(who was supporting him from behind) he said: "Their generosity is
wonderful. I shall try to be worthy of their confidence. I hope I
may have strength to put into practice the frustrated desires of
these noble people."

The result of the polling was to be announced by a searchlight
from the City Hall. A white beam sweeping eastward would mean the
election of Purplevein. A white beam sweeping westward would mean
the triumph of Miss Absinthe. A steady red beam cast upward toward
the zenith would indicate the victory of Bleak.

At ten o'clock that night a scream of cheers burst from millions
of people packed along the city streets. A clear, glowing shaft of
red light leaped upward into the sky. Dunraven Bleak had been
elected Perpetual Souse.

Purplevein, who was rather a decent sort, hastened to Bleak's
hotel to offer his congratulations. Bleak, who was sitting quietly
with Mrs. Bleak, Quimbleton and Theodolinda, greeted him calmly.
Poor Purplevein was very much broken up, and Quimbleton and
Theodolinda, in the goodness of their hearts, arranged a quiet
little seance for his benefit. They all sat their drinking psychic
Three-Star in honor of the event. As Quimbleton said, helping
Purplevein back to his motor--"Hitch your flagon to a Star."





CHAPTER X