.

At least," he added, "I am sorry for McNish.

But what do you say to my scheme, Dad ?" "Well, boy," said his father, beginning to laugh again, "give me a night to think it over." Then Jack departed, not quite sure of himself or of the plan which appeared to give his father such intense amusement.

"At any rate," he said to himself as he walked out of the office, "if it is a joke it is a good one.

And it has given the governor a better laugh than he has had for five years." The Mayor of Blackwater was peculiarly sensitive to public opinion and acutely susceptible of public approval.