Then he read the three telegrams Harkless had given him. They were all
from Plattville:

"Sorry cannot oblige. Present incumbent tenacious. Unconditionally refuses
surrender. Delicate matter. No hope for K. H. But don't worry. Everything
all right.

"WARREN SMITH."


"Harkless, if you have the strength to walk, come down before the
convention. Get here by 10.47. Looks bad. Come if it kills you.

"K. H."

"You entrusted me with sole responsibility for all matters pertaining to
'Herald.' Declared yourself mere spectator. Does this permit your
interfering with my policy for the paper? Decline to consider any
proposition to relieve me of my duties without proper warning and
allowance of time.

"H. FISBEE."




CHAPTER XIX

THE GREAT HARKLESS COMES HOME