THE LAW OF HEMLOCK MOUNTAIN 307
time of her whelps." They recognized the faith that
had commissioned her to speak as trustee, and to act
with carte-blanche powers.
  Harrison and his subordinates were not susceptible
men, easily swayed by a dramatic circumstance, so
they cross-examined and heckled her with shrewd and
tripping inquiries, until she reminded them that she
had not come as a supplicant, but to lay before them
terms, which they would, at their peril, decline to ac-
cept.
  The realization was strong in them that she had
spoken only the truth when she declared that she held
the key. When they were convinced that she realized,
in full, the strength of her position, they had no wish
to antagonize longer.
  The group of financiers drew apart, but after a brief
consultation Harrison came forward and offered his
hand.
  "Mrs. Spurrier," he announced crisply, "we have
gone too far to draw back. After all, I think you
come rather as a rescue party than an attacker. Spur-
rier, you have married a damned brilliant woman."
  Glory accepted the extended hand of peace, and
Harrison, with a jerk of his head to the door, led
his followers out, leaving them alone again.
  Then Glory held out her arms, and into the bright
depths of her eyes flashed the old bewitching merri-
ment.
  "Thar's a lavish of things I needs ter know, Jack,"
she said. "You've got to l'arn 'em all ter me."
  "I come now, not as teacher but as pupil, dear
heart," he declared, "and I come hurabl-i."