CHAPTER IV.
Mrs. Jones Dictates Terms.
Several months have passed since the meeting recorded in our lastchapter. The enthusiasm of the three men (for Marsh was now a member ofthe company) increased as the days went by. A considerable amount ofcanvassing had been done among the moneyed men of the community, butwith no success. No one could be found who was willing to risk anyconsiderable amount of wealth in an enterprise whose outcome was soproblematical. Fame is all well enough, but there is very littlesentiment about capital.
After many consultations by the three, it was agreed that nothingfurther could be done at home, and the next move would be a trip toWashington. The idea of building a model was abandoned, as the beautifuldrawings and paintings of the architect completely obviated itsnecessity.
The Doctor had said but little to Mrs. Jones upon the subject that laynearest his heart since the time recorded in our last chapter. Though hewent about his professional duties as usual, yet that astute little ladythoroughly understood that he was far from laying aside this greatambition of his life. And she also realized that a crisis wasapproaching when quick, sharp work must be done, and she had determinedwhat she should do.
The Doctor, meantime, furtively watched day by day the lovely face ofhis wife. But he might as well have spent the same time studying theface of the Sphynx. He could not decide whether she was acting a partmost beautifully, or had dropped the matter as settled. It cost her agreat struggle to keep from smiling as she looked into his troubledeyes, and at times would be obliged to put her handkerchief to her mouthto keep back the smiles that dimpled about its corners. She knew thatthe crisis was at hand, and so persevered in her part; and, better thanall, she knew that she should come off victor.
All things were ripe for the assault upon the Government board ofscience.
"Meet at my house to-night, gentlemen," said the Doctor. "Myarrangements are all made, and I could start to-morrow morning if mywife would consent. I feel more concerned about getting her acquiescencethan I do about getting the Government interested. I really fear thatshe is like Sambo's mule: 'When he so quiet an' still like, yo' lookout! He templatin' trouble den, shuah!' There's something up, and I musthave it out with her to-night; and I want you to stand in and say allyou can to help me out. We must convince her that there is not nearly somuch danger in our globe as there is aboard a train of cars or asteamship."
So that evening in the dining-room, and upon the same table, Marshspread the drawings and specifications that represented the smallestdetail connected with the construction of the globe. Mrs. Jones enteredinto the conversation, made suggestions as to the furnishing of food,bedding, furniture, etc., until the three men winked and grinned slylyat one another, delighted to see the interest she displayed.
"Now, Maggie, I am sure that you cannot see any element of danger inthis trip," said the Doctor, fixing his eyes upon her very anxiously. Tohis surprise and delight she unhesitatingly said:
"No, I do not see why it should be at all dangerous."
"That's my brave little wife!" shouted Dr. Jones, catching her in hisarms and kissing her upon both cheeks. "What an old lunkhead I have beenall this time! Why, Maggie, do you know that I have been terriblyworried lest you should prove foolish and obstinate and would do all youcould to prevent my going?"
"I knew it all the time," she replied.
"Just listen to the demure little sinner! Knew that I was worrying allthis time and never let me see that she understood me at all! What alittle hypocrite you are! But I forgive you, since you are soreasonable."
"But my dear hubby, do not jump at conclusions. There is a conditionconnected with my consent."
"And it is granted now, my dear. What is it?"
"Oh, it is a real easy one!"
"I am sure of that, dear Maggie, for you are the most reasonable womanalive. Isn't she, gentlemen?"
Of course the conspirators loudly assented.
"That is very nice of you, gentlemen," said she, bowing gracefully tothem, "but I know about how much allowance to make for 'soft soap' inthis case."
"But what is the condition, Maggie?" asked Dr. Jones.
"I go with you."
"To Washington? Certainly you shall, honey."
"I go with you in the globe, to the North Pole, or any other place thewind may blow us."
"You--what!"
"I have said it."
The Doctor dropped into a chair with a groan. "I knew it! I knew shemeant mischief all the time."
"But my dear woman," cried he, jumping from his chair again, "don't yousee the utter impossibility of your going on so hard and perilous avoyage? You could never endure it in the world."
"Hardships and perils, indeed!" said she mischievously. "Haven't yousaid over and over in my presence that this was simply a beautifulpicnic trip and perfectly safe?"
"Well--er--er," stammered the Doctor, "but, Maggie, it would be no placefor a woman, you know."
"I beg your pardon, sir, but I do not know anything of the kind. Do yousuppose that I have sat here all these months listening to you men talkof this scheme without becoming a convert to your theories? No, Doctor,I am as enthusiastic as any of you in this matter. The North Pole feveris like the measles, very contagious, and I have a severe attack of it.Now you have all agreed that I am the most reasonable woman living, andyou cannot accuse me of being unreasonable simply because I wish to gowith you on this safe, comfortable and perfectly beautiful picnicexcursion."
This turn of affairs was so complete a surprise to the three men thatthey sat silent with consternation for a few moments.
"Come to think of it, gentlemen, I am pleased for one that Mrs. Joneswishes to accompany us. Why should she not?" said Marsh.
Mrs. Jones beamed upon him so warmly that he blushed to his ears.
"One vote for me," she gayly exclaimed. "Now, Mr. Denison, on the scoreof old friendship, I claim your franchise."
"And you have it, my dear madam," cried Denison. "Yours for the NorthPole, Mrs. Jones."
She gave a hand to each of her coadjutors, and turning to Dr. Jones,said: "Don't you see what a splendid lobbyist I am, Doctor? You willneed me when you get to Washington."
The Doctor's face was a study. At length he said: "Woman is the mostunaccountable creature in the universe. I expected to-night to have madethe plea of my life, and I declare for it, if she hasn't turned thetables completely upon me, and actually stands there imploring to gowith us, instead of going into hysterics and making no end ofopposition. Well, honey," putting his arm about her waist, "I took youfor better or worse, but I did not expect to take you to the North Pole.I yield to the inevitable, gentlemen. Allow me to introduce you to No.4, North Pole Aluminum Globe Co."
Doctor Jones' Picnic Page 6
