Rand's progress, here as there, brought a change.

The loud talking fell, the whisperers turned, the silent found their voices, and there arose a humming note of recognition and tribute.

Rand had carried the Albemarle Resolutions, and that with a high hand.

He moved through the crowd, acknowledging with a bend of his head this or that man's salute, frankly smiling upon good friends, and finely unconscious of all enemies, until at the head of the broad steps he came upon Adam Gaudylock seated with his gun beside him, smoking reflectively in the face of the Albemarle Resolutions and the general excitement.

At Rand's glance he rose, took up the gun, and slid the pipe into his beaded pouch.