"If we do not give our new manager, whoever he may be, a free hand, and if he should fail, how shall we know whether the fault is his or--yours ?" At the direct "yours" Scarborough thought Whitney winced; but his reply was bland and frank enough.

He turned to Dr.Hargrave.

"The senator is right," said he.

"I shall vote with him." "Then it is settled," said Scarborough.

"Ranger is to have absolute charge." Dr.Hargrave was now showing every sign of his great age; the anguish of imminent despair was in his deep-set eyes and in his broken, trembling voice as he cried: "Gentlemen, this is madness! Charles, I implore you, do not take such precipitate action in so vital a matter! Let us talk it over--think it over.