In this state of things the six councilmen had thrown their burdens of decision to Stitz.

They cast the whole burden on him, saying, "Ask Stitz.

He's mayor.

What he says, we'll do." And Stitz never would say.
As the Colonel entered the mayor's shoe shop Stitz was reading a magazine, which he laid beside him on the car seat while he listened to the Colonel.

A pile of similar magazines lay beside him on the seat.
They were the missionary offerings of Doc Weaver, who was interested in whatever was latest in religion, government or popular science.