He shouted, "_Some_ night-blooming cereus, I'll tell
the world!"
The great doors swung open slowly. They remained open.
Now curiosity replaced astonishment and held the rioters in their tracks;
their mouths were wide, the voices mute.
The mayor of Marion walked into view.
The columns of the _porte-coch?re_ were supported on a broad base, and he
climbed up and was elevated in the radiance high above their heads.
He smiled hospitably. "Boys, it's open house, and the house is yours. Hope
you like its looks! But what's the big idea of the surprise party?"
No one took it on himself to reply. He waited tolerantly.
"Well, out with it!" he suggested.
Somebody with a raucous voice ventured. "You probably know what they've
been trying to hide away from the people inside there. Suppose you do the
talking."
"I'm not here to make a speech."
"Well, answer a question, then!" This was a shrill voice. "What about
those soldiers and those machine-guns in there?"
"Not a word!"
With yells, oaths, and catcalls the crowd offered comment on that
declaration.
His demeanor as a statue of patience was more effective than remonstrance
in quieting them.
"Any other gentlemen wish to offer more remarks? Get it all out of you!"
He utilized the hush.
Pages:
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286