He went up to the committee-room and became absorbed in the business of the meeting.

His fellow committee-men said afterwards that they never remembered the Mayor being in such fettle for business.

He explained his objections to the scheme they Were considering; he pointed out this and urged that--finally, he said that he was so little satisfied with the project that he would go and see the Mayor of the sister town that very evening, and discuss the matter with him to the last detail.
Mallalieu stepped out of the committee-room to find the superintendent awaiting him in the corridor.

The superintendent was pale and trembling, and his eyes met Mallalieu's with a strange, deprecating expression.
Before he could speak, two strangers emerged from a doorway and came close up.

And a sudden sickening sense of danger came over Mallalieu, and his tongue failed him.
"Mr.Mayor!" faltered the superintendent.