I'll show you how practical
politics can settle a rumpus, after a visionary has tumbled down on his
job!"
XII
RIFLES RULE IN THE PEOPLE'S HOUSE
At eleven o'clock Adj.-Gen. Amos Totten set up the cinch of his sword-belt
by a couple of holes and began another tour of inspection of the State
House. He considered that the parlous situation in state affairs demanded
full dress. During the evening he had been going on his rounds at
half-hour intervals. On each trip he had been much pleased by the strict,
martial discipline and alertness displayed by his guardsmen. The alertness
was especially noticeable; every soldier was tautly at 'tention when the
boss warrior hove in sight. General Totten was portly and came down hard
on his heels with an elderly man's slumping gait, and his sword clattered
loudly and his movements were as well advertised as those of a belled cat
in a country kitchen.
In the interims, between the tours of General Totten, Captain Danny
Sweetsir did his best to keep his company up to duty pitch. But he was
obliged to admit to himself that the boys were not taking the thing as
seriously as soldiers should.
Squads were scattered all over the lower part of the great building,
guarding the various entrances.
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