The discussion, which had evidently been lively, died down soon after I appeared at the door, and Bill Hahn came out to me and we sat down together in the adjoining room.

Here I broke eagerly into an account of the happenings of the day, described my chance meeting with Mr.Vedder--who was well known to Bill by reputation--and finally asked him squarely whether he would meet him.

I think my enthusiasm quite carried him away.
"Sure, I will," said Bill Hahn heartily.
"When and where ?" I asked, "and will any of the other men join you ?" Bill was all enthusiasm at once, for that was the essence of his temperament, but he said that he must first refer it to the committee.
I waited, in a tense state of impatience, for what seemed to me a very long time; but finally the door opened and Bill Hahn came out bringing R---- D---- himself with him.

We all sat down together, and R---- D---- began to ask questions (he was evidently suspicious as to who and what I was); but I think, after I talked with them for some time that I made them see the possibilities and the importance of such a meeting.

I was greatly impressed with R---- D----, the calmness and steadiness of the man, his evident shrewdness.