Page:The council of seven.djvu/245



When, at a quarter to three, the Mayor left the Club, he linked his arm in that of Alderman Murrell, whose famous shop stood cheek by jowl with the City Hall at the other side of Market Square. As they came slowly down the steps, both gentlemen had a sense not merely of having lunched, but also of having done ample justice to the affairs of the nation. But amid the press of sharp realities into which they slowly projected themselves, they were soon aware that the affairs of the nation were still in the foreground of the picture. Above Market Square a monstrous air-ship still hovered, on whose Gargantuan belly the magic letters U. P. were clearly visible. And at that moment, dashing across the great Square itself, was a familiar mustard-colored contraption, with the legend "First with the News as Usual" flaring above it. The news was heralded by a large placard hung at the tail of the machine. "Aunt Mittie to address Charwoman's Conference" was its cryptic nature.

To the initiate, however, the "news" was not without significance. And Sir Munt and the worthy Alderman