"
The chairman glanced at him curiously, scenting something like duplicity
under this bitter frankness. He was not used to seeing men throw aside
such advantages as this young man had gained.
The three entered the hotel through the side door, and at the General's
request the chairman accompanied him and his young lieutenant to their
headquarters. It was near the luncheon hour, and Presson had suggested
that he conduct them to Mrs. Presson.
A party of men had taken possession of the General's suite. They rose
when he entered. They paid no attention to Harlan, but surveyed Chairman
Presson with disfavor that was very noticeable.
Several of the men were clergymen, advertised as such by their white
ties and frock-coats. Those who attended them had the unmistakable air
of zealots. Their demeanor showed that they had come on business that
they considered serious.
General Waymouth knew them. He addressed one or two by name, and was
gracious in his greeting of the others.
"We wait on you," began their spokesman, one of the ministers, "as a
committee from the United Temperance Societies.
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