THE RAMRODDERS

 BY HOLMAN DAY

 AUTHOR OF KING SPRUCE, ETC. 

 1910

CONTENTS

CHAP. 

 I. THE BAITING OF THE ANCIENT LION

 II. THE LINE-UP OF THE FIGHT

 III. DENNIS KAVANAGH'S GIRL

 IV. THE DUKE AT BAY

 V. A CAUCUS, AS IT WAS PLANNED

 VI. A CAUCUS, AND HOW IT WAS RUN

 VII. WITH THE KAVANAGH AT HOME

 VIII. THE MANTLE OF THELISMER THORNTON

 IX. IN THE CENTRE OF THE BIG STATE WEB

 X. A POLITICAL CONVERT

 XI. A MAN FROM THE SHADOWS

 XII. DEALS AND IDEALS

 XIII. THE DUKE'S DOUBLE CAMPAIGN

 XIV. THE BEES AND THE WOULD-BES

 XV. SITTING IN FOR THE DEAL

 XVI. THE HANDS ARE DEALT

 XVII. THE ODD TRICK

 XVIII. THE SHEPHERD AND THE SHEEP

 XIX. THE RAMRODDERS RAMPANT

 XX. A GIRL'S HEART

 XXI. STARTING A MULE TEAM

 XXII. FROM THE MOUTH OF A MAID

 XXIII. A TRUCE

 XXIV. A GOVERNOR AND A MAID

 XXV. WOMEN, AND ONE WOMAN

 XXVI. THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAID

 XXVII. THE EVERLASTING PROBLEM

 XXVIII. ONE PROBLEM SOLVED

THE RAMRODDERS

CHAPTER I

THE BAITING OF THE ANCIENT LION

War and Peace had swapped corners that morning in the village of FortCanibas. War was muttering at the end where two meeting-houses placidlyfaced each other across the street. Peace brooded over the ancientblockhouse, relic of the "Bloodless War, " and upon the structure thatThelismer Thornton had converted from officers' barracks to his own usesas a dwelling. 

At dawn a telegraph messenger jangled the bell in the dim hall of "TheBarracks. " It was an urgent cry from the chairman of the RepublicanState Committee. It announced his coming, and warned the autocrat of theNorth Country of the plot. The chairman knew. The plotters had beenbetrayed to him, and from his distance he enjoyed a perspective which ishelpful in making political estimates. But Thelismer Thornton onlychuckled over Luke Presson's fears. He went back to bed for another nap. 

When he came down and ate breakfast alone in the big mess-room, which hehad not allowed the carpenters to narrow by an inch, he was still amusedby the chairman's panic. As a politician older than any of them, a manwho had served his district fifty years in the legislature, he refusedto believe--intrenched there in his fortress in the north--that therewas danger abroad in the State. 

"Reformers, eh?" He sneered the word aloud in the big room of echoes. "Well, I can show them one up here. There's Ivus Niles!"

And at that moment Ivus Niles was marching into the village from the JoQuacca hills, torch for the tinder that had been prepared. It is saidthat a cow kicked over a lantern that started the conflagration of itsgeneration. In times when political tinder is dry there have been greatmen who have underestimated reform torches. 

It was a bland June morning. The Hon. Thelismer Thornton was bland, too, in agreement with the weather. A good politician always agrees with whatcannot be helped. 

He stood in the door of "The Barracks" and gazed out upon the rollingSt. John hills--a lofty, ponderous hulk of a man, thatched with whitehair, his big, round face cherubic still in spite of its wrinkles. Helighted a cigar, and gazed up into the cloudless sky with the mentalendorsement that it was good caucus weather. Then he trudged out acrossthe grass-plot and climbed into his favorite seat. It was an arm-chairset high in the tangle of the roots of an overturned spruce-tree. Thepoliticians of the county called that seat "The Throne, " and for aquarter of a century the Hon. Thelismer Thornton had been nicknamed "TheDuke of Fort Canibas. " Add that the nicknames were not ill bestowed. Such was the Hon. Thelismer Thornton. 

He had brought newspapers in his pockets. He set his eyeglasses on hisbulging nose, and began to read. 

In the highway below him teams went jogging into the village. Therewere fuzzy Canadian horses pulling buckboards sagging under the weightof all the men who could cling on. There were top carriages and even ahayrack well loaded with men. 

Occasionally the old man lifted his gaze from his reading and eyed thedusty wayfarers benignantly. He liked to know that the boys were turningout to the caucus. His perch was a lofty one. He could see that the onelong street of Fort Canibas was well gridironed with teams--horsesmunching at hitching-posts, wagons thrusting their tails into theroadway. 

It was quiet at Thornton's end of the village. There was merely twitterof birds in the silver poplar that shaded his seat, busy chatter ofswallows, who were plastering up their mud nests under the eaves of theold blockhouse across the road from him. It was so quiet that he couldhear a tumult at the other end of the village; it _was_ a tumult forcalm Fort Canibas. A raucous voice bellowed oratory of some sort, andyells and laughter and cheers punctuated the speech. Thornton knew thevoice, even at that distance, for the voice of "War Eagle" Niles. Hegrinned, reading his paper. The sound of that voice salted the articlethat he was skimming:

"--and the fight is beginning early this year. The reform leaders saythey find the sentiment of the people to be with them, and so thereformers propose to do their effective work at the caucuses instead ofwaiting to lock horns with a legislature and lobby controlled by the oldpoliticians of the State. There is a contest on even in that impregnablefortress of the old regime, the 'Duchy of Canibas. ' It is said that thewhole strength of the State reform movement is quietly behind the attemptto destroy Thelismer Thornton's control in the north country. His is oneof the earliest caucuses, and the moral effect of the defeat of thatancient autocrat will be incalculable. "

Still more broadly did Thornton smile. "War Eagle" Niles, down there, was a reformer. For forty years he had been bellowing against despotsand existing order, and, for the Duke of Fort Canibas, he typified"Reform!" Visionary, windy, snarling, impracticable attempts to smashthe machine!

Therefore, in his serene confidence--the confidence of an old man whohas founded and knows the solidity of the foundations--ThelismerThornton smoked peacefully at one end of the village of Fort Canibas, and allowed rebellion to roar at its pleasure in the other end. 

Then he saw them coming, heard the growing murmur of many voices, thecackle of occasional laughter, and took especial note of "War Eagle"Ivus Niles, who led the parade. A fuzzy and ancient silk hat topped hishead, a rusty frock-coat flapped about his legs, and he tugged along atthe end of a cord a dirty buck sheep. A big crowd followed; but whenthey shuffled into the yard of "The Barracks" most of the men weregrinning, as though they had come merely to look on at a show. The oldman in his aureole of roots gazed at them with composure, and noted nohostility. 

Niles and his buck sheep stood forth alone. The others were grouped in ahalf circle. Even upon the "War Eagle, " Thornton gazed tolerantly. Therewas the glint of fun in his eyes when Niles formally removed his silkhat, balanced it, crown up, in the hook of his elbow, and prepared todeliver his message. 

"The dynasty of the house of Thornton must end to-day!" boomed Niles, inhis best orotund. 

Thornton found eyes in the crowd that blinked appreciation. Quizzicalwrinkles deepened in his broad face. He plucked a cigar from hiswaistcoat-pocket and held it down toward Mr. Niles. 

"No, sir!" roared that irreconcilable. "I ain't holding out my porringerto Power--never again!"

"Power, " repulsed, lighted the cigar from the one he was smoking, andsnapped the butt at the sheep. 

"I'm a lover of good oratory, Ivus, " he said, placidly, "and I knowyou've come here loaded. Fire!" He clasped his upcocked knee with hisbig hands, fingers interlaced, and leaned back. 

The crowd exchanged elbow-thrusts and winks. But the ripple of laughterbehind did not take the edge off Mr. Niles's earnestness. 

"Honorable Thornton, I do not mind your sneers and slurs. When I see myduty I go for it. I'm here before you to-day as Protest walking erect, man-fashion, on two legs, and with a visible emblem that talks plainerthan words can talk. The people need visible emblems to remind them. Like I'm leading this sheep, so you have been leading the voters of thislegislative district. The ring has been in here"--Mr. Niles savagelypinched the cartilage of his nose--"and you have held the end of thecord. That's the way you've been led, you people!" The orator whirledand included his concourse of listeners as objects of arraignment. "Here's the picture of you as voters right before your eyes. Do youpropose to be sheep any longer?" He put his hat on his head, and shook ahairy fist at the Duke of Fort Canibas. "This ain't a dynasty, and youcan't make it into one. I call on you to take note of the signs and actaccordingly; for the people are awake and arming for the fray. And whenthe people are once awake they can't any more be bamboozled by apolitical despot than the war eagle, screaming across the blue dome ofthe everlasting heavens, will turn tail when he hears the twittering ofa pewee!" Mr. Niles closed, as he always closed a speech, with themetaphor that had given him his sobriquet. 

"That is real oratory, Ivus, " stated Mr. Thornton, serenely; "I know itis, because a man who is listening to real oratory never understandswhat the orator is driving at. "

The Hon. Thelismer Thornton usually spoke with a slow, dry, half-quizzical drawl. That drawl was effective now. He came down fromhis chair, carefully stepping on the roots, and loomed above Mr. Niles, amiable, tolerant, serene. His wrinkled crash suit, in whose ample foldshis mighty frame bulked, contrasted oddly with the dusty, rusty black inwhich Mr. Niles defied the heat of the summer day. 

"Now I am down where I can talk business, Ivus. What's the matter withyou?"

"Look into the depths of your own soul, if you've got the moral eyesightto look through mud, " declaimed Mr. Niles, refusing to descend frompolemics to plain business, "and you'll see what is the matter. You havemade yourself the voice by which this district has spoken in the hallsof state for fifty years, and that voice is not the voice of thepeople!" He stood on tiptoe and roared the charge. 

"It is certainly not your voice that I take down to the State House withme, " broke in their representative. "Freight charges on it would morethan eat up my mileage allowance. Now let's call off this bass-drum solobusiness. Pull down your kite. To business!" He snapped his fingersunder Mr. Niles's nose. 

One of those in the throng who had not smiled stepped forth and spokebefore the disconcerted "War Eagle" had recovered his voice. 

"Since I am no orator, perhaps I can talk business to you, Representative Thornton. " He was a grave, repressed, earnest man, whosesunburned face, bowed shoulders, work-stained hands, and general airproclaimed the farmer. "We've come here on a matter of business, sir. "

"Led by a buck sheep and a human windmill, eh?"

"Mr. Niles's notions of tactics are his own. I'm sorry to see him handlethis thing as he has. It was coming up in the caucus this afternoon inthe right way. " Thornton was listening with interest, and the man wenton with the boldness the humble often display after long and earnestpondering has made duty plain. "When I saw Niles pass through the streetand the crowd following, I was afraid that a matter that's very seriousto some of us would be turned into horseplay, and so I came along, too. But I am not led by a buck sheep, Mr. Thornton, nor are those whobelieve with me. "

"Believe what?"

"That, after fifty years of honors at our hands, you should be willingto step aside. "

The Hon. Thelismer Thornton dragged up his huge figure into thestiffness of resentment. He ran searching eyes over the faces beforehim. All were grave now, for the sounding of the first note of revolt ina half century makes for gravity. The Duke of Fort Canibas could notdistinguish adherents from foes at that moment, when all faces weremasked with deep attention. His eyes came back to the stubbornspokesman. 

"Walt Davis, " he said, "your grandfather put my name before the caucusthat nominated me for the legislature fifty years ago, and your fatherand you have voted for me ever since. You and every other voter in thisdistrict know that I do not intend to run again. I have announced it. What do you mean, then, by coming here in this fashion?"

"You have given out that you are going to make your grandson our nextrepresentative. "

"And this ain't a dynasty!" roared Mr. Niles. 

"Is there anything the matter with my grandson?" But Davis did notretreat before the bent brows of the district god. 

"The trouble with him is, that he's your grandson. "

"And what fault do you find with me after all these years?" There waswrathful wonderment in the tone. 

"If you're going to retire from office, " returned Mr. Davis, doggedly, "there's no need of raking the thing over to make trouble and hardfeelings. I've voted for you, like my folks did before me. You'rewelcome to all those votes, Representative Thornton, but neither you noryour grandson is going to get any more. And as I say, so say many othersin this district. "

"No crowned heads, no rings in the noses of the people, " declared Niles, yanking the cord and producing a bleat of fury from his emblematiccaptive. 

"I don't stand for Niles and his monkey business, " protested Davis. "I'mon a different platform. All is, we propose to be represented from nowon; not _mis_-represented!"

Something like stupefaction succeeded the anger in the countenance ofthe Duke of Fort Canibas. Again he made careful scrutiny of the faces ofhis constituents. Then he turned his back on them and climbed up thetwisted roots to his chair, sat down, faced them, caught his breath, andejaculated, "Well, I'll be eternally d----d!"

He studied their faces for some time. But he was too good a politicianto put much value on those human documents upraised to him. There weregrins, subtle or humorous. There were a few scowls. One or two, tittering while they did it, urged the "War Eagle" on to fresh tirade. It was a mob that hardly knew its own mind, that was plain. But revoltwas there. He felt it. It was one of those queer rebellions, startingwith a joke for an excuse, but ready to settle into something serious. It was not so much hostility that he saw at that moment as somethingmore dangerous--lack of respect. 

"Look here, boys, I've been hearing that some of those cheap suckersfrom down State have been sneaking around this district. But I've neverinsulted you by believing you took any stock in that kind of cattle. We're neighbors here together. What's the matter with me? Out with yourreal grouch!"

"Look at this emblem I've brought, " began Niles, oracularly, butThornton was no longer in the mood that humored cranks. He jumped down, yanked the cord away from Niles, kicked the sheep and sent it scamperingoff with frightened bleats. 

"If you fellows want an emblem, there's one, " declared their indignantleader. "I'm all right for a joke--but the joke has got to stop when ithas gone far enough. "

He had sobered them. His disgusted glance swept their faces, and grinswere gone. He went among them. 

"Get around me, boys, " he invited. "This isn't any stump speech. I'mgoing to talk business. "

They did crowd around him, most of them, but Mr. Niles was stillintractable. "You're right, it was your emblem just now! It has alwaysbeen a kick from you and the rest of the high and mighty ones when youdidn't want our wool. "

"You're an infernal old liar and meddler, torched on by some one else!"retorted the Duke. "Now, boys, I see into this thing better than you do. Any time when I haven't used my district right, when I've betrayed you, or my word of advice isn't worth anything, I'll step out--and it won'tneed any bee of this kind to come around and serve notice on me. But Iunderstand just what this shivaree means. Sneaks have come in here andlied behind my back and fooled some of you. Fools need to be saved fromthemselves. There are men in this State who would peel to theirpolitical shirts if they could lick Thelismer Thornton in his owndistrict just now when the legislative caucuses are beginning. But Iwon't let you be fooled that way!"

"The name of 'Duke' fits you all right, " piped Niles from a safedistance. "This is a dynasty and I've said it was, and now you'reshowing the cloven foot!"

Thornton disdained to reply. He continued to walk about among them. "They're trying to work you, boys, " he went on. "I heard they wereconniving to do business in this district, but I haven't insulted you bypaying any attention to rumors. I want you to go down to that caucusthis afternoon and vote for Harlan. You all know him. I'm an old man, and I want to see him started right before I get done. You all know whatthe Thorntons have done for you--and what they can do. I don't proposeto see you swap horses while you're crossing the river. "

But they did not rally in the good old way. There was something thematter with them. Those who dared to meet his gaze scowled. Those wholooked away from him kept their eyes averted as though they were afraidto show their new faith. They had dared to march up to him behind Nilesand his buck sheep, masking revolt under their grins. But Thorntonrealized that whoever had infected them had used the poison well. Theyhad come to laugh; they remained to sulk. And they who had baited himwith the unspeakable Niles understood their business when dealing withsuch an old lion as he. 

"You need a guardian, you fellows, " he said, contemptuously. "Yourmutton marshal just fits you. But I'm going to keep you from buying thegold brick in politics you're reaching for now. "

"Wouldn't it be a good idea, Squire Thornton, to let us run our ownbusiness awhile? You've done it for fifty years. " It was still anotherof the rebels that spoke. 

"If you had come to me like men, instead of playing hoodlums behind alunatic and a sheep, I would have talked to you as men. But I say againyou need a guardian. "

"We won't vote for you nor none you name. We've been woke up. "

The old man threw up both his hands and cracked his fingers into hispalms. "And you're ready to take pap and paregoric from the first thatcome along, you infants!"

"You're showing yourself now, Duke Thornton!" shouted Niles. "You'veused us like you'd use school-boys for fifty years, but you ain't daredto brag of it till now!"

Thornton strode out from among them. He tossed his big arms as thoughridding himself of annoying insects. He had been stung out ofself-control. It was not that he felt contempt for his people. He hadalways felt for them that sense of protection one assumes who has takenoffice from voters' hands for many years, has begged appropriations fromthe State treasury for them, has taken in hand their public affairs andadministered them without bothering to ask advice. He realized all atonce that jealousy and ingratitude must have been in their hearts for along time. Now some influence had made them bold enough to display theirfeelings. Thornton had seen that sort of revolt many times before in thecase of his friends in the public service. He had always felt pride inthe belief that his own people were different--that his hold on them wasthat of the patriarch whom they loved and trusted. 

The shock of it! He kept his face from them as he toiled up the steps ofthe old house. Tears sparkled in his eyes, sudden tears that astonishedhim. For a moment he felt old and broken and childish, and was notsurprised that they had detected the weakness of a failing old man. Hewould have gone into "The Barracks" without showing them his face, buton the porch he was forced to turn. Some one had arrived, and arrivedtempestuously. It was the Hon. Luke Presson, Chairman of the StateCommittee. He stepped down out of his automobile and walked around thecrowd, spatting his gloved hands together, and looking them overcritically. So he came to Thelismer Thornton, waiting on the steps, andshook his hand. 

Mr. Presson was short and fat and rubicund, and, just now, plainlyworried. 

"This was the last place I expected to have to jump into, Thelismer, " hecomplained. "I know the bunch has been wanting to get at you, but Ididn't believe they'd try. I see that you and your boys here realizethat you're up against a fight!"

Ha shuttled glances from face to face, and the general gloom impressedhim. But it was plain that he did not understand that he was facingdeclared rebels. 

"They've slipped five thousand dollars in here, Thelismer, " he went on, speaking low. "They'd rather lug off this caucus than any fiftydistricts in the State. "

"I don't believe there's men here that'll take money to vote againstme, " insisted Thornton. "But they've been lied to--that much I'lladmit. "

"You've been king here too long, Thelismer. You take too much forgranted. They're bunching their hits here, I tell you. There are fiftythousand straddlers in this State ready to jump into the camp of the menthat can lick the Duke of Fort Canibas--it gives a h----l of a line onfutures! I thought you had your eye out better. "

The deeper guile had masked itself behind such characters as Ivus Niles, and now Thornton realized it, and realized, too, to what a pass histrustful serenity, builded on the loyalty of the years, had brought him. 

That strained, strange look of grieved surprise went out of his face. Helighted a cigar, gazing at his constituents over his scooped hands thatheld the match. 

They stared at him, for his old poise had returned. 

"This is the chairman of our State Committee, boys, " he said, "come upto look over the field. He says there's a rumor going that Thorntoncan't carry his caucus this year. " The Duke dropped into his quizzicaldrawl now. "I was just telling my friend Luke that it's queer how rumorsget started. " He walked to the porch-rail and leaned over it, his shaggyhead dominating them. And then he threw the challenge at them. "Thecaucus is going to be held in the other end of the village--not here inmy front dooryard. You'd better get over there. I don't need any suchclutter here. Get there quick. There may be some people that you'll wantto warn. Tell 'em old Thornton hasn't lost his grip. "

He took Presson by the arm, and swung him hospitably in at the big doorof "The Barracks. "

CHAPTER II

THE LINE-UP OF THE FIGHT

"That's too rough--too rough, that kind of talk, Thelismer, " protestedthe State chairman. 

Thornton swung away from him and went to the window of the living-roomand gazed out on his constituents. 

"You can't handle voters the way you used to--you've got to hair-oil 'emthese days. "

Presson was no stranger in "The Barracks. " But he walked around the bigliving-room with the fresh interest he always felt in the quaint place. Thornton stayed at the window, silent. The crowd had not left theyard--an additional insult to him. They were gathering around Niles andhis sheep, and Niles was declaiming again. 

The broad room was low, its time-stained woods were dark, and thechairman wandered in its shadowy recesses like an uneasy ghost. 

"It isn't best to tongue-lash the boys that are for you, " advisedPresson, fretfully, "not this year, when reformers have got 'em filledup with a lot of skittish notions. Humor those that are _for_ you. "

"_For_ me?" snarled "the Duke, " over his shoulder, and then he turned onPresson. "That bunch of mangy pups out there for _me?_ Why, Luke, that'sopposition. And it's nasty, sneering, insulting opposition. I ought togo out there and blow them full of buckshot. "

He shook his fists at the gun-rack beside the moose head which flungits wide antlers above the fireplace. 

"Where's the crowd that's backing you--your own boys?"

"Luke, I swear I don't know. I knew there was some growling in thisdistrict--there always is in a district. A man like Ivus Niles wouldgrowl about John the Baptist, if he came back to earth and went in forpolitics. But this thing, here, gets me!" He turned to the window oncemore. "There's men out there I thought I could reckon on like I'd tie tomy own grandson, and they're standing with their mouths open, whoopingon that old blatherskite. "

Chairman Presson went and stood with him at the window, hands introusers pockets, chinking loose silver and staring gloomily through thedusty panes. 

"It's hell to pave this State, and no hot pitch ready, " he observed. "I've known it was bad. I knew they meant you. I warned you they weregoing to get in early and hit hard in this district--but I didn'trealize it was as bad as this. They're calling it reform, but I tellyou, Thelismer, there's big money and big men sitting back in the darkand rubbing the ears of these prohibition pussies and tom-cats. It's aState overturn that they're playing for!"

He began to stride around the big room. In two of the corners stuffedblack bears reared and grinned at each other. In opposite cornersloup-cerviers stared with unwinking eyes of glass, lips drawn over theirteeth. "I'm running across something just as savage-looking in everypolitical corner of this State, " he muttered, "and the trouble is thoseoutside of here are pretty blame much alive. "

Niles was shouting without, and men were cheering his harangue. 

"There used to be some sensible politics in this State, " went on thedisgusted chairman. "But it's got so now that a State committee iscalled on to consult a lot of cranks before drawing up the conventionplatform. Even a fellow in the legislature can't do what he wants to forthe boys; cranks howling at him from home all the time. Candidatespumped for ante-election pledges, petitions rammed in ahead of everyroll-call, lobby committees from the farmers' associations trampingaround the State House in their cowhide boots, and a good governmentangel peeking in at every committee-room keyhole! Jeemsrollickins! JimBlaine, himself, couldn't play the game these days. "

If Thornton listened, he gave no sign. He had his elbows on thewindow-sill and was glowering on his constituents. They seemeddetermined to keep up the hateful serenade. It was hard for the old manto understand. But he did understand human nature--how dependence breedsresentment, how favors bestowed hatch sullen ingratitude, how jealousyturns and rends as soon as Democracy hisses, "At him!"

There was a dingy wall map beside him between the windows. A red linesurrounded a section of it: two towns, a dozen plantations, and a scoreof unorganized townships--a thousand square miles of territory thatcomposed his political barony. And on that section double red linesmarked off half a million acres of timber-land, mountain, plain, andlake that Thelismer Thornton owned. 

Chairman Presson, walking off his indignation, came and stood in frontof the map. 

"Between you and me, Thelismer, they've got quite a lot to grumbleabout, the farmers have. You wild-land fellows have grabbed a good deal, and you don't pay much taxes on it. You ought to have loosened a littleearlier. "

"You feel the cold water on your feet and you lay it to me rocking theboat, hey?" returned the Duke. "This is no time to begin to call names, Luke. But I want to tell you that where there's one man in this Stategrumbling about wild-land taxes, there are a hundred up and howlingagainst you and the rest of the gilt-edged hotel-keepers that areselling rum and running bars just as though there wasn't any prohibitorylaw in our constitution. " He had turned from the window. "You're lookingat that map, eh? You think I've stolen land, do you? Look here! I camedown that river out there on a raft--just married--my wife and a fewpoor little housekeeping traps on it. We never had a comfort till we gotto the age where most folks die. I've had to live to be eighty-five toget a little something out of life. And she worked herself to death inspite of all I could say to stop her. Why, when the bill of sale felldue on the first pair of oxen I owned, she gave me the three hundredold-fashioned cents that she--don't get me to talking, Presson! But, bythe Jehovah, I've earned that land up there! Dollars don't pay up a manand a woman for being pioneers. I'm not twitting you nor some of therest of the men in this State in regard to how you got your money--butyou know how you did get it!"

"We've stood by you on the tax question. "

"And I've stood by you against the prohibition ramrodders, who werefoolish enough to think that rumshops ought to be shut up because thelaw said so; and I've stood with the corporations and I've stood withthe politicians, and played the game according to the rules. From theminute you came into my dooryard to-day you've acted as though youthought I'd stirred this whole uproar in the State. "

"Did you ever know a man to get anywhere in politics if he didn't playthe game--honesty or no honesty?"

"Yes, a few--they got there, but they didn't stay there long, " repliedthe Duke, a flicker of humor in his wistfulness. 

"You bet they didn't, " agreed the chairman. "Thelismer, I'm just ashonest as the world will let me be and succeed! But when a man gets tobe perfectly honest in politics, and tries to lead his crowd at the sametime, they turn around and swat him. I reckon he makes human natureashamed of itself, and folks want to get him out of sight. "

"I know, " agreed the old man, and he looked out again on Niles and hisaudience. "The tough part of it is, Presson, those men out there areright--at bottom. They're playing traitor to me and acting like infernalfools, and I wouldn't let them know that I thought them anything else. But I'd like to step out there, Luke, and say, 'Boys, you're right. I'vebeen working you. I've done you a lot of favors, I've brought a lot ofbenefits home to this district, but I've been looking after myself, andstanding in with the bunch that has got the best things of the Statetied up in a small bundle. I've only done what every successfulpolitician has done--played the game. But you're right. Now go ahead andclean the State. '"

"You don't mean to say you'd do that?" demanded Presson, looking his oldfriend over pityingly. 

"Luke, _I mean_ that--but I don't intend to _do_ it, not by a blamesight! I don't believe you ever realized that I was really honest deepdown. I have told you something from the bottom of my heart. But"--heheld out his big hands and closed and unclosed them--"if I should everlet them loose that way they'd be picked up before they'd gone fortyfeet by some other fellow that might be hollering reform and not be halfas honest as I am. "

He shoved his hands in his pockets and squinted shrewdly, and spoke withhis satiric drawl. 

"There was old Lem Ferguson. Lem got to reading books about soultransmigration or something of the kind, and turned to and let all hiscritters loose. Said that one living being didn't have any right toenslave another living being. Told them to go and be free. And somebodyput his steers in the pound, and vealed two calves and sold 'em, andmilked his cows, and stole his sheep, and ripped the tags out of theirears and sheared 'em for what wool they had. Luke, I'm no relative ofLem Ferguson's when it comes to practical politics. I know just as wellas you do who's trying to steal this State, a hunk at a time. They'vehad the nerve to tackle my district. But if they think that I'm going toungrip and let them grab it they've got a wrong line on old Thornton'ssheepfold. "

"What do you need in the way of help?" asked the State chairman. 

"Nothing. " Thornton turned again to survey his unruly flock. It wasplain that they were baiting their overlord. Presson's acumen inpolitics enlightened him. An angry man may be made to antagonize theneutrals and even to insult his friends--and Thelismer Thornton was notpatient when provoked. There was shrewd management behind this revolt. 

Suddenly the yard was full of men, new arrivals. It was an orderlylittle army, woodsmen with meal-sack packs, an incoming crew on itsmarch to the woods. A big man plodded ahead and marshalled them. Thornton hastened out upon the porch, and the chairman followed. The bigman halted his crew, and leaned his elbows on the porch rail. 

"Thought I'd walk 'em early in the cool of the day, " he explained, "andlay off here for dinner and a rest. Pretty good lot of gash-fiddlers, there, Mr. Thornton. I picked the market for you. "

"And I'll sample 'em right now, " said the Duke, grimly. "Ben, tell 'emto drop those duffel-bags and rush that gang of steers out of my yard. "He pointed at the flock of constituents. Niles had begun fresh haranguein regard to despots, addressing the new arrivals. They did not seem tobe especially interested. There were a few long-legged Prince EdwardIslanders, but most of them were wiry little French Canadians, who didnot seem to understand much of the orator's tumultuous speech. 

"If you've got a crew that's any good on a log-landing, we'll find itout, " added the Duke. "Get at 'em!"

"Good gaddlemighty!" gasped Presson, "you ain't going to do anythinglike that!"

"You watch. "

"Politics?" queried the big boss, swinging about to go to his crew. Hegrinned. It was evident that he considered that anything under thatgeneral head was in the Duke's supreme control, and that his employer'sorders absolved him. 

"It's just what they've been trying to prod into you--it's their game, "adjured Presson, beating expostulating palms upon Thornton's breast. 

"Then it has worked, " the old man replied, calmly. He pushed thechairman aside. "Rush'em, Ben, and, if they don't go easy, toss 'em overthe fence. "

The big boss sauntered among his crew and growled a few crisp commands. The smile he wore gave the affair the appearance of a lark, and thewoodsmen took it in that spirit. But the mob was sullen. Those who werenot active rebels had been stung by the contempt that their leader nowdisplayed. Some resisted when the woodsmen pushed them half playfully. Aburly fellow stood his ground. Ivus Niles lurked at his back. 

"The folks up in the Jo Quacca Mountains will snicker in good shape whenI tell 'em that Fightin' MacCracken let himself be dumped out of DukeThornton's dooryard by a pack of lard-eating Quedaws, " he sneered inthe giant's ear. 

MacCracken swept away the first three men with swinging cuffs. He wasthinking of his reputation at home. The taunt pricked him. 

"Call 'em off--call 'em off, sir, " pleaded Davis. "I've been trying toget these men out of your yard. I don't approve of Niles. Let's have ourpolitics clean, Mr. Thornton. I'm willing to argue with you. But don'tlet's have it said outside that Fort Canibas' politics is run byplug-uglies. "

"He's right, Thelismer; you're letting them score a point on you, "protested Presson. 

But Thornton had been too grievously wounded that day to be able tolisten to peace measures. He strode down off the porch, shoutingcommands. His men were willing, and MacCracken's defiance gave them theprovocation they wanted. 

"If it's fight you're looking for, you spike-horn stag, " announced theboss, bursting through the press to reach the Jo Quacca champion, "wecan open a full assortment, and no trouble to show goods. "

He knocked MacCracken flat, reaching over the heads of the smaller men, and the next moment the Canadians swarmed on the fallen gladiator likeflies, lifted him and tossed him into the road. The rest of the mobescaped. Niles's emblematic buck sheep, cropping the grass in the fencecorner, was tossed out behind the fugitives. 

"I was hoping there'd be a little more cayenne in it, " complained thebig boss, scrubbing his knuckles against his belted jacket. 

"Come out in the road where it ain't private ground owned by the oldland-grabber, " pleaded MacCracken. "I'll meet you somewhere, Ben Kyle, where it'll have to be a fair stand-up. " But Kyle gave him no furtherattention. 

"Take the boys into the ram pasture, " directed his employer. He pointedto a long, low addition in the rear of "The Barracks, " the shelter thatserved for the housing of the Thorntons' crews, migratory to or from thebig woods. "I'll bring out a present. I guess you've got a good, ablecrew there, Ben. "

Chairman Presson followed the old man back into the mansion. He wasangry, and made his sentiment known, but Thornton was stubborn. 

"There may be another way of running this district just at this time, Luke, but this is _my_ way of running it, and I'm going to control thatcaucus. So what are you growling about?" He was opening a closet in thewall. 

"But you're starting a scandal--and they'll get so stirred up thatthey'll put an independent ticket into the field. You'll have to fight'em all over again at the polls. You're rasping them too hard. "

"Luke, there are a lot of things you know about down-country politics, and perhaps you know more than I do about politics in general. Butthere's a rule in seafaring that holds good in politics. If you'retrying to ratch off a lee shore it's no time to be pulling down yourcanvas. "

He took a jug out of the closet, and went to the low building. Thechairman followed along, not comforted. 

The woodsmen had piled their duffel-bags in corners and were waiting. There were long tables up and down the centre of the room. They wereflanked by benches. The tables were furnished with tin plates, tinpannikins, knives, and two-tined forks. The big boss had already givenhis orders. He and his crew had been expected. Men were hustling foodonto the tables. There were great pans heaped with steaming baked beans, dark with molasses sweetening, gobbets of white pork flecking themounds. Truncated cones of brownbread smoked here and there on platters. Cubes of gingerbread were heaped high in wooden bowls, and men wentalong the tables filling the pannikins with hot tea. The kitchen was ina leanto, and the cook was pulling tins of hot biscuits from the oven. There was not a woman in sight about "The Barracks. " There had been nonefor years. Those men in the dirty canvas aprons were maids, cooks, andhousekeepers. 

It was hospitality rude and lavish. That low, dark room with its tiersof bunks along the four sides, its heaped tables, its air ofuncalculated plenty, housed the recrudescence of feudalism in Yankeesurroundings. And the lord of the manor set his jug at one end of thetable and ordered the big boss to pipe all hands to grog. 

"A pretty good lot, Ben, " he commented as they crowded around. "And thishere is something in the way of appreciation. "

"Mr. Harlan coming out here to meet me, or am I going in and hunt himup?" inquired Kyle. "I suppose he has located most of the operations fornext season. "

"You'll take them in. Harlan won't be out for a while. " He turned andwalked away, the chairman with him. 

"Your grandson seems to be as much in love with the woods as ever, "commented Presson. "But I shouldn't think you'd want him to associatewith this kind of cattle all his life, herding Canuck goats on a loggingoperation. You've got money enough, the two of you. He ought to get outinto the world, find an up-to-date girl for a wife, and get married. "

Thornton had led the way out into the sunshine, and was strolling aboutthe yard, hands behind his back. 

"Luke, " he confided after a few moments, "you've just tapped me whereI'm tender. Look here, if it was just me and me only that this hoorahhere to-day was hitting, I'd tell 'em to take their damnation nominationand make it a cock-horse for any reformer that wants to ride. I'd doit, party or no party! But the minute it leaked out that I was puttingHarlan up for the caucus they turned on me. And now I propose to show'em. "

The chairman stopped and stared at his friend. That piece of news hadnot reached him till then. 

"You don't mean to tell me, " he demanded, "that you're going to takethis time of all others to swap horses? Why, Harlan Thornton can't playpolitics! He doesn't know--"

"He don't need to. I'll play it for him. Between you and me, Luke, hedoesn't even know yet that he's going to run for the legislature. I'mkeeping him up in the woods so that he won't know. He's one of thosestiff-necked young colts that wants to do only what he wants to do in agood many things. " He added the last with a growl of disgust. "And hewon't allow that any old man can tell him a few things that he doesn'tknow. "

"Now, Thelismer, " protested the chairman, "I don't know anything aboutwhat's going on in your family, here, and I don't care. I know yourgrandson is a straight and square young chap, a worker, and a goodbusiness man, but he's no politician. I'm not going to stand for hisbutting in at this stage of the game. "

"He isn't butting in. I'm throwing him in, like I'd train a puppy toswim, " retorted the old man, calmly. "And, furthermore, what business ofyours is it, anyway?"

"I'm chairman of the State committee. "

"And I'm the boss of this legislative district. Now, hold on, Luke. " Hebent over and planted his two big hands on the chairman's shoulders. "Harlan is all I've got. He's always been a steady, hustling boy. But toget him out of these woods and smoothed up like I want him smoothed uphas been worse than rooting up old Katahdin. I've been pioneer enoughfor both of us. I don't propose to have him spend the rest of his lifehere. First off, he thought it was his duty to me to take the businessburden off my shoulders. Now he's got into the life, and won't stand foranything else. And the only thing I care for under God's heavens at myage is to have him be something in this State. He's got the looks andthe brains and the money! And he's going to be something! And I'm goingto see him started on the way. God knows where I'll be two years fromnow. You can't reckon on much after eighty. To-day I'm feeling prettyhealthy. " There was a bite in his tone. "And I'm going to nominateHarlan for the legislature, and then I'm going to elect him. I'm goingto see him started right before I die. "

"And he doesn't want to go, and the voters don't want him to go, "lamented Presson. "You're only trying to bull through a politicalslack-wire exhibition for your own amusement--and this whole State onthe hair-trigger! By the mighty, it isn't right. I won't stand for it!"

The Duke started for the front of the mansion. 

"And, furthermore, Thelismer, if you're willing to run a chance oftipping over the politics of this State for the sake of giving yourgrandson a course of sprouts, you're losing your mind in your old age, and ought to be taken care of. "

Thornton turned and bestowed a grim smile on his angry friend. 

"Presson, I've stood by the machine a good many years. Now, if I can'tstand for a little business of my own without a riot, bring on yourriot. I'll lick you in that caucus with one hand while I'm licking thatdirty bunch of rebels with the other. I've got my reasons for what I'mdoing. "

"Give me a good reason, then, " begged the chairman. "Killing off yourfriends for the sake of giving Harlan Thornton a liberal educationdoesn't appeal to me. "

"My real reason wouldn't, either--not just now, " returned the Duke, enigmatically. 

At that moment half a dozen gaunt hounds raced around the corner of "TheBarracks. " They leaped at Thornton playfully, daubing his crash suitwith their dusty paws. He seemed to recognize them. He cursed them andkicked them away savagely. 

CHAPTER III

DENNIS KAVANAGH'S GIRL

A rangy roan horse followed the dogs, galloping so wildly that when hisrider halted him his hoofs tore up the turf as he slid. A girl rode him. She was mounted astride, and Presson had to look twice at her to makesure she was a girl, for she wore knickerbockers and gaiters, and hercopper-red hair curled so crisply that it seemed as short as a boy's. 

"Good-morning, Mr. Duke, " she called. "Is Harlan down from the woodsyet?"

The old man turned to march off after a scornful glance at her. Hekicked away another dog. Then he whirled and stepped back toward her. Itwas anger and not courtesy that impelled him. 

"He isn't here, and he won't be here. And how many times more have I gotto tell you not to be impertinent to me?"

"How, Mr. Duke?"

"By that infernal nickname, " he stormed. "Young woman, I've told you tostay on your side of the river, and you--"

"Really you ought to be called 'Duke' if you order folks off the earththat way, " she cried, saucily. "But I did not come to see you, Mr. Duke. I came to see Harlan. Has he got home yet?"

She swung sideways on her horse and nursed her slender ankle across herknee. It was plain that she had expected this reception, and knew how tomeet it. She gazed at him serenely from big, gray eyes. She smiled andheld her head a little to one side, her nose tiptilted a bit, giving heran aggravatingly teasing expression. 

"I tell you he's not here, and he won't be here. "

"Oh yes, he will. For"--she smiled more broadly, and there was malice inher eyes--"I sent word to him to come, and he's coming. "

"You sent word to him, you red-headed Irish cat? What do you mean?"

The lord of Fort Canibas strode close to her, passion on his face. Presson could see that this was no suddenly evoked quarrel between thetwo. It was hostility reawakened. 

"I mean that I'm looking out for the interests of Harlan when those athome are plotting against him. I hear the news. I listen to news forhim, when he's away in the big woods. And I'm not going to let you sendhim off down to any old prison of a legislature, where he'll be spoiledfor his friends up here. And he doesn't want to go. And he'll be here, Mr. Duke, to see that you don't trade him off into your politics. "

She delivered her little speech resolutely, and gave him back hisblistering gaze without winking. 

"Oh, my God, if you were--were only Ivus Niles, or Beelzebub himselfsitting there on that horse, " Thornton gasped. "You--you--" he turnedaway from her maddening smile and stamped about on the turf. The houndsstill played around him, persistent in their attentions. He kicked atthem. 

"It suits me to be just Clare Kavanagh, Mr. Duke--and I'm not afraid ofyou!"

"Kyle--ho there, Kyle!" The big boss came out of the "ram pasture, "wiping food fragments from his beard. "Get a rifle and shoot thesedogs. Clean 'em out! Take two men and ride this Irish imp across theriver where she belongs. "

Kyle balked. His face showed it. 

Presson had never seen his old friend in such a fury. He menaced thegirl with his fists as though about to forget that she was a woman. Butshe did not retreat. The picture was that of the kitten and the mastiff. Her sparkling eyes followed him. The scarlet of an anger as ready as hisown leaped to the soft curves of her cheeks. 

"You've got my orders, Kyle. I stand behind them. "

Without taking her eyes off Thornton, the girl reached behind her andjerked a revolver from its holster. 

"You shoot my dogs, Kyle, and I'll shoot you. " In her tones there wasnone of the hysteria that usually spices feminine threats. She wasangry, but her voice was grimly level. She had the poise of one who hadlearned to depend on her own resolute spirit. But she displayedsomething more than that. It was recklessness that was bravado. In theeyes of the State chairman, friend of Thornton, and accustomed to amilder form of femininity, it was impudence. Yet her beauty made itsappeal to him. The old man lunged toward her, but the politician seizedhis arm. 

"Thelismer, " he protested, "you are going too far. I don't know thegirl, or what the main trouble is, but you're acting like aten-year-old. "

Thelismer Thornton knew it, and the knowledge added to his helplessrage. He pulled himself out of Presson's grasp. 

He began to revile the girl in language that made Presson set his littleeyes open and purse his round mouth. 

"Damn it, you don't understand, " roared the Duke, whirling on hisfriend. Presson had faced him at last with protest that stung. "I knowit's no kind of talk to use to any one. I'm no ruffian. I'm ashamed tohave to use it. But the other kind don't work--not with her. Land-pirateKavanagh is welcome to the ten thousand acres of timber-land that hestole from me; but when his red-head daughter proposes to steal mygrandson, and laugh at me to my face while she's doing it, she'll takewhat I have to give her if she wants to stay and listen. Look at her, Presson! Look at her! Is that the kind of a girl for any young chap? Arattlebrained imp with a horse between her knees from daylight to dark, riding the country wild, insulting old age, and laughing at me andputting the devil into the head of my grandson! Kyle, get your men andrun her across the river into her Canuck country! She isn't even anAmerican citizen, Luke. Do you hear me, Kyle?"

Presson saw that the girl was not looking at her enemy then. From theback of her horse she could see farther up the road than they. She hadspied a horseman coming. She recognized him. She uttered a shrill callthat he understood, for he forced his horse into a gallop, and came intothe yard before Thornton had gathered himself to continue his tirade. The Duke had seen his grandson almost as soon as she, and the passionwent out of his face. He looked suddenly old and tired and troubled. 

There was appeal in the gaze he turned on his grandson. He steppedforward. 

"Don't let her make any more trouble between us, Harlan, not till youunderstand how she--"

But the girl forestalled him. She had fought her battle alone until hecame. She slid off her horse and ran across the yard, sobbing like achild. And now Presson saw how young she was. On her horse, defiantalmost to the point of impudence, she had a manner that belied heryears. But when she fled to her champion, she was revealed as only alittle girl with a child's impulsiveness in speech and action. Theyoung man slipped his foot from a stirrup and held his hand to her. Shesprang to him, standing in the stirrup. 

"He called me wicked names, Harlan! I was only trying to help you. Iwanted you to come, for I thought you ought to know! You've come. I knewyou'd come. You won't let him send you away. You'll not let him call methose names ever again!"

He gently swung her down, alighted and faced his grandfather. He had thestalwart frame of Thelismer Thornton, and with it the poise of youth, clean-limbed, bronzed, and erect. He flashed a pair of indignant browneyes at the old man. The Duke recognized the Thornton challenge tobattle in the sparkle of those eyes. 

"Let's talk this over by ourselves, Harlan, " he advised. "Send the girlalong about her business. She has messed things between us badly enoughas it is. "

"Have you been talking to this poor little girl as she tells me you havetalked?" demanded young Thornton, narrowing his eyes. 

"That isn't the tone to use to me, boy, " warned the Duke. There had beenappeal in his face and his voice at the beginning. But this disloyaltyin the presence of the girl pricked him. She was still in the hook ofHarlan's arm, and from that vantage-point flung a glance of childishlyingenuous triumph at him. "Not that tone from grandson to grandfather. "

"It's man to man just now, sir. You know how I feel toward this littlefriend of mine. If you have abused our friendship here at our home, you'll apologize, grandfather or no grandfather--and that's the firstdisrespectful word I ever gave you, sir. But this is a case where I havethe right to speak. "

The Duke stiffened and his face was gray. 

"I talked to her the way Land-pirate Kavanagh's daughter ought to betalked to when she comes here mocking me. Now, Harlan, if you want thisin the open instead of in private, where it ought to be, I'll give it toyou straight from the shoulder. You're not going to marry that girl. Sheshan't steal you and spoil you. I've told you so before. I give it toyou now before witnesses. "

The girl ran toward him. She was furious. It was evident that shame aswell as anger possessed her. 

"Have I ever said I wanted to marry your grandson? Has he ever said hewanted to marry me? Is it because you have such a wicked old mind thatyou think we cannot always be the true friends we have been? I do notwant a husband. But I have a friend, and you shall not take him awayfrom me!"

"You have heard, sir. Do you realize how you have insulted both of us?You shall apologize, Grandfather Thornton!"

For reply the old man walked up to him, snapped the fingers of bothhands under his nose, and walked away. "Give me ten words more of thattalk and I'll take you across my knee, " he called over his shoulder. "There are some men that never grow old enough to get beyond thespanking age. "

Presson, interested spectator, looked for the natural outburst of youthat that point. But he stared at the young man, and decided that he trulyhad inherited the Thornton grit and self-restraint which the Duke seemednow to have lost all at once after all the years. 

Harlan gazed after his grandfather, lips tightening. He was anembodiment of wholesome young manhood, as he stood there, strugglingwith the passion that prompted him to unfilial reproaches. Then heturned to the girl. He had a wistful smile for her. 

"I'm sorry, little Clare, " he said, softly. She slipped her hands underthe belt of his corduroy jacket and gazed up at him tearfully. 

"He had no right to say that I--that I--oh, he doesn't understandfriendship!" she cried. 

"No, and we'll not try to explain--not now! But I have some seriousmatters to talk over with my grandfather. Ride home, dear; I'll see youbefore I go back to the woods again. "

"And you _are_ going back to the woods? You are not going to let themsend you away where you'll forget your best friends?"

"I never shall forget my friends. And I can't believe that you heardright, little girl. My grandfather will not put me in politics. Don'tworry. I'll straighten it all out before I leave. "

He lifted her to her horse and sent her away with a pat. She wentunprotesting, with a trustful smile. The hounds raced wildly after her. 

"Woof!" remarked the Hon. Luke Presson to himself, "there's a kittenthat's been fed on plenty of raw meat!" And as he always compared allwomen with his daughter, reigning beauty of the State capital, he added:"I'd like to have Madeleine get a glimpse of that. She'd be glad thatit's the style to bring girls up on a cream diet. "

He hurried away behind Harlan, who had given him rather curt greeting, and had followed the Duke around to the front of the house. The old manwas tramping the porch from end to end. 

The boarding creaked under him as he strode, his gait a lurch that movedone side of his body at a time. The smoke from his cigar streamed pasthis ears. 

It was silent at the front of the big house, and in that silence thethree of them could hear the occasional shouts that greeted demagogicoratory down in the village. The comment of the lord of Canibas was theanathema that he growled to himself. 

His grandson faced him twice on his turns along the porch, protest inhis demeanor. But the old man brushed past. 

"Grandfather, I want a word with you, " Harlan ventured at last. 

"You talk girl to me just now, young fellow, and you won't find itsafe!"

He marched on, and the grandson resolutely waited his return. 

"I'm going to talk business, sir. I want this thing understood. Is ittrue what I hear? Do you propose to put my name before that caucus? Iwant to say--"

But the old man strode away from him again. 

"He says he's going to do it, and it's fool business, " confided Presson. "You've got to stop him. There's no reason in it. "

"I've got _my_ reasons. If you don't know enough to see 'em, it isn't myfault, " snapped the Duke, passing them and overhearing. 

"Then I've got this to say. " The young man stopped his grandfather--asbig, as determined, as passionate--Thornton against Thornton. "I'll notgo to the legislature. "

The old man shouted his reply. 

"I don't know as you will, you tote-road mule, you! But, by thesuffering Herod, they'll have to show _me_ first!"

He elbowed his grandson aside and kept on pacing the porch. 

CHAPTER IV

THE DUKE AT BAY

After that outburst Presson went away by himself to sulk. Young Thorntonmade no further protest. He stared at his grandfather, trying tocomprehend what it meant--this bitterness, this savage resentment, thisarbitrary authority that took no heed of his own wishes. He had alwaysknown a calm, kindly, sometimes caustic, but never impatient ThelismerThornton. This old man, surly, domineering, and unreasonable, was new tohim. And after a little while, worried and saddened, he went away. Hispresence seemed to stir even more rancor as the moments passed. 

Presson understood better, but could not forgive the bullheadedness thatseemed to be wrecking their political plans. His own political traininghad taught him the benefits of compromise. He was angry at this old manwho proposed to go down fighting among the fallen props of a lifetime ofpower. And even though Presson now understood better some of the motivesthat prompted the Duke to force young Harlan out into the world, hispolitical sensibilities were more acute than his sympathy. 

Therefore the beleaguered lord of Canibas was left to fight it outalone. 

He stood at the end of the porch and listened to the menacing sounds ofthe village. 

He glared down the long street and grunted, "Grinding their knives, eh?"

Evidently the centrifugal motion of the political machine down there wasviolent enough to throw off one lively spark. A man came up the road ata brisk gait, stamped across the yard, and went direct to the Duke, whowaited for him at the far end of the porch. He did not glance at Pressonor at Harlan Thornton. 

"Did you ever _see_ anything like it, did you ever _hear_ anything likeit, Honor'ble?" the new arrival demanded with heat. "They're goin' tomake a caucus out of it--a _caucus_!"

The man had a lower jaw edged with a roll of black whisker, a jaw thatprotruded like a bulldog's. With the familiarity of the long-timelieutenant, he pecked with thumb and forefinger at the end of a cigarprotruding from his chief's waistcoat-pocket. He wrenched off the tipbetween snaggy teeth. He spat the tip far. 

"Yes, sir, by jehoshaphat, a caucus!"

Chairman Presson's ear had caught the sound of politics. He felt that hewas entitled, ex officio, to be present at any conference. He hurried tothe end of the porch. 

"We ain't had a caucus in this district for more'n forty years, " statedthe new arrival, accepting the chairman as a friend of the cause. "Except as the chairman catches the seckertery somewhere and thenhollers for some one to come in from the street and renominate theHonor'ble Thornton. But, dammit, this is going to be a _caucus_. " Theword seemed suddenly to have acquired novel meaning for him. "They musthave been pussy-footin' for a month. You could have knocked me down withyour cigar-butt, Squire, when I got in here to-day and found how shestood. If it hadn't been for War Eagle Ivus and his buck sheep breakin'out, they'd have ambuscaded ye, surer'n palm-leaf fans can't cool thekitchen o' hell. But even as it is--hoot and holler now, andtag-gool-I-see-ye, they say they've got you licked, and licked in theopen--that's what they say!" The man's tone was that of one announcingthe blotting-out of the stars. 

"Walt Davis bragged about it, " said the old man, outwardly calm, buteyes ablaze. "It must be a pretty sure thing when he's got the courageto crawl out from under the wagon and yap. "

"Good God!" blurted the chairman of the State Committee, "you don't meanto tell _me_!"

"It's the ramrodders! They've been up here, one or two of the old cockones, workin' under cover, " stated the unswerving one. "About once in sooften the people are ripe to be picked. They've mebbe had drought, chilblains, lost a new milch cow, and had a note come due--and some onethat's paid to do it tells 'em that it's all due to the politicalring--and then they begin to club the tree! But standing here spittin'froth about it ain't convertin' the heathern nor cooperin' them thatimagine vain things. Now here's what _I've_ done, grabbin' in so's tolose no time. I--"

"No, just tell me what the _other_ side has done, " commanded the Duke. 

"First place, they've got names in black and white of enough Republicansto down you in caucus. They've got 'em, them ramrodders have! I'vehairpinned the truth out o' the cracks! They've been sayin' that you'veonly wanted your office so as to dicker and trade, and make yourself andthem in your political bunch richer; they're showin' figgers to provethat much; sayin' you brag you carry our district in your vest-pocket;sayin' everything to stir up the bile that's in every man when you knowhow to stir for it. Furthermore, Squire, the fact that you're gettin'out yourself and proposin' to put your grandson in gives 'em theirchance to say a lot. Next place, this is goin' to be a _caucus_. Itain't any imitation. They're goin' to use a marked check-list. "

"_What?_" roared the Honorable Thelismer, jarred out of his balefulcalm. 

"Yes, sir! They've pulled the town clerk into camp and have had him marka list. And you can imagine who they picked out as Republican voters inthis town! And they'll stand and challenge every one else till theirthroats are sore. You and me has cut up a few little innocent tricks inpolitics in our time, Squire, but we never framed anything quite as tidyas this for a steal. If your friend, here, is in politics, he--"

"I'm Presson, chairman of the State Committee, " explained thatgentleman. The Duke of Fort Canibas was too much absorbed to makepresentations. 

"Hell! That so?" ripped out the other, frankly astonished. "Well, I'mglad you're here. You ought to be able to help us out. "

Presson was not cheerful or helpful. "They're slashing this whole Stateopen from one end to the other with their devilish reform hullabaloo, "he said. 

"I hear there _is_ quite a stir outside, " agreed the agitator, blandly. He looked the chairman up and down with interest. "You may call meSylvester--Talleyrand Sylvester. Yankee dickerer! Buy and selleverything from a clap o' thunder to a second-hand gravestone. It bringsme round the country up here, and so I've been the Squire's right-handman in the political game, such as there's been of it. " He turned hisback on the pondering Duke and continued, sotto voce: "I reckon if he'dstayed in himself, Colonel, they wouldn't have had the courage to tacklehim. They might have hit him with that whole stockin'ful of mud they'vebeen collectin', and he wouldn't have staggered. But when they go to hitthe young feller, there, with it, he's down and out. "

"Eh!" barked the magnate of Canibas, catching the last words. "I am?Not by a--" He broke off, ashamed of wasting effort in mere boasts. "Presson, " he went on, evidently now intent on proceeding according tothe plan that he had been meditating, "you've got your own interest inseeing me keep this district in line, haven't you?"

"You're the head of our row of bricks, " bleated the chairman. "We've gotto keep you standing--got to do it. "

"Then we'll get busy. " The old man threw back his shoulders. "Carrying acaucus the way we've probably got to carry this one at the last gaspisn't going to be a genteel entertainment. " He tapped a stubby finger onthe honorable chairman's shirt-front. "I'm going to raise some veryparticular hell. " He turned to his lieutenant. "The boys right in thevillage, here, our own bunch, are all right, of course, Sylvester?"

"Stickin' to you like pitch in a spruce crack, as usual. It's theoutsiders from the other sections in the district. They hadn't knownwhat a caucus was till them ramrodders got after 'em. "

"Can't they be handled now that they're in here?"

"Have been lied to already too skilful and thorough. Me and Whisperin'Urban and a few others of the boys blew the haydust out of their ears, and tried to inject the usual--but they can't hold any more. They've gotto be unloaded first--and there ain't time to do it. "

"And you're pretty sure they can swing the organization when the caucusis called?" demanded the Duke. 

"Two to one--and our men ain't got a smell on that check-list they'vedoctored. Why, they've even got _me_ marked 'Socialist. ' You can imaginewhat they've done to the rest of the boys. It's one o'clock now. " (Hehad looked at four watches, one after the other, a part of hisdickerer's stock-in-trade. ) "In an hour and fifteen minutes they'll beorganized and votin' by check-list. I ain't a man to give up easy, Squire, but I swear it looks as though they had us headed so far on thehomestretch that we ain't near enough to trip 'em or bust a sulky wheelon 'em. "

"You've got more than an hour's leeway. " It was a soft lisp of soundthat startled the group. The man had come by devious ways through thegullies of the Thornton field, around the corner of "The Barracks, " andupon the porch. Those who knew him declared that "Whispering Urban" Cobbnever walked by the straight way when there was a crooked one by whichhe could dodge around. 

"No, they can't get a-goin' at no two o'clock, " he assured them. Adrooping gray mustache curtained his mouth, drooping gray eyebrowsshaded his eyes, and he crowded very close to them and whispered, "I'vestole the call for the caucus, and they'll hunt for it about half anhour, and then they'll have to round the committee up and get 'em tosign another, and have constables swear that the other call wasposted--and, well, they won't get going much before four. "

The Duke looked at him indulgently. 

"I took it on myself to do it. I reckoned you might need the extra time, seein' that they was tryin' to spring a trap on you. "

He took the cigar that the Duke offered him in lieu of praise. 

"Bein' sure of that much time--if you'll see to it that they're regularabout the call!" Mr. Cobb cocked inquiring eye at the old man. 

"I'll see to it, " stated Thornton, grimly. 

"Well, then, bein' sure of that time, I'll--Mr. Thornton, would youobject if I was to start in this afternoon on the contract of clearingup that slash where you operated on Jo Quacca last winter? Of course, this ain't just the best kind of weather for bonfires, but--the firewill certainly burn!" His whispering voice gave the suggestion ominoussignificance. 

The Hon. Thelismer Thornton stared for a moment at Cobb, and then lookedup at the heights that shimmered in the beating sun. 

"You may start in, Cobb, " he said at last. His perception of what theman meant came instantly. He had hesitated while he figured chances. "Take fifty of those men out behind there, " his thumb jerked over hisshoulder. "Give every man a shovel, and see that it doesn't get awayfrom you. More smoke than fire, see!"

Mr. Cobb hastened away. 

The duller comprehension of the chairman of the State Committee had notgrasped the significance of the conversation. 

"I'd let business wait till politics are finished, Thelismer, " hechided. 

"There is such a thing as running the two on a double track, " returnedMr. Thornton, serene but non-committal. He whirled on Sylvester, hismien that of the commander-in-chief disposing his forces in the face ofthe enemy: "Talleyrand, you'll find fifty more quedaws out there afterCobb takes his pick. Take them down to Aunt Charette's and have her setout her best. And keep 'em well bunched and handy!"

He reached through an open window and filled the pockets of his crashsuit with cigars from a box on a stand. 

"Now, Luke, " he invited, blandly, "let's go to a legislative districtcaucus. I haven't bothered to attend one for a good many years, but thisone on the docket now gives signs of being interesting. "

They walked down the dusty road toward the village. The State chairmanwas silent, with the air of a man pondering matters he does notunderstand; but the Hon. Thelismer Thornton beamed upon all he met. Having a certainty to deal with, and a tangible enemy in sight, heseemed at ease. He felt like one who has recovered from dizzying blowsand is on trail of the enemy who dealt them. He was himself again. 

A few of those he met he greeted with especial cordiality. To some hegave cigars, not with the air of one seeking favor, not with the cheapgenerosity of the professional politician, but with the manner of onetaking paternal interest in the conduct of a good child. It was an actthat seemed to go with his handclasp and smile. He caught the Statechairman looking at him rather doubtfully on one of these occasions. 

"The folks understand this thing up here, " he said. "When those chapswere young ones I used to give them a stick of candy. Now that they aregrown up I hand 'em a cigar--got into the habit and can't stop. Or elseI send 'em around to Aunt Charette's and have it put on my account. Wicked performance, I suppose, and so the old ladies tell me. But I wasborn in the old rum-and-molasses times, Luke, when the liquor thing sortof run itself, and didn't give so many cheap snoozers a job on one sideor the other. "

"What's this Aunt Charette's you're talking about?" asked the chairman. 

"An institution!" The Duke enjoyed the puzzled stare the little manrolled up at him. "I reckon you think you've solved the liquor questionin this prohibition State at that hotel bar of yours, Luke. I've solvedit in my own way up here. Aunt Charette's is an institution that I'vefounded. Come and look at it. "

He led the way off the main street. There was a cottage at the end of alane, tree-embowered, neat with fresh white paint and blinds of vividgreen. An old man sat in an arm-chair under one of the trees. He woregold earrings and an old-style coat with brass buttons. 

"Uncle Charette, " explained the Duke, as they passed him. "Simply a lawnornament. "

He led the way into the house without knocking. 

"And this is Aunt Charette, " he volunteered. In the centre of thespotless fore-room a ponderous woman rocked in her huge chair andknitted placidly. She was a picture of peaceful prosperity in black silkgown and gold-bowed spectacles. 

"And here's the nature of Aunt Charette's institution. " He pointed to anopen cupboard in which there were many bottles. 

"Oh! your local liquor agency, " hazarded the chairman. 

"No, sir! Aunt Charette's own dispensary for the ills of the mind andfatigues of the body, and run according to my own notions. It beats yourbar and white jackets, Luke, or that solemn farce of cheap liquors androbber prices of the State agency system. You come in here, if you arenot a drunkard or a minor or a pauper--and Aunt Charette knows 'emall--and you go to the cupboard and get your drink, or you go out therein the store-room and get your bottle, and hand the change to AuntCharette and walk away. No other rumshop tolerated in the section, andpocket peddlers run out of town on a rail! No treating, no foolishness, no fraud. Pays her fine twice a year without going to court, the same asyou. And no extras!" He smiled at the chairman significantly. 

"No extras, eh!" mused Mr. Presson, enviously. "You must have adifferent crowd of county officers than we've got down our way. "

"Perhaps so, " admitted the old man, and then he allowed himself a bit ofa boast; "but the secret is, you see, this little institution issomething I've taken under my own wing. "

It was an ill-starred moment for that honest boast. There came athumping of feet in the hall. The man who burst in was flushed andsweating and excited. 

"I'm glad you're here, Squire, " he panted. "You're just in the nick o'time. They're going to jump on the old lady. "

"Who's going to jump?"

"High Sheriff Niles and his posse. They ain't more'n ten rods behind, jigger wagon and all. "

The Duke of Fort Canibas stared a moment at the herald. Aunt Charetteraised her eyes to her protector with the air of one secure under thewings of a patron saint, and went on knitting. 

"Gad!" hissed the State chairman. "They certainly do mean you this time, Thelismer! Discrediting your pull in county politics an hour before yourcaucus! Some one is showing brains!"

Thornton did not answer. 

"How in blazes have they pulled over the sheriff?" demanded Presson. Butthe old man merely stared at the door. 

High Sheriff Niles entered at that moment. He stood on the threshold andscowled. He was a stocky man, who had been a butcher. His face wasblotched by ruddiness resembling that of raw meat. Behind his cockadedsilk hat pressed the faces of his aids. The little yard was filled withmen who peered in at the windows. A big truck wagon was creaking as itshorses backed it to the door. 

"What are you after here, Niles?" demanded Thornton. "After this stockof rum. "

The Duke took another swing across the room, licked his lips, and sethis extinguished cigar hard between his teeth. He was striving tocontrol the wrath that came boiling up into his purple face and blazingeyes. 

"There's the warrant!" The sheriff clapped the paper across his palm. "Take the stuff, boys!" He waved his hand at the cupboard. 

"But the most of it's in the cellar, " shrilled the voice of a tattler inthe hallway. "There's where she keeps it!"

"I don't need any advice, " growled the sheriff. His men trudged into theroom and made for the cupboard. 

Now at last Aunt Charette understood that her stores were threatened. She did not leave her chair. She fumbled frantically at her big bag thathung at her waist. 

"Non, non!" she cried. "Yo' may not to'ch! I have pay! I have pay fornex' sax month. "

She flapped a paper at the sheriff. He took it perfunctorily. "That'sall right, old woman, but it hasn't got anything to do with my businesshere. I'm after your stuff on a warrant. " He gave back the paper andstarted for the stairs leading to the cellar. 

"But I have pay, " she vociferated. "You tell them I have pay, M'sieu'Thornton! You' told me if I have pay twice in ye'r I have deprivilege--de privilege!"

The sheriff turned and grinned over his shoulder into the convulsed faceof the Honorable Thelismer. 

"There's a lot of bargains in politics, marm, " he stated, dryly, "thattakes more'n two to put 'em through when the pinch comes. " He enjoyedthe discomfiture that her artless confession brought to the Duke. Theold man looked him up and down. That this Niles whom he himself hadhelped into office, who had been taking private toll from the liquorinterests of the county as his predecessors had before him, a procedurecondoned by the party leaders of whom the Honorable Thelismer wasone--that this person should whirl on him in such fashion was aperformance that Thornton could not yet fully understand. But there wasthe fact to contend with. A man he had helped to elevate was engaged inhumiliating him in the frankly wondering gaze of his own community. 

Those who peeped in at doors and windows were not, all of them, enemies. There were friends who sympathized and were astonished. Their murmuringstold that. 

"You infernal Hereford bull!" roared Thornton; "don't you dare to slurme before my people. You're making this raid because I haven't butteredyou with ten-dollar bills to keep your hands off. You've taken 'em fromall the other rumsellers--but this isn't one of your regularrumshops. "

"That's right, Squire. Give it to him, " muttered men at door andwindows. 

"We all know how the sheriff's office is run in this county. " Thisstatement was made by Talleyrand Sylvester, who came thrusting throughthe jam of the hall into the fore-room. "Squire, " he whispered, hoarsely, "I've brought down them quedaws as you told me to. They'reoutside. Say the word and we'll light on that old steer in theplug-hat!"

For an instant there was a glint in the old man's eyes which hinted thatthe word would be given. But the impulse was merely the first recklessone of retaliation. Assault on law, even as represented by such anunworthy executive as he knew Niles to be, would make too wicked a storyfor slander to handle. Slander would be busy enough as it was. 

He pushed the eager Sylvester to one side. 

"Let me see your warrant, Niles, " he requested. The officer passed itover, with a touch of sudden humility in his demeanor. "I'm only doingmy duty as it's laid out by the statutes, " he muttered. He quailed underthe old man's eyes. He did not like the sound of the mumbling at thewindows nor relish the looks of the men who had just come flocking intothe yard at the heels of Sylvester. 

"'Twas sworn out and passed to me, " stated the sheriff. 

"Sworn out on complaint of Tom Willy. " He looked above the document andsaw in the doorway the man who had cried information regarding theliquor in the cellar. "Tom Willy, the cheapest drunkard we've got in thetown, taking sneaking revenge because he has been shut off fromprivileges here that decent men haven't abused! But I tell you, gentlemen, even Tom Willy isn't as cheap as the men who have sneakedbehind him and prodded him on to do this. There's some one behind him, for Tom Willy hasn't got brains enough nor sprawl enough to do this allby himself. "

He gave the warrant back to the sheriff. He had recovered hisself-possession. He was again their Duke of Fort Canibas, who couldretire with dignity even from such a position as this. "Go ahead andtrain with your crowd, Sheriff Niles, " he drawled, sarcastically--"TomWilly, and whoever they are behind him that are too ashamed to showthemselves!"

He started for the door, Luke Presson at his heels. Aunt Charette, notexactly understanding, realized that the protecting aegis was departing. 

"But I have pay!" she wailed. "You have de power, M'sieu' Thornton! Theytake my properties!"

He patted the shiny silk of the old woman's shoulder as he passed her. 

"Keep your sitting, Aunt Charette, " he advised, "and let them take it. It will be a good investment for you--leave it to me. "

He lighted a fresh cigar out-of-doors. 

"Luke, " he declared quietly between puffs, "this is developing intoquite a caucus day--take all trimmings. I'm glad you are here to lookon!"

CHAPTER V

A CAUCUS, AS IT WAS PLANNED

The town house of Fort Canibas needed no guide-board that day. All roadsled to it. Thelismer Thornton walked down the main street, his followingat his heels. His hands were behind his back, and he sauntered alonglike one who was at peace with the world. His face was serene once more. He seemed to have recovered all the genial good-nature that menassociated with Thelismer Thornton. The chairman trotted on short legsat his side, looking up at him sourly. Thornton smiled down at him. 

"Finding your old State campaign sicker than you thought for, hey, Luke?"

He was now as Presson had always known him, but the little man did notseem to be consoled thereby. 

"I'd like to know what's come over you to-day?" he complained. "Giving ahelpless little girl hell-an'-repeat, and then standing for what you didback there right now!"

"Luke, both of us have seen a great many men lose their dignity fightinghornets. But I've come to myself, and I've stopped running and swatting. Well, Briggs, what is it?"

The man who had brought the alarm to Aunt Charette's was crowding close, plainly with something to say. 

"I only wanted to tell you, Squire, that Sheriff Niles brought in wordto the boys that high-uppers was back of him. "

"Thinks he's running with the pack, eh? Well, Briggs, that's hardlynews about Bart Niles. "

"Thought I'd warn you, Squire. He says things ain't goin' on runnin' inthis State the way they have been runnin'. Way he talks, him and themback of him think they've got you layin' with all four paws in the air. But we in the village here, that's behind you, don't understand it thatway. Nor we can't figger what started it. "

"Don't bother your heads about it to-day, Briggs. Simply stand by and beready to grab in, you and the boys. That's all. "

The post-office was in the lower story of the town house. The walls werebrick to the second story. This upper part was a barn-like structurepropped on the lower walls. Broad outside stairs led up to it. 

Thornton and Presson were obliged to push their way through a crowd toreach the foot of the stairway. They were stopped there by anobstruction. Some men were lifting off a low wagon a cripple in awheel-chair. He had an in-door pallor that made him seem corpselike. Aman in a frock-coat and with a ministerial white tie was bossing thejob. 

The Duke stopped and gazed on the work amiably. The man of the white tiescowled. 

"Raising a few reliable Republicans from the dead, are you, elder?"inquired the Duke, pleasantly. 

The elder did not reply until he had started the cripple's chair bumpingup the stairs. Then he turned on Thornton. He was not amiable. 

"It's time some of the voters with honest convictions got a chance toattend a caucus in this district, even if they have to be brought frombeds of pain. "

Thelismer Thornton did not lose his smile. 

"I'd like to have you meet the Rev. Enoch Dudley, evangelist, Luke. Thisis Mr. Presson, chairman of the State Committee, elder. Now that you'regetting into politics you'd ought to be acquainted with your chiefpriest. "

But Rev. Mr. Dudley, not approving the company that the State chairmanwas keeping, did not warm up. 

"I thank you for your pleasantries, Mr. Thornton, " he returned, stiffly. "I hope your sneers may make you as many votes to-day as they have inthe past. "

"Well, they won't, " blurted a voice from a knot of men at the foot ofthe stairs. "We're getting woke up in this district. And it ain't goingto be an empire any longer. "

"I'm rather too humble a man, sir, to associate with the high lords ofpolitics, " Mr. Dudley remarked to the chairman. "The Honorable Thorntonhas always been up there. I'm simply one of the plain people. "

"And it's time for the plain people to have their innings, " declaredanother in the crowd. 

"The pack is off!" muttered the Duke in Presson's ear. 

"Why don't you introduce him right, " called another. "Reverend Dudley isthe next representative from this district, Mr. Chairman. And we knowwhere _he_ stands!"

"An humble little platform is mine, " stated the minister. "But it's downwhere all can step aboard with me. That's all I can say. "

There was a growl of approval in chorus from the larger group at thefoot of the stairs. Thornton's men were at one side and looked troubled. 

"War Eagle" Ivus Niles stepped forth then. He had recovered his bucksheep. He was hoarse, but still full of zeal. 

"I want to ask you this, Tyrant Thornton: You ain't quite so sure thatyou're Lord Gull, monarch of all you survey, since my brotherBartholomew showed you the power of the law triumphant, are you?" Butthe taunt did not alter the tolerant smile on the Duke's face. 

"Go ahead and get in all your yelps, " he said, under his breath. "Ahound loves company. "

"When we start in to purify, we propose to purify in good shape!" criedanother. "And a reverend elder ain't a mite too good for us asrepresentative to the legislature. "

"Some people think they are purifying when they burn a rag, " observedthe Duke, serenely. He lighted another cigar, beaming through the smokeon the glowering minister. 

"Don't take that wrong, elder. I respect decency in politics. I respectmen who are trying to clean things up. But before I'll let you disinfect_me_, I'll have to see your license and know what system you're using. "

"You've got to fight the devil with fire!" roared the War Eagle. 

"You mustn't steal my own plan of campaigning, Ivus. I've got acopyright on that. "

He had been studying the situation there outside the town hall while hetalked. Two men from the shire town, wearing the nickel badges of deputysheriffs, stood at the foot of the stairs. A group of men that he knewto be his loyal supporters from his own village were standing at oneside. He strolled over to them. 

"Squire Thornton, " said one, "we're barred out of this caucus. Theywon't let us up. "

And still their leader was imperturbable. He turned inquiring gaze onthe Reverend Dudley, and that gentleman declared himself with suspicioushaste. 

"This is going to be a strictly Republican caucus, and the check-listhas been marked, " he said. "We don't propose to have Democrats come inand run our affairs for us. "

It was a challenge thrown down in good earnest. 

In spite of the warning that his scout had brought to him, the Duke hadhardly believed that amateur politicians would go to this extreme. Morethan ever he realized that unscrupulous men higher up were using thesetools. And it was plain that the instruments had been tutored to believethat the end justified the means. What Ivus Niles said about the deviland fire betrayed them. 

The Duke walked over to the minister, and took him by the lapels of hiscoat. 

"Elder, " he protested, "I don't like to see a good man used for tongs inpolitics. There's a lot you don't know about this game. You're inwrong. "

"You're not the right man to tell me so, Mr. Thornton. I representreform. It's time we had it. And _your_ gospel in politics isn't _my_gospel. "

"You've got the revised version, Parson Dudley, if you find a text in itabout splitting a caucus at the door of the hall. "

"The sheep shall be divided from the goats, sir. "

"You've got this caucus and the Judgment Day mixed, elder. " He releasedthe minister and stepped back. "I never yet talked rough to a parson. But you've cut loose from common sense. When you get down on a levelwith me at a caucus door you're no parson--you're a politician, andyou'll have to let me say that you're a blasted poor one. You're EnochDudley, now. And I want to tell you, Enoch, that neither you nor anybunch of steers you happen to be teaming can keep legal voters out ofthat hall. As to whether this or that man can vote in the caucus, thatwill be settled when we get in there. But these men of mine are goingin. It's up to you to decide whether they shall go in as lions orlambs. "

"Violence shall rest on your own head!" cried the minister. "I'll seethat the world knows about it. "

"We'll see whose case shows up best when the report is made, " retortedthe Duke. "But I'm done arguing. Pull off those deputies. " SheriffNiles appeared at that moment. He had left his subalterns to store theconfiscated liquors. 

"Niles, pull your men off the door, here, " commanded the Duke. "Yourcounty politics hasn't any business at our caucus here to-day. "

"I've been asked to keep this caucus regular, and I'm going to do it, "insisted the sheriff. 

"So am I, " agreed Thornton. "So when the story goes out it will have tobe said that you and I were working together to keep politics pure. " Thefaithful Sylvester was hovering on the outskirts of the crowd. Thorntonbeckoned to him and he came. The Duke had probed the scheme andunderstood the stubbornness of the opposition. He was ready to act now. 

"Sylvester, you're a constable of this town. Take those fifty woodsmenover there as a special posse. I'm going to stand here at the foot ofthese stairs, and see to it that this caucus isn't packed. If you seehand laid on me or on a respectable voter going up these stairs, youpile in with those men. Go ahead up, boys, one and all!" He steppedbetween the deputies and beckoned to the voters. He stood there like alighthouse marking safe channel. He challenged both the sheriff and theminister with his gaze. "We've got peace in stock and fight on tap, gentlemen, " he declared. "Full assortment, and no trouble to showgoods. "

The village loyalists trooped forward promptly and flocked up. Thedeputies made no effort to stop them. Niles did not issue orders. Threats and badges might cow voters. But he knew woodsmen. He was notprepared to fight fifty of them. 

The opposition hurried up also. Men streamed past on both sides of theold man, looming there in his wrinkled suit of crash. 

"Let 'em go. We've got him licked in the caucus anyway, " growled Nilesto one of his deputies. "The back districts are here two to one againsthis village crowd. "

Chairman Presson stood at one side and waited. Harlan Thornton came tohim, leading his horse through the crowd. 

"You have influence with my grandfather, Mr. Presson. You have told meyourself that it's folly to try to send me to the legislature. I'm notfitted for such duties. I am interested only in our business. You havehad a chance to talk with him since you left the house. Haven't you madehim change his mind?"

"I don't know, " confessed Mr. Presson. "He's got my opinion, but hedoesn't seem to think it's worth much. "

"Well, there's only one thing to do. " stated Harlan, resolutely. "I'llstand up here and let the voters of this district know how I feel aboutit. I've got my own rights in this thing, grandfather or nograndfather. "

"Harlan, my boy!" The State chairman laid his hand protestingly on theyoung man's arm. "You've got my sympathy in regard to your going to thelegislature in this fashion. But let me say something to you. ThelismerThornton is standing here to-day putting up as pretty a political fightas I ever looked on. I hope he'll change his mind about sending you. I'll talk with him again. But if you lift one finger now when he's gothis back against the wall you'll be a disgrace to your family. Take thatfrom me. You'd better hop on your horse and ride off where the air isbetter. "

After a moment of sombre reflection the young man swung himself to theback of his horse and galloped away. The look that he got from hisgrandfather when he departed did not enlighten or reassure him. 

The little square of the town house was pretty well cleared by thistime. The voters had crowded into the hall. One of the last men to passthe Duke hesitated on the stairs and came back. He was a short, chunky, very much troubled gentleman. He had slunk rather than walked past. Hecame back with the air known as "meeching. "

"I'm afraid you're going to misunderstand me, Mr. Thornton. "

The Duke offered no opinion. 

"I hardly know how to go to work to explain myself in this matter, "faltered the apologist. 

"Considering that I got your appropriation for your seminary doubledlast session in the stingiest year since the grasshoppers ate up Egypt, I should think you'd find it just a little troublesome convincing methat Enoch Dudley has got any claim over my interests so far's you'reconcerned. What's the matter with you, Professor?"

He invited the State chairman toward them by a toss of his head. Histone had been severe, but there was humor in his eyes. 

"This is Principal Tute, of the Canibas Seminary, Luke. You remember thecussing I got from the Finance Committee for holding up the bill till Igot the Professor's appropriation doubled. He's trying to tell me howmuch obliged he is. "

Mr. Tute looked very miserable. 

"I've always said you were the best man this district ever had in thelegislature. I've stood up and said that in the open, Mr. Thornton. You're an institution down to the capitol. When there was talk of achange for the sake of reform--and you know I'm teaching reformprinciples in my school, Mr. Thornton, " he hastened on desperately; "I'mteaching sociological principles in accordance with the advancedmovement, and if I don't practice what I preach I'm false to my pupils, and--"

"You're going to vote against me to-day, are you, Tute?"

"I've said right along we ought to bear with you so long as you livedand wanted to be elected. "

"Like the seven years' itch, eh?"

"But you are trying to make us mere serfs in politics by dictating ourchoice, and what I teach of the principles of democracy--"

Thornton tapped the little man on the shoulder. 

"What they've done, Tute, is come up here with a dose to fit the palateof every one of you fellows, and you don't know enough to understandthat you're being handled. You're going to vote against me, are you?"

"I call on this gentleman to witness that I say you're the best man forthe place. You're able, you're efficient, and you have done an immenseamount of good for your constituents, and you--"

"But you won't vote for me to-day, eh?" reiterated the old man, pitilessly. 

Mr. Tute started again on his line of fulsome praise, but the Dukechecked him brusquely. 

"That will do, Professor Tute. I like cake. I like it frosted. But I'llbe d--d if I want it all frosting. Run up into the hall. Come along, Luke. We'll miss the text if we don't get in. "

The last of the stragglers followed them up the stairs. 

CHAPTER VI

A CAUCUS, AND HOW IT WAS RUN

The earlier arrivals had pushed the settees of the Fort Canibas townhall to one side. They were piled against an end wall. There were notenough of them to furnish seats for that mob. For that matter, votersseemed to have no inclination to sit down that day. There was barelyenough standing-room when all had entered the hall. 

Through them, friends and foes jostling each other, the Duke took hisleisurely way. Presson was close behind him. 

The rostrum, elevated a few feet above the main floor, was enclosed byboarding that came almost to the shoulders of those who stood within. Thornton, arrived at the front of the hall, put his shoulders againstthe boarding, shoved his hands into his trousers pockets, and gazed intothe faces of his constituents. He was still amiable. But Presson sulked. It was hot in there, and the proletariat was unkempt and smoked ranktobacco. 

"It's worth your while just the same, Luke, " advised Thornton, in anundertone. He was conscious of the chairman's disgust, and it amusedhim. "They're going to have real caucuses in this State this year, theytell me. And this seems to be a nice little working model of the realthing. Better study it. It'll give you points on 'popular unrest, ' asthe newspapers are calling it. "

The men in the pen above them were having an animated discussion. Theywere the members of the town committee. Thornton craned his neck andlooked up at them. One of his loyal friends was there. 

"What's the matter, Tom? Why not call to order?"

The man gave him a cautious wink before replying. 

"There don't seem to be any copy of the call here, Squire. Some of 'emsays we'll waive the reading of it. I say no. I say we don't want anyholler to go out that this caucus wasn't run regular. "

"It's only a 'technetical' point, anyway, " protested one of thedisputants. 

"Well, I wouldn't allow too many of those 'technetical' points to get byin a caucus that you're ready to advertise under your reform headlines, "advised the Duke. He settled himself against the boarding again. "Bettergive us straight work, boys. "

It was not a threat. But it operated as effectually. A member of thetown committee rapped for silence, and explained the situation rathershamefacedly. He asked the voters to be patient until the call could beprepared in the regular way. 

"And now comes War Eagle Niles to help us kill time, " observed Thornton. The agitator was pushing toward them. Men were urging him forward. Itwas evident that baiting their autocrat had become the favoritediversion of Fort Canibas' voters that day. 

"Perhaps it was all right once for politicians to lead people by thenose, but it ain't all right now, " stated Niles, as soon as he hadsquirmed into a favorable position for attack. "People didn't know, once. They didn't have newspapers, nor grange discussions, norlecturers, nor anything to keep 'em posted. They let themselves be led. "

"Don't let yourself be led, Ivus. You're more interesting as you arenow, bolting with your head and tail up. But I wonder whether you knowjust what it was you shied at?"

"Know? You bet I know!" shouted the demagogue. "How about taxes? I'mpaying more to-day on my little farm out back there than you're payingon a whole township of your wild lands. And don't you suppose I know howit's all arranged?"

"Why, Ivus, I suppose the chaps that have paid you to go around thisdistrict shooting your mouth off about 'tyrants' have supplied you withplenty of ammunition. Go ahead! I'd like to know how it was arranged, according to their notions. "

"Who was that man that drove up to your house this morning in his devilmachine, that cost more than my whole stand of farm buildings twiceover--that man that's standing there beside you now, sneering at thevoters of this State that he's been teaming? That's the Honor'blePresson. He's chairman of the State Committee. He runs the big hoteldown to the capital city. And where does he get money to buy automobileswith? I know. It's out of selling rum over his bar--and there's a law inthe State constitution that makes selling rum a jail offence. But youdon't see him in jail, do you?"

Astonishment that changed to fury nearly paralyzed the honorablechairman's tongue while Niles proceeded that far. When he did find hisvoice to protest, the War Eagle turned from him to the Duke like one whofinds a weapon in each hand and becomes reckless. 

"And no one sees you coming up and paying taxes on what you're reallyworth. It's all: 'You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours!' among thebig fellows in this State. You can break all the laws you want to ifyou're in the right ring. And it's going to have a stop put to it!"

"Go ahead, Ivus!" encouraged his object of attack. 

"If she's as sick as all that, she needs medicine quick. Get out yourdose. "

"The people is going to be reckoned with now, " declaimed Niles, banginghis knotted fist against the boarding. 

"You mean of course The People--spelled with a capital T and a capitalP, the same as you see it in those reform newspapers you've mentioned!Now, boys, I want you all to listen to me just one moment. You know I'mno hand to make speeches. But just let's talk this over. It'll take onlya jiffy. There's a little time to kill while we're getting this caucusstarted _regular_. Now, some of these newspaper editors, who never getanywhere out of their offices except home to dinner, are writing a lotjust now about THE PEOPLE--in capital letters, understand! Talking about'em like as though they were a great force in politics--always organizedand ready to support reform. Only needed to be called on. Fellows likeIvus here, that read and read and never bump up next to real thingsoutside, get to think that The People make up an angel band that's allready to march right up to the ballot-box and vote for just the rightthing. Only have to be called on!"

The voters were crowding closer and listening. There was a half-smile onhis face while he talked. He was not patronizing. But he took them intohis confidence with simple directness. 

"Boys, I don't know where you'll go to find that angel band!"

"The people of this State are gettin' woke up enough to know!" cried avoice. The man stepped forward. It was Davis. "I say to you again, Mr. Thornton, don't put us all on the plane of Ivus Niles. "

The Duke was not ruffled by the interruption. 

"Walt, I've been in politics a good many years. I was in the House inthis State when Jim Blaine was there reporting for his newspaper. Iwant to tell you that when you get next to the real thing in politicsyou'll find that this people thing--the capital-letter idea--is a dream. Yes, it is, now! Don't undertake to dispute me! Here in one town you'llfind a man or a set of men handling a bunch. A county clique handlesanother one. Some especial local interest makes this crowd vote one way;same thing will make another bunch in another town mad and they'll voteagainst it. It's all factions and self-interest, and you can't make itover into anything different. That's practical politics. Get out andyou'll see it for yourself. You can swap and steer--that's politics. Butas for uniting 'em into The People--well, try to weld a cat's tail and atallow candle, and see how you get along!"

"It's high time we had less politics, then, " cried Davis, "when politicslets the picked and chosen get rich selling rum or dodging taxes, andtakes a poor man and pestles his head into the mortar till every cent isbanged out of his pocket!"

"Davis, I'm patient with ramrodders when they're having an acute attacklike you're having. It's the chronic cases I get after, the ones who arein it for profit, and have been poking you fellows up because they'repaid for doing it. All of a sudden all of you are yapping at me becauseI've played the game. I'm talking business with you now. I suppose Imight spread-eagle to you about our grand old State, and the call ofduty and the noble principles of reform; I might fly up on this fencehere and crow just as loud as any of those reform roosters, and not haveany more sense in what I was saying than they do. I see you've gothungry for that revival hoorah. But I'm not going to perch and crow forthe sake of getting three cheers! I'm going to stay right down here onthe gravel with you, boys, and scratch a few times, and show you a fewkernels, and cluck a little business talk. This district--you and yourfolks before you--has been sending me to the legislature for a good manyyears. I'm an ordinary man, and I've been against ordinary men downthere at the State House. I should have played the game different withangels, but I couldn't find the angels. "

He pointed through a window to a large building that occupied a hilltopjust outside the village. 

"Half the counties in the State were after that training seminary, " hewent on. "I beat the lobby, and got it. How much money do you and yourneighbors make boarding the scholars? I have pulled out State money formore than a thousand miles of State roads in this county. I got theState to pay every cent of the expense of that iron bridge across theriver. I lugged off bigger appropriations for my district than any otherman who has been in the House--because I know the ropes and have thepull. I could have played angel, and not brought home a plum. Would thatsuit you?"

"I ain't detracting from what you got for us. But while you was dippingwith your right hand for us, you was dipping with your left hand foryourself and them that trained with you, " retorted Davis. 

"And I wasn't to take any ordinary, human, business precautions aboutlooking out for myself in any way, then?"

"You wasn't supposed to be representing yourself down there. "

"For one hundred and fifty dollars every two years, and my mileage, Iwas to give up all my own business and my interests, and play statesman, pure and holy, for you up here? Refuse to help those men down there whohelped me when I wanted something, and go down in the rotunda twice aday and thumb my nose at the portraits of the fathers of the Statebecause they played politics in their time? That what you wanted me todo?"

"I've only got this to say, " retorted Mr. Davis, afraid to argue:"You're proposing to jam your grandson down our throats, now that you'vemade your pile and got tired. You're going to have a man from thisdistrict that will do what you say and keep on flimflamming the people. I and them with me say no, and we'll show you as much in the caucusto-day. "

"For the sake of having your own stubborn way--like most of the othersthat are howling about 'The People' in this State just now--you areready to tip over this district's apple-cart, are you? Is that what youare trying to do? You take what I have given you, legislation and moneythat I've paid for labor in this section, and then propose to kick mypride in the tenderest place? I'll show you, Davis!"

"Well, show! We ain't a mite scared. "

For some moments the throng in the town hall had shown waning interestin this discussion. There seemed to be matters outside that distractedthe attention of those near the windows. 

"There's a fire up Jo Quacca way!" called some one. The windows of townhall were high and uncurtained. All could see. Smoke, ominous andyellow, ballooned in huge volumes across the blue sky of the June day. 

"There ain't no bonfire in that, gents, " declared a man. "That fire hasgot a start, and if it's in that slash from that logging operation, itain't going to be put out with no pint dipperful. "

There was sudden hush in the big room. All men were gazing at themounting masses that rolled into the heavens and blossomed bodefullyover the wooded hills. Fat clouds of the smoke hung high and motionless. From the earth went up to them whirls and spirals and billowingdischarges like smoke from noiseless artillery. 

A man had climbed upon a window-sill of the hall in order to see moreclearly. 

"I tell you, boys, " he shouted, "that's a racin' fire, and it's in thatJo Quacca slash! I, for one, have got a stand of buildin's in front ofthat fire. "

He jumped down and started for the door. Several men followed him. 

The chairman of the town committee began to shake a paper above hishead. 

"It's no time to be leaving a caucus, " he pleaded. "We've fixed up a newcall. We'll get down to business now. "

"I know where my business is just this minute!" shouted the man who wasleading the first volunteers. "And it ain't in politics. "

The chairman tried to put a motion to adjourn, but at that moment themeeting-house bell began to clang its alarm. 

"Save your property, you Jo Quacca fellows!" some one cried, and thecrowd stampeded. 

Thornton remained in his place in front of the rostrum. He noted whowere running away. The deserters were the back-district voters--theopposition among whom his enemies had prevailed. The villagers remained. Here and there among them walked Talleyrand Sylvester. He wasunobtrusive and he spoke low, but he was earnest. 

When at last the chairman made his voice heard, Ivus Niles was shoutingfor recognition. That stern patriot had remained on guard. 

"Maybe my house is burning, gents, but I ain't going to desert my postof duty till a square deal has been given. I call on you to adjourn thiscaucus till evening. "

"Question!" was the chorus that assailed the chairman. The villagerscrowded around the rostrum. 

The motion to adjourn was voted down with a viva voce vote there was nodisputing. 

"It ain't just nor right!" squalled the War Eagle. "I'm here toprotest! You ain't giving the voters a show! This thing shan't be bulledthrough this way!"

But that caucus was out of the hands of Mr. Niles and such as he, thoughsome of the staunchest of Thornton's opposition had remained to fight. 

Sylvester elbowed his way to the front, his followers at his back. 

"I move, Mr. Chairman, that the check-list be dispensed with. It ain'tever been used in this caucus, anyway. And I'm in favor of hustling thisthing so that we can all get up there and fight that fire. I don'tbelieve in staying here caucusing, and let folks' property burn up. "

The opposition howled their wrath. They understood all the hypocrisy ofthis bland assertion, but protest amounted to nothing. The voters werebehind Sylvester. That gentleman promptly put in nomination the name ofHarlan Thornton for representative to the legislature from the Canibasclass of towns and plantations, and the choice was affirmed by a yellthat made the protesting chorus seem only a feeble chirp. And then thecaucus adjourned tumultuously. 

Through it all Thelismer Thornton stood with shoulders against theboarding, that quizzical half-smile on his face. He walked out of thehall past the outraged Ivus Niles without losing that smile, though thedemagogue followed him to the door with frantic threats and taunts. 

The meeting-house bell still chattered its alarm, an excited ringerrolling the wheel over and over. 

Chairman Presson, who had found speech inadequate for some time, followed the Duke to the stairway outside, and stood beside him, gazingup at the conflagration. Smoke masked the hills. Fire-flashes, pallid inthe afternoon light, shot up here and there in the yellow billowsrolling nearest the ground. 

"I tell you, Thelismer, you'll never get across with this! It's toodevilish rank!"

Elder Dudley marched past, leading the last stragglers of his followingfrom the hall. His face was flushed with passion, but he had neitherword nor look for the Duke. Even Niles was silent, bringing up the rearof the retreat, pumped dry of invective. 

"You'll be up against Dudley, there, at the polls, running on anindependent ticket. He's sure to do it!" went on Presson, watching themout of sight. 

"You don't know the district, " said Thornton, serenely. "And what's moreimportant, I've got almost three months to meet that possibility in. Ihad only three hours to-day. You needn't worry about the election, Luke. "

With his eyes still on the seething smoke vomiting up from the Jo Quaccahills he lighted a fresh cigar. 

"There's something up there that's worrying me more. Cobb has got fireenough to break up a State convention. "

Certain columns of smoke shot up, bearing knobs like hideous mushrooms. The knobs were black with cinders and spangled with sparks. The menacethey bore could be descried even at that distance. A breeze wrenched offone of those knobs, and carried it out from the main conflagration. Theroof of a barn half-way down the hillside began to smoke. Sparks haddropped there. After a time the two men could see trickles of firerunning up the shingles. 

"There goes one stand of buildings, " announced Thornton. 

"I swear, you take this thing cool enough!"

"Well, I'm not a rain-storm or a pipe-line, Luke. There's nothing more Ican do. When Sylvester gets there with his crowd I'll have a hundred menor so of my own fighting it. And if a man sets fire on his land the lawmakes him pay the neighbors if the fire gets away and damages them. I'mprepared to settle without beating down prices. Let's go over to TheBarracks. "

Presson went along grumbling. 

"You ought to have stayed in this fight this year for yourself, Thelismer. There was no need of all this uproar in ticklish times. Aproposition like this makes the general campaign all the harder. " Hekept casting apprehensive glances behind at the swelling smoke-clouds. 

"I'm paying the freight, Luke. "

"There'd have been no fight to it if you'd stayed in yourself. Even yourold whooping cyclone of a Niles, there, said that much. You've gone towork and got your grandson nominated, but between him and the bunch andthat fire up there it looks to me as though your troubles were justbeginning. Say, look here, Thelismer, honest to gad, you're using ourpolitics just to grind your own axes with!"

"And you never heard of anybody except patriots in politics, eh?"

"When you prejudice a State campaign in order to break up aspooning-match and to give your grandson a course of sprouts outside alumbering operation, you're making it a little too personal--and alittle too expensive for all concerned. "

The State chairman had his eyes on the fire again. 

"As far as my business goes--that's _my_ business, " said the Duke, placidly. "As for the expense--well, I never got a great deal of fun outof anything except politics, and politics is always more or lessexpensive. When the bills get in for what has happened to-day I reckonI'll find the job was worth the price. You needn't worry about me, Luke--not about my failing to get my money's worth. For when I walkacross the lobby of the State House, and they can say behind my back, 'There's old Thornton--a gone-by. Got licked in his district!' When theycan say that, Luke, life won't be worth living, not if I've gotthousand-dollar bills enough to wad a forty-foot driving-crew quilt!"

CHAPTER VII

WITH THE KAVANAGH AT HOME

When Harlan Thornton rode away out of the yard of the town house he wasthe bitterest rebel in the Duke's dominions. But he realized fully thefutility of standing there in public and wrangling with his grandfather. 

He understood pretty well the ambitious motive his grandfather had inforcing his will; Thelismer Thornton had urged the matter in the past. It had been the only question in dispute between them. And the young manhad never resented the urgings. He appreciated what his grandfatherhoped to accomplish for the only one who bore his name. But thishigh-handed attempt to shanghai him into politics outraged hisindependence. His protests had been unheeded. The old man had not evengranted him an interview in private, where he could plead his own case. In business matters they had been co-workers, intimate on the level ofpartnership, with the grandfather asking for and obeying the suggestionsthe grandson made. On a sudden Harlan felt that he hardly knew this oldman, who had shown himself contemptuous, harsh, and domineering. Andthen he thought of the girl who had been so grievously insulted in hispresence, and he rode to find her. 

His way took him across the long bridge that spanned the river. Theriver marked the boundary-line of his country. After that day's taste ofthe politics of his native land he felt a queer sense of relief when hefound himself on foreign soil. 

Beyond the little church and its burying-ground, with the tall cross inits centre, the road led up the river hill to the edge of the forest. Here was set Dennis Kavanagh's house, its back to the black growth, staring sullenly with its little windows out across the cleared farms ofthe river valley. 

To one who knew Kavanagh it seemed to typify his attitude toward theworld. He had seen other men clutching and grabbing. He had clutched andgrabbed with the best of them. When one deals with squatter claims, taxtitles, forgotten land grants and other complications that tie up thepublic domain, it often happens that the man who waits for the right toprevail finds the more unscrupulous and impetuous rival in possession, and claiming rather more than the allowed nine points at that. So DennisKavanagh had played the game as the others had played it. When onelooked up at the house, with its back against the woods, staring withits surly window-eyes, one saw the resoluteness of the intrenchedKavanagh put into visible form. 

The dogs came racing to meet Harlan. They knew him as their mistress'sfriend. 

She was sitting on the broad porch-rail when he rode up, and he swunghis horse close and patted her cheek as one greets a child. She smiledwistfully at him. 

"Am I impudent, and all the things your grandfather said? I've beenthinking it all over, Big Boy, as I was riding home. "

"You're only a little girl, and he talked to you as he'd talk to one ofour lumber-jacks, " he burst out, angrily. "It was shameful, Clare. Inever saw my grandfather as he was to-day. He has used me just asshamefully. "

"I suppose I haven't had the bringing up a girl ought to have, " sheconfessed. "I haven't thought much about it before. There was nothingever happened to make me think about it. I was just Dennis Kavanagh'sgirl, without any mother to tell me better. I suppose it has been wrongfor me to ride about with you. But you didn't have any mother and Ididn't have any mother, and it--it sort of seemed to make us--I don'tknow how to say it, Big Boy! But it seemed to make us related--just asthough I had a brother to keep me company. I suppose it has been wrongwhen you look at it the way girls have to look at such things. "

He gazed on her compassionately. A few ruthless words had broken thespell of childhood. 

There was shame in her eyes as she gazed up at him. He had seen theflush of youth and joy in her cheeks before--he had seen the happy colorcome and go as they had met and parted. But this hue that crept up overcheeks and brow made pity grow in him. 

"He said--but you know what he said! And it isn't true. You know itisn't true. He shamed and insulted me because I'm a girl--and can't agirl have a friend that's tender and good to her?"

"A girl can, " he said, gravely, "because I'm that friend, Clare. Perhapsmy grandfather cannot understand. But I'll see that he does. We are tohave some very serious talk together, he and I. I'm here to tell you, little girl, that I'm grateful because you sent that message into thewoods to me. I'm not going to allow myself to be made a fool of in anysuch fashion; I'm not going to be sent to the legislature. "

"Oh, I've been thinking--thinking how it sounded--all that I said, " shemourned. "It all came to me as I was riding home--after what yourgrandfather said. I didn't realize what kind of a girl I must seem tofolks that didn't know. But you know. It sounded as though I wasclaiming you for myself, when I didn't want you to go away. I'mashamed--ashamed!" She averted her eyes from him. The crimson in hercheeks was deeper. It was a vandal hand that had wrecked the littleshrine of her childhood. His indignation against Thelismer Thorntonblazed higher. 

But Dennis Kavanagh knew how to be even more brutal, for that was DennisKavanagh's style of attack. He came out upon the porch, a broad, stockychunk of a man, with eyebrows sticking up like the horns on a snail, andthe eyes beneath them keen with humor of the grim and pitiless sort. 

"And how do you do to-day, Harlan Thornton?" he asked. "And how is thatold gorilla of a grandfather of yours? Though you needn't tell me, for Idon't want to know--not unless you can lighten me up a bit by telling methat he's enjoying his last sickness. But right now while I think of it, I have something to say to you, young Thornton, sir. "

The young man stared hard at him. It was an unwonted tone for Kavanaghto employ. Clare's father, till now, had not included Harlan in his feudwith the grandfather. He had always treated him with a brusqueness thathad a sort of good-humor beneath it. His discourse with the young manhad been curt and satiric and infrequent, and consisted usually in mockmessages of defiance which he asked to have delivered by word of mouthto the grandfather. But his tone now was crisp and it had a straightbusiness ring. 

"My girl will be sixteen to-morrow. She is done with childhood to-day. Children may ride cock-horse and play ring-around-a-rosy. I haven'tdrawn any particular line on playfellows up to now. But there isn'tgoing to be any playing at love, sir. "

"I never have played at love with your daughter!" cried Harlan, shockedand indignant at this sudden attack. 

"Well, I'm fixing it so you won't. We won't argue about what hashappened, nor we won't discuss what might happen. All is, I don'tpropose to have any grandson of old Thornton mixed up in my family. Idon't like the breed. You take that word back to him. I hear he's beenmaking talk. He made some talk to-day. You needn't look at Clare, youngman. She didn't tell me. But it came across to me mighty sudden. Othersheard, too. What I ought to do is go over there and stripe his oldYankee hide with a horsewhip. But you tell him for me that that would betaking too much stock in anything that a politician in yourpolitics-ridden States could say. That's all. You've got it, blunt andstraight. And, by-the-way, I understand he's making a politician out ofyou, too, to-day? I'm taking this thing just in time!"

The young man and the girl looked at each other. It was a pitiful, appealing glance that they exchanged. Shame surged in both of them. Inthat gaze, also, was mutual apology for the ruthless ones who had dealtsuch insult that day in their hearing; there was hopelessness that anywords from them to each other, just then, could help the situation. Andin that gaze, too, there was proud denial, from one to the other, thatanything except friendship, the true, honest comradeship of youth, haddrawn them together. 

Kavanagh eyed them with grim relish. The thought that he was harryingone of the Thorntons overbore any consideration he felt for hisdaughter, even if he stopped to think that her affection was anythingexcept the silliness of childhood. 

"Politics seems to be a good side-line for the Thornton family, "Kavanagh remarked, maliciously. "If you can start where your grandfatheris leaving off, you ought to be something big over in your countrybefore you die!"

"I'm not interested in politics, Mr. Kavanagh, nor in my grandfather'squarrels with you. "

"I am, though! Interested enough to advise you to keep to your own sideof that river!"

"I'll admit that you have the right to advise your daughter about thefriends she makes. But I don't grant you the privilege of insulting mebefore her face and eyes by putting wrong constructions on ourfriendship. "

"Meaning that you're going to keep up this dilly-dally business whetherI allow you to or not?"

It was a cruel question at that moment. The girl was looking at him withher heart in her eyes. He had understood her pledge of loyalty given amoment before. Youth is not philosophic. She would misunderstandanything except loyalty in return. 

"Going to court my daughter, are you, according to the Thornton style ofgrabbing anything in sight that they want?"

"Say, look here, Mr. Kavanagh, " declared the young man, hotly, "I'm notgoing to answer any such questions. But I'm going to tell you something, and I'm going to tell it to you straight and right here where yourdaughter can hear me. I'm not the kind that goes around making love toany father's daughter behind his back. I've never made love to yourdaughter. Why, man she's only a child! And don't you give me any moresneers about it. That's man to man--understand? And I'm not going to letyou nor my grandfather or any one else break up the innocent friendshipbetween my little playmate here and myself. Now I hope you'll take thatin the way I mean it. If you don't, it's your fault. " He had spoken toanswer the appeal in her eyes. 

He had backed his horse away so that he could face Kavanagh on the stepsof the porch. The girl leaped down from the rail, her face alight, andran to him and patted his hand. 

"By Saint Mike, do you think you'll tell me how to run my house?"demanded Kavanagh. He came down the steps. "I'll build a coffin for youand a cage for her before that!"

"You stay where you are, father!" She faced him with spirit. "You haveinsulted me worse than you've insulted Harlan. You needn't worry aboutmy going behind your back to make love to any one. But you shall notbreak up the dearest friendship I ever had. "

This was the Clare Kavanagh who had bearded even Thelismer Thornton thatday--the imperious young beauty that the country-side knew. Her fatherhad often tested that spirit before, and had allowed her to dominate, secretly proud that she was truly his own in violence of temper and indetermination to have her own way. But just now he was lacking thattolerantly humorous mood which usually gave in to her. 

"To the devil with your fiddle-de-dee friendship!" he shouted. "You'resixteen, you young Jezebel; and you--you're old enough to know better, Thornton. I know what it's leading to, and it ain't going further. I'llnot stand here and argue with you. But if you come meddling in my familyafter what I've said, you'll get hurt, young man. "

"That's right--we won't argue the question, " Thornton retorted. "There'snothing to argue. You know where I stand in the matter, little girl. That's all there is to it, so far as we're concerned. I'm going now. Ithink I'm ready for that, talk with my grandfather. "

He took leave of her with a frank handclasp. Kavanagh glowered, but didnot comment. 

When Harlan whirled his horse he saw the conflagration on the Jo Quaccahills. 

He gasped something like an oath. "There goes the slash on ouroperation!" he said, aloud. 

"Your grandfather must have got you into politics in good shape by thistime, " observed Kavanagh, sarcastically. "At any rate, he seems to becelebrating with a good big bonfire. "

At that moment the three of them beheld the farm buildings burst intoflame. 

"Offering up sacrifices, too!" commented the satirist. "Seems to me, Thornton, you ought to be there. They'll be calling for three cheers anda speech!"

In one heartsick moment Thornton realized that this raging fire hadsomething to do with the political affairs of that day. He had seen"Whispering" Urban Cobb at "The Barracks" in the forenoon, and knew thathe had led away a crowd of woodsmen for some purpose of his own. Justwhat a dangerous conflagration on the Jo Quacca hills could accomplishin relation to that caucus, Harlan did not stop to ponder. He could seethat a fire was rioting over his lands, and destroying the property ofothers. His horse had already begun to leap for the highway, but thegirl cried after him so beseechingly that he reined the animal back. 

"Just one moment, Harlan! A little instant! I haven't unsaddled Zeroyet. Wait!" She whistled, and the horse came cantering. The hounds, seeing him, leaped and gave tongue understandingly. "I'm going withyou, " she declared, swinging to her saddle. 

Her father came down off the steps, running at her. "No, you're not, youwild banshee. What did I just tell you?"

"You told me that children may ride cock-horse--and I'm not sixteen tillto-morrow!" she cried, jumping her horse just as her father's clutchingfingers touched his bridle. She was out in the road before Harlan'shorse had picked up his heels. She swung her little whip above her head. 

"Come on, Big Boy!" she urged at the top of her voice, crying above theclamor of the racing dogs. "We're playfellows to-day, and I can't fallin love till to-morrow!" The last words she lilted mockingly, flashing alook backward at Dennis Kavanagh. 

The old man did not shift his attitude, fingers curved to clutch, armsextended, until he heard the tattoo of their horses' hoofs on the longbridge. 

"Maybe Brian Boru might have been proud of her for a daughter, " hemuttered, as he trudged back up the steps, "but I'll be dammed if I knowwhether I am or not!"

CHAPTER VIII

THE MANTLE OF THELISMER THORNTON

The fire on the Jo Quacca hills was checked at nightfall. Two hundredbeaters and trenchers managed to fight it back and hold it in leash tofeed on the slash of the timber operation. But, like a tiger confined inits cage, it had reached out through its bars and claimed victims. Threestands of farm buildings were in ruins. 

Harlan Thornton, sooty and weary, left the fire-line as soon as he knewthat the monster had been subdued. He rode about to reassure the ownersthat their losses would be made up by himself and his grandfather. 

"Keep away from the lawyers, " he counselled the losers. "They'll gethalf the money out of you if you hire them. We'll settle afterappraisal. "

The men that he talked to seemed sullen in spite of his assurances. Theyseemed to be repressing taunts or reproaches merely in consideration ofthe fact that he was holding the purse-strings. He noted this demeanor, and feared to ask questions. 

Clare Kavanagh rode with him; she had not left his side, even when heled his crews into perilous places and entreated her to keep back. 

And they rode away together down the long stretch of highway from thehills to the village. Behind them, against the dusk, glowed the red, last signals of the dying fires: tree-trunks upraised like smoulderingtorches, the timbers of the falling buildings tumbling from their propsand sending up showers of sparks. A pale sliver of new moon made the redof the fires even more baleful, and the two who rode together lookedback and felt the obsession of something they had never experiencedbefore. 

"I am unhappy, Big Boy, " sighed the girl. "We have never come back fromour rides like this. "

"It has been a wicked day for both of us, child. "

"And you cannot call me child after to-day--so my father says. " Hervoice was still plaintive, but there was a hint of the old mischiefthere. "I'll be sixteen to-morrow--and I didn't know until to-day thatI'd be so sorry that it is so. Ever since I was ten I've been wishing Icould be eighteen without waiting for the years. But I don't know, now, Harlan. It seemed as though I'd be getting more out of living. I thoughtso. " Tears were in her voice now. "It seems as though I'd grown up allof a sudden; and things aren't beautiful and happy and--and as they usedto be--not any more! I've lost something, Harlan. And if growing up islosing so much, I don't want to grow up. "

He listened indulgently and understood this protest of the child. Theirhorses walked slowly side by side, and the tired hounds trailed afterthem. 

"The grown-ups do lose a lot of things out of life, little girl--thingsthat mean a great deal in childhood. But keep your heart open, and otherthings will come. "

"Perhaps when I get to be twenty-four years old and as big as you are Ican talk that way, and believe it, too. But just now I'm only a girlthat doesn't believe she's grown up, even if they do tell her so, andtell her she mustn't be a playmate any longer. And you are not to ridewith me any more, and you are not to come to my house nor may I come toyours. That's what they say. What are we to do, then?"

She cried her question passionately. He had no answer ready. Platitudeswould not do for this child, he reflected, and to lecture her then evenon the A B C's of the social code would be wounding her ingenuous faith. 

"If this is the way it all turns out, and I can't have your friendshipany longer, what is it that you're going to do or I'm going to do?" sheinsisted. "That's losing too much, just because one is grown up. "

Tenderness surged in his heart toward this motherless girl--tendernessin which there was a new quality. But he had no answer for her justthen. He did not understand his own emotions. He was as unsophisticatedas she in the affairs of the heart. His man's life of the woods had kepthim free from women. His friendship with this child, their rides, theircompanionship, had been almost on the plane of boy with boy; hercharacter invited that kind of intimacy. 

And so he wondered what to say; for her demand had been explicit, andshe demanded candor in return. 

At that moment he welcomed the appearance of even Ivus Niles. That sootyprophet of ill appeared around a bend in the read ahead. The twilightshrouded him, but there was no mistaking his stove-pipe hat and hisfrock-coat. He was leading his buck sheep, and the hounds rushed forwardclamorously. Niles stopped in the middle of the road, and let themfrolic about him and his emblematic captive. 

"The dogs won't hurt you, Niles, " Harlan assured him, spurring forward. 

"I ain't afraid of dogs, I ain't afraid of wolves, not after what I'vebeen through with the political Bengal tigers I've been up againstto-day, " Niles assured him, sourly. "And your grandfather is the old heone of the pack. You tell him--"

"You can take your own messages to my grandfather, Niles. " He swung hishorse to pass, the girl at his side, but the War Eagle threw up his handcommandingly. 

"I've got a message for you, yourself, then, and you stay here and takeit. He stole our caucus for you to-day, your grandfather did--"

"You don't mean to say I was nominated!"

"That's too polite a word, Mr. Harlan Thornton. I gave you the right onethe first time. He stampeded our caucus by having that fire set on theJo Quacca hills. Three sets of farm buildings offered up to the gods ofrotten politics! That's a nice kind of sacrifice, Thornton's grandson!It goes well with the crowd you're in with. It will smell well in thenostrils of the people of this State. You ought to be proud of beingmade a lawmaker in that way. "

It was not reproach--it was insult, sneered in the agitator's bitteresttone. 

"The property of three poor toilers of the soil laid flat in ashes, atown terrified by danger rushing down through the heavens like theflight of the war eagle, " shouted Niles, declaiming after his accustomedmanner, "and all to put you into a seat in the State House, where youcan keep stealing the few things that your grandfather ain't had time orstrength to steal! You've had your bonfire and your celebration--now godown and hoist the Star-Spangled Banner over 'The Barracks'--but you'dbetter hoist it Union down!"

Harlan dropped off his horse and strode to Niles. He seized him by theshoulder and shook him roughly, for the man had begun his oratory oncemore. 

"Enough of that, Niles! Was I chosen in the caucus to-day? I want yes orno. "

"Yes--and after three-quarters of the voters had been stampeded to fightthat fire that was sweeping down on their property! And you--"

Harlan pushed him to one side, leaped upon his horse, and rode away. The girl jumped her roan to his side. 

"It's wicked, Harlan, " she gasped, "wicked! I heard him! What are yougoing to do?"

That was another of her questions that he found it hard to answer. "I'mgoing to find my grandfather, Clare, and I'm going in a great hurry. Come, I can't talk now, little girl!"

They galloped down the long hill to the bridge, their horses neck andneck. 

"The last ride as playmates!" she cried, as they started. Her voicebroke, pathetically. He did not reply. He was too furiously angry totrust himself in conversation at that moment, and he rode like a madman, knowing that she could keep pace with him. 

They drew rein at the end of the bridge. 

"It's only a bit of a run for you now, little girl. I'll keep on home. "

She put her hand out to him and held him for a moment. 

"I'm afraid you'll go away to be a big man, after all, Harlan, " shesaid, dolefully. 

"Go in this way? What are you talking about, child?" he demanded, choking, his fury getting possession of him. "I've beendisgraced--abused. I'll--but I mustn't talk to you now--the wicked wordsmight slip out. "

But she would not loose his hand just then. 

"I sent for you to come home because I heard father say that politics iswicked business. But I didn't know it was as wicked as this. It's nowonder they can't get the good men like you to go into it. If they couldit would be better, wouldn't it?"

Even in his distress it occurred to him that out of the mouth of thischild was proceeding quaint and unconscious wisdom. 

"I wish it wasn't wicked, " she went on, wistfully. "I've been thinkingas I rode along that I've been selfish. I'd like to see you a big manlike some of those I've read about. It was selfish of me to say I didn'twant you to get out of the woods and be a big man. "

"I couldn't be one, " he protested. 

"Even a foolish little girl up here in the woods has got faith that youcan--and men who are really big don't forget their old friends. I don'twant you mixed up in any wicked thing, Harlan, but I wouldn't want youto go away from me thinking I was selfish and jealous. That isn't theright kind of a friend for any one to have. I've been thinking it over. "

He stared at her through the dusk. This sudden flash of worldly wisdom, this unselfish loyalty in one so young, rather startled him. 

"That's real grown-up talk, child, " he blurted. 

"Is it?" The wan little flicker of a smile that she mustered broughttears to his eyes. "Maybe it's because I'll be sixteen to-morrow. Good-night, Big Boy!" This new, womanly seriousness was full of infinitepathos. She had not released his hand. She bent forward suddenly, leaning from her saddle, and kissed his cheek. "And good-bye, myplaymate!" she whispered. While his fingers still throbbed with the lastpressure of her hand, the black mouth of the big bridge swallowed her. He listened to the ringing hoof-beats of her horse till sudden silencetold him she had reached the soft soil on the other shore. 

He did not gallop to meet his grandfather. He walked his horse for thelong mile past the scattered houses of the village till he came to "TheBarracks. "

When he was still some distance away he saw in the gloom of the porchthe red coal of the Duke's cigar. Even then he did not rush forward toprotest and denounce. 

He slipped off his horse, and led him toward the porch. But before hecould speak his grandfather hailed him. 

"Run in to your supper, bub. The boys are holding it hot for you. Lukeand I were too hungry to wait. "

"I can't eat now--not with what's on _my_ mind. "

"Oh, bub--bub! Run along with you! There's plenty of time for talk. I'llbe here when you come out. Get something to eat, now! That's a goodboy!"

Somehow he couldn't begin the attack just then. That tone was tooaffectionate, too matter-of-fact. And even then his hand seemed to feelthe pressure of the little fingers that had released him at the bridge, and the choking feeling was still in his throat. 

He gave his horse over to the hostler, and went into the house. 

The lamp in the old mess-room thrust its beams only a little way intothe gloom. It shone over the table and left the corners dark. The cookeebrought the food from the kitchen, poured the tea, and then wiped hishands briskly on his canvas apron. 

"I want to shake with you, Mr. Harlan!" He put out his hand, so franklyconfident that he was doing the proper thing that the young man graspedit. "It was done to 'em good and proper. They tried to pull too hot akittle out of the bean-hole that time--sure they did! I congratulateyou! I knowed you'd get into politics some day. "

Harlan pulled his hand away, and began to eat. 

"Served up hot to 'em--that mess was, " chuckled the cookee, on the easyterms of the familiar in the household. "Nothing like a rousin' fire ifyou're going to make the political pot bile in good shape. "

He chuckled significantly. 

The man pushed the food nearer, for Harlan did not seem to be takingmuch interest in his supper. 

"I suppose you'll be boardin' at Mr. Presson's hotel when you get downto the legislature. I had a meal there once. They certainly do put it upfine. Say, Mr. Harlan, what do you say? Can't you use your pull, and getme a job as waiter or something down there for the session? Excuse mefor gettin' at it so quick, but I thought I'd hop in ahead of therush--they'll all be after you for something, now that you'renominated. "

The young man could not discuss with this cheerful suppliant hisindignant resolve not to be a legislator. 

"You'll have to stay home here and look after Grandfather Thornton, Bob, " he hedged. 

"Oh, thunder! He's goin' right down to spend the winter with you. Wastellin' Mr. Presson so when they et just now. Said you'd be needin' asteerin' committee of just his bigness!"

Harlan got up and kicked his chair from under him. It went over with aclatter. To his infinite relief he had suddenly recovered some of thatwrathful determination that Ivus Niles's sneers had given him earlier inthe evening. 

Thelismer Thornton heard him coming. 

"Pretty heavy on his heels, the boy is!" he observed to the Statechairman. "He's been licking his dander around in a circle till he'sgot it rearing. "

The young man halted, erect before his grandfather, but again the oldman got in the first word. 

"I'm going to give you all the time to talk in you want, bub. I was alittle short with you to-day, when I was stirred up, but no more ofthat! Say all you want to. And I'm going to give you a little adviceabout starting in. Now--now--now! Hold on. I know just how you feel. Idon't blame you for feeling that way. But it had to be done just as Idid it--all of it! Now you ought to start in with me just the way SolLurchin was advised to when he wanted to tackle Cola Jordan, who haddone him on a horse-trade. Sol went to old Squire Bain, and says he tothe Squire, 'I want to stay inside the law in this. I don't want him toget no legal hold on me. But I want to talk to him. Now, what'll I sayso's to give him what's comin' and still be legal?' 'Well, ' says oldSquire, rubbing his hands together, 'you've got to start easy, you know. You want to start easy, so's to make the climax worth something. Now, let's see! Well, suppose you walk up to him and say, "You spawn of thepike-eyed sneak that Herod hired to kill babies, you low-down, contemptible son of a body-snatcher, you was born a murderer, but lackedthe courage and became a horse-thief!" There, Sol, start in easy likethat and gradually work up to a climax, and you'll have him going--andall inside the law. Two dollars, please!'"

The Duke leaned back in his chair and nested his head in his big hands. He gazed up meekly at his chafing grandson. 

"Start in easy, bub, like that, and work up to your climax. I know justhow you feel!"

But just at that moment the chairman of the State Committee was laughingtoo loudly for any dignified protest to be heard. 

"For some reason, grandfather, you seem all at once to have taken me asa subject for a practical joke, " said the young man, stiffly. Theinterlude had taken the sharp edge off his indignation, but he was stillbitter. "It may seem a joke to you. To me it seems insult andpersecution. I have attended to business, I've worked hard and mademoney for both of us. To-day you've held me up before this section to belaughed at by some and hated by the rest. I'm glad I've had half an hourto think it over since I first heard about what happened in that caucus. I won't say the things to you I intended to say. I'll simply say this:I'm going to write a letter declining this nomination. I'm going topublish that letter. And I'm going to say in that letter that I willnot take any office that isn't come at honestly. "

"Harlan, sit down. " His feet had been in one of the porch chairs. Hepushed it toward his grandson. The young man sat down. 

"You don't know much about the practical end of politics, do you?"

"I do not. "

"You'll allow that I do?"

"You seem to, if that's what you call this sort of business that hasbeen going on here to-day. "

"Bub, look at the thing from my standpoint for just one moment. I'llconsider it from yours, too--you needn't worry. I want you to besomething in this world besides a lumber-jack. You've got the rightstuff in you. I tried argument with you. You'll have to own up that Idid. It didn't work--now, did it?"

"I told you I didn't want to get into politics. I don't want to get in. I don't like the company. "

"Politics is all right, Harlan, when the right men are in. You are thekind the people are calling for these days. You're clean, straight, open-minded, and--"

"Clean and straight! And the people are calling for me!" The young manbroke in wrathfully. "You say that to me after the sort of a caucus yousprung to-day? If that's what you consider a call from the people, Idon't want to be called that way. "

"It was a call, but it had to be _shaded_ by _politics_ a little, "returned the Duke, serenely. 

"If a good man is going into politics, he can go in square. "

"Sometimes. But not when the opposition is out to do him with everydirty trick that's laid down in the back of the political almanac. "

"If you wanted to start me, and start me fair and right, why didn't youlet my name go before that caucus to-day, and then hold off your hands?"

"Because if I had you'd have stood about the same chance as a worsteddog chasing an asbestos cat through hell. Look here, bub, I wish I hadthe time; I'd like to tell you how most of the good men I know got theirstart in politics. You can be a statesman after you've got your head upwhere the sun can shine on it, but you've got to be touching ground tokeep your head up. And if you're touching ground in politics, you'llfind that your shoes are muddy--and you can't help it. "

The grandson did not reply. Thornton relighted his cigar. The flare ofthe match showed disgust and stubbornness in the features opposite. 

"You know Enoch Dudley as well as I do, Harlan. That's the man they putup. And a man that has let two of his sons be bound out and has turnedback his wife for her own people to support can't hide behind any whitenecktie, so far's I'm concerned. Luke and I know where the money camefrom that they've been putting in here. We know the men behind, and whattheir object is. We know what they are trying to do in the nextlegislature. You'll see it all for yourself when the time comes, Harlan. You'll be up against them. You understand men. I'll only be wasting timein telling you what you'll see for yourself. Do you want to see a manlike Enoch Dudley representing this district? If you do, go ahead andwrite that letter!"

"You'll not do that, Harlan, " stated the chairman, with decision. "As itstands now, whatever they say about this caucus will be simply thewhinings of a licked opposition. We know how to handle that kind oftalk. There isn't a man on our side, from Sylvester to Urban Cobb, whowill open his mouth, even if the thumb-screws are put to him. Harlan, are you the kind of a fellow that would hold your grandfather up beforethe people of this State in any such light? Of course you are not!"

"No, I don't suppose I am, " acknowledged the young man. "But I candecline to run. "

The State chairman pulled his chair close, and tapped emphasis on thecandidate's knee. 

"No, you can't. It would give 'em the one fact that they need for afoundation to build their case on. What you've got to do, Harlan, isaccept this nomination, just as it is handed to you. Stand up and fightfor your election like a man. The thing may look rank to you. Politicsusually looks rank to a beginner, who has to get down and fight on thelevel of the other fellow. But you'll understand things better after youget along a little further. If you back out now you're leaving yourgrandfather open to attack. Those dogs can only bark, now. If you let'em past you they'll have a chance to set their teeth in. Harlan, youthink too much of your grandfather to do such a thing as that, don'tyou?"

The three of them sat in silence for a while. 

"I hate to say anything just now, my boy, " said the old man, at last. Heleaned forward, his elbows on the arms of his chair. "Luke has put it toyou a little stronger than I should have done. I don't want to beg youor coax you. If you think it's too much of a sacrifice to stand byme--if you want to quit, and can't look at it in any other way, goahead. I can fight it out alone. I've had a good many lone fights. I'mgood for one more. But before you say what you're going to say, I've gota last word to drop in. You know how I've dealt with men in businessmatters, my boy. "

"But why can't you do the same in politics?" demanded his grandson, bitterly. 

"It's just on that point that I want to put you right. I know prettywell why you haven't hankered to get into politics, Harlan. You've heardsome of the sneers, slurs, and the gossip. You didn't know much aboutit, but you sort of felt ashamed of me on account of politics. Hold on!I know. It has been a kind of shame and pity mixed, like one feels for adrunkard in the family. This caucus seemed to you like a spree--and yougot mixed into it, and you're angry with me. Listen: there are people inthis world who won't allow that a man is honest in politics unless hegoes about hunting for all the measures that might help him personallyand kills 'em. And the same yellow-skins that howl because he doesn't dothat would turn around and cuss him for seventeen kinds of a fool if hedid, and ruined himself by doing it. I haven't stolen, boy. I've givenmy time and my energies to developing this State. I've seen it prosperand grow big. And I've shared in the prosperity by seeing that my owninterests got their rights along with the rest. I'm where I can lookback. And I can't see where the reputation of being a saint who cut offhis own fingers for a sacrifice would help me get endorsers at the bankor find friends I could borrow money from. Harlan, boy, I'm an old man. I can't live much longer. A little reputation of some kind or anotherwill live after me. I want you to know the right of it. And the only wayfor you to find out is to be what I have been. Hearing about it won'tinform you. I want you to meet the men and play the game. I want you torealize that when I say I've done the best I could, I'm telling you thetruth. Harlan, stand up here with me. Give me your hand. Say that you'llstand by the old man in this one thing--the biggest he ever has asked ofyou. It's a matter between the Thorntons, boy!"

There had been an appeal in his voice that was near wistfulness. Andwhile he talked the wisdom that had come from the mouth of a child thatevening threaded its own quaint appeal into the argument of thegrandfather. Resentment and obstinacy, if they be tempered with youth, cannot fight long against affection and the ties of blood. 

Harlan took his grandfather's hand. 

"That's my boy!" cried the Duke, heartily, and he slipped his arm abouthis grandson's shoulders and patted him. 

"It straightens things out a good deal, " observed Presson, with thepracticality of the politician. "Harlan, you're going to find a winterat the State House worth while. With your grandfather to set you goingright and post you up, you ought to make good. "

"I'd like to have a little light on one point, " remarked the young man, curtly. He felt again the irritating prick of resentment. "What am I tobe down to that legislature--myself, or Thelismer Thornton's grandson?"

"You can't afford to throw good advice over your shoulder, " protestedthe chairman--"not when it comes from a man that's had fifty years ofexperience. "

"Hold on, Luke, don't set the boy off on the wrong track. I know how hefeels. Harlan, you're going down there just as I said you're going--withan open mind, clean hands, good, straight American spirit to do rightjust so far as a man in politics can do right! I want you to see foryourself. If you want my help in anything you shall have it. But it'llbe Gramp advising his boy--not a boss, hectoring. Believe that!"

"You needn't be afraid of the city fellows, " advised Presson. 

Harlan stood up before them, earnest, intense, determined. 

"A fellow placed as I have been has this much advantage over city chaps, and I'm going to take courage from it, " he said: "I've had a chance toread. There are long evenings in the woods, and I haven't been able orobliged to kill time at clubs and parties. I have read, Mr. Presson. Idon't know how much good it has done me. That remains to be found out. Perhaps a fellow who reads and hasn't real experience gets a wrongviewpoint. But this much I do believe: a man can be honest, himself, inpolitics, and can find enough honest men to stand with him. I'm going totry, at any rate. For if there's any dependence to be put in what I readthere's something serious the matter in public affairs. "

"Going to start a reform party, young man?" chuckled the State chairman. He had seen and tested youthful ideals before in his politicalexperience. 

"I didn't mean it that way. I wasn't talking about myself. I'll be onlya little spoke in the wheel, sir. But I mean to say that when I get tothe State House I'm going to hunt up the men who believe in a squaredeal, and I'm going to train with 'em. " He spoke a bit defiantly. It wasyouth declaring itself. It was a spark from the fire that Ivus Niles hadkindled by his sneers. 

"Boy, " said the old man, cheerfully, "you're prancing just a bit now. But you needn't be afraid of me, because I said I'd help you. The firstthing I'll do will be to take you around and introduce you to the mendown in the legislature who are proposing to reform the State. So yousee I mean right!"

The State chairman seemed much amused. He chuckled. 

The Duke walked to the end of the porch and gazed up at the Jo Quaccahills, where the dim, red glow still shone against the sky. 

"So it took down three stands of buildings, did it, Harlan?" he called. "Did you tell the boys we'd settle promptly, and for them to keep awayfrom the lawyers?"

"I arranged it the best I could and got their promise. But they seem toknow the fire was set on purpose, and are pretty gruff about it. "

"Of course the fire was set on purpose--and I have a right to clear myown land when I want to. But I know how to settle, bub, so as to turntheir vinegar to cream. For when I square a political debt, whether it'spay or collect, there's no scaling down! Full value--and then a littleover!"

He came back and as he passed he tweaked Harlan's ear. 

"It's been a hard day, boy! Come on, let's all three go to bed. "

CHAPTER IX

IN THE CENTRE OF THE BIG STATE WEB

Chairman Presson, going his way next morning, had to confess to himselfthat he did not have much to do with the workings of the Fort Canibascaucus. But it was worth while to see it. It revealed the character ofthe opposition throughout the State. And he did a notable job in thepublicity line immediately. That was his opportunity of "rallying to theflag. " The Duke had got his blow in first; the chairman of the StateCommittee got his news in first--for the State machine controlled theprincipal newspapers. 

First news, put right, wins. The caucus in Fort Canibas exposed themethods of "so-called reformers"--as the report of it was set forth inprint. And that news was a tocsin for town committeemen who had beendozing. 

Thelismer Thornton, House leader, party boss, knight of the old regime, and representative of all that the reformers had been inveighingagainst, still controlled his district. That fact was impressed uponall. And the more vociferous the resulting complaints of the opposition, the more apparent it became that it was no mere skirmish party that hadbeen sent out against him; he had whipped the generals themselves. Hismethods were mentioned discreetly; his results were made known to allmen. 

The fact that it was his grandson who had been nominated was notemphasized as an item of general knowledge. That "Thornton had beennominated" was. It was the essential point. 

It was accepted as a tip by the many who were waiting and wondering justwhat this reform movement would accomplish in actual results--and thatmeans ability to own and distribute plums. It shifted the complexion ofmany caucuses, or rather fixed that complexion, without any one beingthe wiser; for the managers of districts had been waiting for tipswithout saying anything in regard to their uncertainty. That's anessential in practical politics--being able to wait without letting anyone know of the waiting. It gives a man his chance to cheer with thewinner and declare himself an "original. " The convert is never half asprecious in politics as an "original. " It is in heaven that the joy overthe sinner who repenteth is comforting and extreme. In politics thefirst men on the band-wagon get the hand and what's in it. 

And yet, as the tide of caucuses swelled and reports of results flowedinto State headquarters, Chairman Presson and his lieutenants foundthemselves unable to mark men with the old certitude of touch. There wasa queer kind of slipperiness everywhere. It was evident that the Canibasresult had stiffened backbones in many quarters, but more new men thanusual were coming forward with nominations in their fists. Many of thesemen were not telling any one how they felt on the big questions thatwere agitating the State. Some announced themselves with the usualgrandiloquent generalities. It is easy enough to say that one believesin reform and good citizenship, for one can construe that later to suitcircumstances. 

The reformers were making a great deal of noise, mostly threats. Theywere passing to candidates specific questions as to their stand on thelarger issues. Many candidates who had subscribed and declaredthemselves dodged up to headquarters on the sly and assured the Statechairman that they had pledged their positions because it seemed to be areform year, and they had to do something to shut up the yawp of thereformers. When they privately assured Presson that they would be foundon the right side just the same after election, he took heart for amoment, and then was downcast after they were gone; it was tabulatingliars--an uncertain job. Presson listened and took what courage hecould, but the asterisks in his lists confessed his doubts. 

"There's a line of stars down those lists that would puzzle the man whoinvented political astronomy, " he told his intimates. "But I don't dareto go looking for the trouble right now. It'll be like a man looking formeasles in his family of thirteen; it'll break out if it's there--hewon't have to hunt for it. "

The Republican State Convention was called for late June. The partymanagers believed that it would clarify the situation somewhat; "itwould afford an opportunity for conference and free debate on the bigquestions where division of opinion existed, " so the party organsassured their readers day by day. Chairman Presson asked them to drumthis idea into the heads of the people. 

But what he told himself and the secret council was that there needed tobe a round-up where some of the wild steers could be thrown and brandedbefore they should succeed in stampeding the main herd. It was asituation that called for one of the good, old-fashioned "nightsbefore. " For a practical politician knows that speeches and band musicdo not make a convention; they merely ratify the real convention; thereal convention is held "the night before, " behind closed doors at theheadquarters hotel. 

There were two candidates for the gubernatorial nomination. The naturallegatee of the old regime in his party was in line, of course. He hadbeen in line for ten years, as his predecessors had waited before him. He had served apprenticeship after the usual fashion: had given hismoney and his time; he had won the valuable title which only he who hassuffered and has been bled can win, that of "the logical candidate. "

But that seemed not the halcyon year for "the logical candidate. "

The inevitable had happened in the matter of political succession. Therehad been too long a line of successors. The machine had become too closea corporation. A machine, over-long in power, by the approved process ofmaking itself strong makes itself weak. It must pass around theoffices. When it picks the best men it makes enemies of all those itdisappoints. That includes principals and followers. For a time these"best men" have enough of a personal following to repel boarders. Butparty "best men" must make enemies in fortifying themselves and theirfriends. 

Every time a matter is decided between factions, or a political seekerwins a subordinate job, a rival and his friends are sent away to sulk. And so at last, in the process of making the fortress impregnable, thebig wall falls and "the unders" come into the citadel. 

Chairman Presson would not allow that the situation in that year ofreform unrest was as bad as the "unders" seemed to think. But he wasworried because he was finding all men liars. And when men are lying andmarking time in politics and glancing over their shoulders, look out forthe stampede!

In a stampede "a logical candidate" is the first one to be trampled on. This one was threatened in earnest. 

His opponent in his own party was Protest walking on two legs andthundering anathema through a mat of mustaches that made him a markedfigure in any throng. His enemies called him "Fog-horn" Spinney; hisadmirers considered him a silver-tongued orator. As a professionalorganizer of leagues, clubs, orders, and societies he knew by theirfirst names men enough to elect him if he could be nominated. And ArbaSpinney's methods may be known from the fact that once he got enoughvotes to make him a State Senator by asking his auditors at each rallyto feel of the lumps in the corners of their ready-made vests. A man whois fingering the sheddings of shoddy feels like voting for the candidatewho declares that he will make a sheep a respectable member of societyonce more. 

As "a logical candidate, " David Everett, ending his four years as amember of the Governor's executive council, was the refinement ofpolitical grooming. And he was "safe. " A well-organized politicalmachine has no use for any other sort!

Arba Spinney, vociferous, rank outsider, apostrophizing the "tramp ofthe cowhide boots, " reckless in his denunciation of every man who heldoffice, promising everything that would catch a vote, urging overturnfor the sake of overturn and a new deal, marked the other extreme. Forthe mass, Change, labelled Reform, seems wholly desirable. Politicalsagacity saw trouble ahead. And no one in the State was politically moresagacious than Thelismer Thornton, who had seen men come and seen mengo, and knew all their moods and fancies. 

On the morning that the State chairman hurried out of Fort Canibas hediscussed the matter of the rival candidates with the old man--that isto say, he talked and Thornton listened. And the more the chairmantalked, the more his own declarations convinced him. 

"Why, the old bull fiddle can't fool the convention, Thelismer. He'srunning around the State now, and they're listening to him like they'dlisten to a steam calliope, but what he says don't amount to anythingfor an argument. It's the pledged delegates that count. "

The old man drew a fat, black wallet from his hip pocket, and leisurelyextracted a packet of newspaper clippings. 

"I've been watching the lists of delegates as they've been chosen, Luke. But I fail to see where you're getting pledged delegations. "

"They don't need to be pledged, not the men our town committees arepicking. "

"Your town committees may be picking the men for delegates, but it isthe caucus that does the pledging. And the delegates are being sent outwithout labels. You don't dare to insist on the pledges--now, do you?"

"You know as well as I do, Thelismer, there's no need of shaking the redrag this year. We're making a different play. We've been having ournewspapers drum hard on the tune: 'Leave it out to the people. ' It'll beEverett all right in the convention, but we don't want to seem to beprying open their jaws and jamming him down their throats. "

Thornton fingered his clippings. 

"Luke, I thought you realized yesterday after that caucus of mine wasover just how sick your State campaign is. But you've started inhollering now to try to convince yourself that it isn't so. You can'tafford to do that. I've been in this thing longer than you have. I'veseen the symptoms before. I recognize the signs of a stampede. Thatconvention will be ripe for one. And you know what will happen to DaveEverett, once they get started! You and I know there ain't a thing thatcan be said for him except that he's the residuary legatee of all themachine politics that's been played in this State for the lasttwenty-five years. That's between us, and you and I might as well talkthe thing as it is. She's balancing, Luke. She's right up on end. Andthere'll be enough old wind-bags in that convention to get up a devil ofa breeze. They'll blow her over. "

The State chairman had started to leave, after his declaration. Hisautomobile was purring at the foot of the steps. But he turned his backon the expectant chauffeur, and tramped onto the porch. 

"You don't mean to tell me that 'Fog-horn' Spinney is a dangerouscandidate, do you?"

"No, but Everett _is_! It happens once in so often, Luke--a situationlike this. Everett is lugging too much. Last fire we had in the villagehere Ed Stilson tried to lug an old-fashioned bureau on his back and afeather tick in his teeth, but he couldn't get through the door. "

"Thelismer, why have you waited till now before saying this? I'd ratherhave your judgment in political futures than that of any other man inthis State. But this is a damnation poor time to be getting around to mewith it. "

"We had a caucus here yesterday, Luke, I'd only been suspecting tillthen. In politics I'm quite a fellow to judge the whole piece in the webby a sample. And I tell you Everett is going to make a dangerousproposition for us!"

Presson stared at him for a full minute, blinking, thinking, knottinghis brows, and chewing fiercely on a piece of gum. 

"Pull him out--that what you mean? Well, it can be done. There areplenty of men in the party that are all safe and right, but haven't beenidentified with the machine. "

"And what will you say to Dave Everett and his friends, all of whomyou'll need at the polls?"

"It's a party exigency, isn't it?"

"It can be called that--and you can call a skunk 'Kitty' on your wayhome from the club, but that fact won't change your wife's opinion ofyou when you come in. You walk up to Dave Everett now with yourpolitical exigency in your hand, Luke, and it would turn to a political_ax_egency, and you'd have a pack of rebels on your back that would downyou sure! No, sir! You can't afford to smash a man that way. "

"Then we'll ram him through the convention, reformers or no reformers!"

"You haven't got your crowd. "

"Thelismer, you're right! I wouldn't have admitted it yesterday, butafter seeing how they came roaring up against you, I'm scared. I'm goingto pull Everett out of the fight and set up another man--one of theyoung and liberal fellows. I'll do it within twenty-four hours!"

The Duke replaced his clippings and shoved the big wallet into hispocket. 

"Sudden remedies are sometimes good in extreme cases, Luke, " he drawled, "but administering knockout drops to a sick party is not to berecommended. "

The chairman's patience left him then. 

"What kind of a trick is this, standing up here at the eleventh hour andputting the knife into your party?" he demanded, wrathfully. 

"I had a dog once, Luke, that was snapping at flies in general as he waslying on the porch here, and he snapped at a brown hackle fly that washitched onto a fish-line. And he ran off down the road with a hook inhis mouth and sixty yards of line and a pole following him. You'd betterspit out that last fly, Luke. Now will you take a little advice from me, on the condition that I'll follow up that advice with some practicalhelp?"

"That's what I'm waiting for. "

"Then you get back onto your job, and leave Everett just where heis--not one word to him or his friends. That's the advice part. The helpwill come when I've got a few things straightened out a little more. "

"The convention is less than three weeks off. What's your plan? I wantto know it now. "

"Well, you won't. "

"Do you think for a moment that I, the chairman of the Republican StateCommittee, am going into a convention with blinders on?"

"You can go in any way you want to, " retorted the Duke, calmly. "Butthat's all you're going to hear from me to-day, Luke. Faith withoutworks is no good. You furnish the faith, and I'll furnish the works. "

"I never heard of any such devilish campaign management as this, "grumbled the chairman. "You're talking to me as though I didn't know anymore politics than a village hog-reeve. "

"Well, I'm the doctor in this case, providing I'm called, " said the oldman. "Just now I'm feeling of the pulse and making the diagnosis, and amgetting ready to prescribe the dose. I'll call you into consultation, Luke, when the right time comes, and I'll guarantee that nothing willleak out to wound your pride or your political reputation. But I want tosay that if you stand here to-day waiting to hear any more about what Iintend to do, you'd better shut off that automobile. You won't beleaving for quite a spell. "

The chairman knew his man. He trotted down the steps and got into hiscar. 

"When you get ready to let me know how you're running this campaign, you'll find me at headquarters, " he said, wrathfully, by way offarewell. Then he departed, with the news of how Thelismer Thornton wasstill boss of the northern principality--but that Thelismer Thornton, Nestor of State politicians, had calmly arrogated to himself the solehandling of the biggest question in State politics, the chairman kept tohimself. He was in too desperate straits to rebel at that time. Furthermore, he knew that Thelismer Thornton in the years past hadserved as kedge for many a political craft that a lee shore threatened. He was measurably contented, after reflection, to have the old man takethe thing into his own hands in that masterful fashion. 

The Duke pulled his chair to the end of the porch, where he could lookacross to the far hills beyond the river. He lighted one of his longcigars, put his feet on the rail, and began to smoke, squintingthoughtfully, pondering deeply. 

To all practical intents and purposes he was holding there on the porchof "The Barracks" the next State convention of the Republican party. Thebirds were busy about the old blockhouse opposite, coming and going. Heseemed to be studying their movements through his half-open eyes, asthough they were prospective delegates. And at last a grim smile ofsatisfaction fixed itself upon his face. 

His grandson found him in this amiable mood when he came with the losersby the Jo Quacca fire. Each man submitted his list rather defiantly. They sat down and scowled while Harlan told what he had discovered inhis investigation of the circumstances. 

"I have not tried to beat them down, " he concluded. "I even remindedthem of a few items they had overlooked. What happened yesterday wasenough to make almost any man forget things. "

He was inclined to be a little defiant, toe fighting the battles of theproperty owners, even though his own pocket must suffer by thesettlement. 

But the Duke preserved his unruffled demeanor. He slowly made somefigures on the bottoms of the papers and passed the sheets to hisgrandson. 

"Fill in the checks and bring them out here and I'll sign 'em, " hedirected. And as Harlan bent over him, he whispered: "You're playinggood politics now, boy. Stand up for the under dog. I see you'reremembering that you're a candidate. "

"I'm only doing what's right, " protested the young man. 

"When you can be right and still play politics, you're getting aheadfast, " murmured the Duke. "Fill in the checks!"

"But you've increased their own appraisal! You're giving them more thanthey've asked for!" Harlan was careless of the presence of the threefarmers. 

"Well, wasn't it your own suggestion that we use these men right?"demanded his grandfather. He gazed benignantly on the claimants. "I'msquare, myself, when it comes to my debts, boys. You all know that. ButHarlan argued your case last night in a way that's worth the extramoney. If he can do that here at home, first crack out of the box, whenit's our own money at stake, don't you think he'll do a pretty good jobfor you down at the State House, where it'll be a case of the publicmoney?"

His grandson had gone into the house. He had found himself at a loss forwords, suddenly. 

"Harlan is as straight as a stilya'd, and allus has been, " admitted oneof the men, gratefully. He was wondering how much the Duke had added tothe amount. 

"All of you think now that a fellow like that will make a pretty goodsort of a representative, don't you?"

They muttered assent. 

"Well, why did you back-district chaps come in here yesterday and try tolick him in the caucus?"

They had no answer ready. They looked at the porch floor, and raspedtheir hard hands together and cracked their knuckles in embarrassment. The old man kept his complacency. 

"I'll tell you how it was, boys. You got fooled, now, didn't you? Youlet 'em use you like old Samson used the foxes. Now, the next time oneof those disturber fellows ties a blazing pine knot to your tail, yousit right down and gnaw the string in two before you start to run. Because a man holds office it's no sign he's a renegade. You'll usuallyfind the renegades standing outside and slandering him and trying to gethis office away for their own use. They got you going, didn't they, whenthey went around telling that I thought I owned you in this district, body and soul? Got you jealous and suspicious and mad? Can you afford tobe jealous and mad when you've got a fellow like Harlan Thornton willingto go down to the legislature and work for you? Do you want one of thoseblatherskites to represent you? Now tell me!"

"Poor men that have to work all the time don't have the chance to lookinto public things as much as they ought to, " said one of the men, apologetically. "And sometimes when a fellow comes around who can talksmooth we get fooled. "

"You've bought a lot of fake things from travelling agents in thiscounty. Now don't buy fake politics, " He took the checks from hisgrandson's hand. Harlan had brought them, and a pen. He cocked his kneeand scrawled his signature. They came to him and took their checks. Eachstood there, holding the slip of paper awkwardly pinched between thumband forefinger. The Duke waited. 

"I want to say this, " stammered the spokesman. "You get fooledsometimes. Most often in politics. But no one can fool us again--notabout the Thornton family. "

"Pass that word around the district, boys, " advised the Duke, complacently. "There's an election coming, you know. "

They departed, three new and promising evangelists. 

"Campaign expenses, bub, " broke in the old man, when Harlan began;"campaign expenses! It's a soggy lump of dough out back there. That kindof yeast will lighten it. "

He looked across at the hills, squinting reflectively again, and at lastglanced up at his grandson, who stood regarding him with thoughtfulhesitation. 

"Say it, boy!" he counselled. "A little more bile left over fromyesterday?"

"No, sir! Not that. But I think I'll send Ben Kyle in with the crews andlet him locate the new camps. "

"I didn't intend to have you go back--not if you'd listen to me. We'vegot men enough to attend to that sort of work, Harlan. I want you withme for a while. I've got some plans for you. "

"And I've got a few plans for myself. Now that I'm in this, I propose tobe in it in earnest. "

"You wouldn't be a Thornton if you didn't get at it all over, " commendedthe Duke. "You see, I understood you, boy!"

"I'm going to call on every man in this district and tell him where Istand. I'm going to tell him that if there are honest men in thatlegislature I propose to be counted in with them. I may be a very humblehelper, but I'm going to lift with all my strength, grandfather, on thesquare-deal end of every proposition that I find to lay hold of. "

"Good politics, boy, all good politics!" declared the old man. Withhumor that had a little malicious fun in it he avoided endorsing thisimpulsive zeal as anything except shrewd playing of his own game. Buthis eyes told the young man what his lips did not utter. There was pridein them, encouragement, joy that would not be hidden--and somethingelse: wistful regret, perhaps; it seemed to be that--the regret that agefeels when it has lost its illusions and beholds them springing again inthe heart of fervent youth; regret conscious that in its turn this newfaith in things present and things to come will be dead and cold, too. 

"I don't think we have to worry much about the election, Harlan. Go outand tackle the boys. You'll make good. Take two days. That'll be timeenough. And then I want you. "

Harlan's eyes questioned him. 

"You know I opened up a little to you last night, bub. You're all I'vegot, you know. I've not been much of a hand to talk. I don't believeyou've realized just how I've felt. But we'll let it stand as it is. I've got plans for you, boy, better than the little pancake politics ofthis district. I know a few things in politics. I'm old enough tounderstand how to put you in right. It's one thing to know how, and it'sanother thing to find occasion just ripe and ready. "

He rolled his cigar to the centre of his mouth and lifted the corners inan illuminating grin. 

"Bub, in two days be ready to come with me. I'm going to put you inright!"

CHAPTER X

A POLITICAL CONVERT

For two days Harlan Thornton rode about over the Fort Canibas district. He talked to men at their doors, in their shops, over the fences oftheir fields. He knew that some sneered at him behind his back. Someeven dared to arraign him, boldly and angrily, and flung his motives inhis face, accusing the grandfather of inciting the grandson to thisattempt to catch votes. 

He realized that most of the voters did not understand him aright. Theydid not understand sincerity in politics. But his own consciousness ofrectitude supplied his consolation and provided his impetus. Till thenhe had employed the Thornton grit only in his business efforts; heemployed it now with just as much vigor in his proselyting. Once in thefight, he was awake to what it meant. His frank earnestness impressedthose with whom he talked. He did not lose his temper, when men assailedhim and tried to discredit his protestations. Here and there, inneighborhoods, knots of farmers gathered about him and listened. Hebegan to win his way, and he knew it. The knowledge that Harlan Thorntonwas a square man in business needed no herald in that section. 

That this integrity would extend to his politics grew into belief moreand more as he went about. 

The distrust of him, because of his associations, a suspicion fosteredby the paid agents of the opposition, began to give way before his calm, earnest young manhood. But in every knot of men he found a few bitterirreconcilables still. They were those whom change invites, and theestablished order offends. One man, unable to provoke him byvituperation, and in a frenzy of childish rage because Harlan's calmpoise was not disturbed by his outpourings, ran at him and struck him. He was a little man, and though he leaped when he struck, the blowlanded no higher than the shoulder that Harlan turned to him. And whenhe leaped again the young man caught him by the wrist and smiled down onhim, unperturbed. 

"If that's the way you talk politics, Sam, I'll have to adjourn thedebate, " he said, quietly. And the story of that went the rounds, accompanied by much laughter, and the big, sturdy, serene young man whowas master of his own passions met smiles wherever he went. 

Another story preceded him, too. "Fighting" MacCracken, of the Jo Quaccaneighborhood, smarting ever since that day in the yard of "TheBarracks, " jealous of his prestige as a man of might, offered obsceneand brutal insult to the name of Thelismer Thornton in the hearing ofhis grandson. It had been hinted previously along the border that thesix-foot scion of the Thorntons was a handy man in a scrap, but now hisprowess was surely established. MacCracken went about, a livingadvertisement of how effectually righteous anger can back up two goodfists. 

Therefore, respect attended on good-humor and went with, or ahead of, the candidate. 

He wondered at himself sometimes. He hardly understood the zeal that nowanimated him, so sudden a convert. But the zest of youth was in him; thespirit of the toil of the big woods, of the race with drought when thedrives are going down, the everlasting struggle with nature's forces, the rivalry between man and man where accomplishment that bulks large inthe eyes of men is the only accomplishment that counts--all thesespurred him to make good, now that he had begun. In the open arena oflife his training had been that of man to man, and the best man takingthe prize. And his reading during the long evenings had been more in theway of education in public matters than he had realized. As for ideals, he had followed the masterful men who preached a gospel that appealed tohim, living the life of the open, battling for the weak against theselfishly strong--so it seemed to the one who studied their achievementson the printed page. With his own opportunity now thrust upon him, Harlan Thornton determined to make candor his code, honesty his system. He entertained no false ideas of his personal importance. But his lackof experience did not daunt him. He simply made up his mind that hewould go forward, keeping soul and heart open, as well as eyes and ears. He believed that the square deal could not be hidden from those whoentered public life in that manner. 

He did not discuss all this with his grandfather. If he had, ThelismerThornton would have been vastly interested. He might have been amused. Probably he would have been more amused than interested, for hot youthand glowing ideals have humorous phases for the man who has lived amongmen for more than eighty years. 

But that he had unloosed a bottle imp in his own family would not haveoccurred to the old man, even after he had listened, for he still hadthe cynical belief that circumstances must control, interest convert, and personal profit kill the most glowing ardor in reform. 

Lacking the gift of divination, Thelismer Thornton watched the rapiddevelopment of this bottle imp with much complacency. "Whispering"Urban Cobb brought him reports from the field. Talleyrand Sylvester wastrying to place bets on Harlan Thornton, but there were no takers. Itwas even stated that Enoch Dudley was finding it hard work to securepledges enough to warrant his running as an independent candidate. 

Harlan Thornton, looking in from the outside, had found politics, asmanaged _for_ him, an abhorrent mess. Now, plunged in, he was embracinghis opportunity, and finding good in the contest. 

On the other hand, Harlan Thornton, making his own plea and his ownpledges as a candidate, was embraced by the voters. He was not a merelegatee forced on them by a boss--he was speaking for himself, and thesincerity of the young man made itself felt. 

At the end of the appointed two days he knew that his prospects weresafe. One of the other towns in the district and three of theplantations had endorsed his name in caucus. If Thelismer Thornton hadbeen responsible for his candidacy, so was his own personalityresponsible for this clearing away of difficulties. He felt hisself-respect returning. That cruel wound to his pride was healing. 

He was riding home in the evening of the second day, past the end of thelong bridge, finding comfort in this thought. 

A white figure, framed in the black mouth of the bridge, startled riderand horse. 

"It's only Clare, " she said. "I heard you were up the river to-day, andI've been waiting for you. "

He rode closer. It was a new and strange Clare who was revealed to himin the dim light. She was gowned and gloved, and her broad hat hid herboyish curls. She walked out of the gloom and leaned against the bridgerail. 

"Ah, the little playmate did ride away from me forever!" he cried, looking her up and down. "But this young lady--why, she takes my breathaway!" He took off his hat and bowed to the pommel. 

"You needn't make fun of me, Mr. Harlan Thornton, " she returned, crisply. "And a real young lady wouldn't come down in this bridge andwait for you. I wanted to tell you I'm glad. I hear all about yoursuccess. When I was a little girl I didn't want you to go away and be abig man. But now that I'm a woman I'm glad you're going. I wanted you torealize, Mr. Harlan Thornton, that I'm a woman, so if you'll reach downyour hand I'll shake it and congratulate you. "

He took her little hand in both his own. 

"You were a real little woman two days ago right here in this place, " hesaid, gratefully. "I didn't realize it at that moment, but it was whatyou said to me that put some real sense into my head, after all. It setme to thinking. "

"What kind of laws are you going to make?" she demanded. 

"I don't think I'll have much to do with making laws, Clare. All I cando is listen and try to be on the right side when the voting comes. "

"Can't you make a law to oblige old men to stop fighting each other, "she demanded, petulantly--"fighting each other, and making all theirfolks uncomfortable?"

"I think it would be a good law, especially in one case I know about. But sometimes the best laws don't get passed. "

"I'll come down and make a speech for it. You said I talked like oldfolks the other evening. "

"A speech from you would convert them all, " he returned, indulging herin this childish banter. "You see, you converted me with only a fewwords, and I was a hard case just then. "

"Then I'll come down to your legislature and we'll make it into a law, and the punishment shall be, if they don't make up and allow their folksto be comfortable and friends, they must have their old heads bumpedtogether--bumped harder and harder till they shake hands and make up andlive happy ever after. Old folks haven't any business to stay mad. Theywon't get into heaven if they do. "

She withdrew her hand, and went away into the black mouth of the bridge. 

"That's all, Big Boy!" she cried. "It was some business, you see, that Iwaited to talk over with you. And a grown-up young lady mustn't stayafter her business is finished. "

"But I'll walk home with you!" he called. 

"No, I'll not be frightened at the dark until I get old enough to becalled an old maid, " she said, mischievously. "Good-night!"

He waited by the side of the river until he saw her white figure safelythrough the dark bridge, and on its way up the quiet hillside past thechurch. Then he rode to "The Barracks, " his mind dwelling a bit moreparticularly on the vagaries of womankind than it ever had before. 

He joined his grandfather on the porch after he had eaten his supperalone. 

"The fences, so I hear, Harlan, will pass the inspection of the mostexpert fence-viewers, " he chuckled. "So I suppose you'll be ready toleave with me to-morrow. "

"If you think it's necessary to have me go anywhere with you, grandfather, I'll go. "

There was silence for a time. The young man was waiting. The old mansmoked placidly. 

"Is there any reason why you can't tell me where we are going?" inquiredHarlan. 

"No especial reason--only I'll be wasting time telling you. You'll seefor yourself. We'll meet a big man or so--that's all!"

"The man I'd like to meet, " began the young man, fervently, "is one thatevery young chap in this country can follow and ought to follow, if he'sgot red blood and honesty in him. I wish I could meet him now when I'mstarting out, if only to shake his hand. "

"You'd better not meet any man so long as he's wearing a halo, whereyou're concerned. You'll find political halos, bub, when you get toonear to 'em, something like restaurant doughnuts--holes surrounded bypoor cooking. Better keep away a spell. That's why I'm not going to tellyou where we're going--not just now. I might go to cracking up the mantoo much. I'll let you build your own halo for him--and then maybe youcan eat your own cooking, provided you find the halo a doughnut. "

They left Fort Canibas the next morning, travelling humbly by mail stageto the railroad terminus. The branch line took them to a populousjunction, and by that time Harlan Thornton began to appreciate that hisgrandfather was rather more of a figure in State politics than he haddreamed. He had made many trips with him through the State in yearspast, but never before when men understood, some dimly, some fearfully, that a political crisis was on. Thelismer Thornton's seat in the train, his room at the hotel, was besieged by those who respectfully solicitedhis opinions. They seemed to realize that some of the wisdom of thefathers in State politics, of the patriarchs with whom he had trained, had fallen to him by natural inheritance. But though he listenedpatiently, he said but little. Harlan noticed, however, that he did takeespecial pains to deprecate some of the suppressive movements advised bythe more hot-headed managers. 

"Let things swing as they're going, " he advised. "She'll take care ofherself, give her free run right now. But you can't pinch up a line galeby putting a clothespin on the nose of the tempest. Let her snort! Bracethe party and face it like a hitching--post! Don't try to choke off ArbaSpinney. Let him froth. "

His grandfather was so insistent on this point that Harlan took noticeof its frequent repetition and the earnestness with which it waspressed. He began to understand that some plan lay back of hisgrandfather's silence to him and to others as to his private reasons forthis appeal. He began to take lively interest in the ramifications ofpractical politics as played by the hand of a master. 

CHAPTER XI

A MAN FROM THE SHADOWS

There was a provoking flavor of mystery about Thelismer Thornton's earlymovements the next day. His grandson became still more interested. Thiselement in politics appealed to him, for he was young. 

They left the city by an early train. The Duke secluded himself and hisgrandson in a drawing-room of the car. 

It was an express--train which did not stop at way stations. But whenthe conductor came for the tickets the old man inquired whether ordershad been issued to have the train held up at a certain siding. 

"Yes, sir, to leave two passengers, " said the conductor. He wascourteous, but he winked at the old politician with the air of one whothought he understood something. He exhibited his telegram from thedispatcher. "Can't be much politics there, Mr. Thornton, " he remarked, by way of jest. 

"I'm on a fishing-trip, " explained the Duke, blandly. And the conductor, who knew that the siding had no fishing water within ten miles of it, went away chuckling in order to applaud the joke of a man of power. 

A few hours later the two were let off at the siding and the trainhurried on. 

There was a farm-house near the railroad. They ate dinner with thefarmer and his wife, who seemed to realize that they were entertainingsome one out of the ordinary, and were much flustered thereby. Especially did the farmer struggle with his vague memory ofpersonalities, asking many round-about questions and "supposing" manypossibilities that the Duke placidly neglected to confirm. 

The only definite information the farmer received was that the bigelderly man wanted himself and his companion conveyed to BurnsideVillage by wagon, starting in the late afternoon. 

"I'll take you, " said the man; "but what sticks me is that you didn'tstay right on board that train. It stops at Burnside regular, and itdon't stop here at all. "

"But it stopped to-day, " remarked the Duke. 

"I know it did, and that's what sticks me again. "

The old man rose from the table and smiled down on him. 

"Here's a good cigar, brother. I've often worked out many a puzzle whilehaving a bang-up smoke. "

He invited Harlan by a nod of the head, and they went out and strolledin the maple grove behind the house. 

"I suppose you think by this time, bub, that I'm in my second childhood, and playing dime novel. But there are some things in politics that haveto be done as gentle and careful as picking a rose petal off aschool-ma'am's shoulder. " The Duke chuckled and smoked for a time. "WhenI've had a job of that sort to do I haven't even talked to myself, Harlan. So you mustn't think I'm distrustful of you because I don't tellyou what's on. "

"I'm willing to wait, " said his grandson. 

"Learn your lesson, Harlan--the one I'm trying to teach you now. I neverknew but one man who could keep his mouth shut under all circumstanceswhen he felt it was his duty to do so. That was old Ben Holt. He's deadnow. He fell off a bridge on his way to church and didn't holler 'Help!'for fear of breaking the Sabbath. You don't find any more of that kindin these days--not in political matters. I'm not distrusting you, I say, but I'm teaching you the lesson. Keep your mouth shut till it's time toopen it. I'm drawing this thing here strong on you, so as to impress it. As for the other fellows--if I had got off the train at Burnside to-daythe news would have been in every afternoon paper in the State. They'donly need that one fact to build fifty stories on--all different. _Most_of those stories would have hurt; there'd have been one guess, at least, that would kill the scheme. Sit down here, and let's take it easy. "

He sat at the foot of a tree, his broad straw hat beside him. He leanedhis head against the trunk, and gazed upward and away from his grandson. When the question came it was so irrelevant, so astonishing, that theyoung man gasped without replying. 

"Harlan, how do you stand with the Kavanagh girl?"

The old man smoked on in the silence without removing his gaze from theleaves above his head. 

"I want to confess to you, my boy, that your old grandfather made rathera disgraceful exhibition of himself the other day. But as I said then, aman will thrash and swear at a hornet and make an ass of himself, generally, in the operation. The impudent little fool didn't realizewhat a big matter she was trifling with. "

"Grandfather, " protested Harlan, manfully, "that's no way to speak of ayoung lady. You ask me how I stand? I stand this way--I'll not have thechild mentioned in any such manner--not in my hearing; and that's withall respect to you, sir. "

"Young lady--child? Well, which is she?"

"I don't know, " confessed Harlan, ingenuously. "And it doesn't makemuch difference. "

"Sort of ashamed of me, aren't you?" inquired his grandfather. "A manthat you've seen all the politicians catering to the last day or so, andsmall enough to bandy insults with a snippet of a girl! Well, bub, there's a lot of childishness in human nature. It breaks out once in awhile. Cuss a tack, and grin and bear an amputation! We'll let the girlalone. I don't seem to get in right when she is mentioned. But I wantedto have you tell me that you don't intend to marry Dennis Kavanagh'sdaughter. You can't afford to do that, boy! Not with your prospects. Andnow I'm not saying anything against the girl. We'll leave her out, Isay. It's just that she isn't the kind of a woman--when she gets to be awoman--that I want to see mated with you. " He burst out: "Dammit, Harlan, I can see where you're going to land in this State if you'll letyour old gramp have free rein! And the right kind of a wife is half thebattle in what you're going into. "

"Have you got that right kind picked out for me--along with the rest?You talk as though you had. "

It was said almost in the tone of insult. It might have been thetone--it might have been that the taunt touched upon the truth:Thelismer Thornton's face flushed. He did not seem to find reply easy. 

"There's only this to say, grandfather. I know you're interested in meand in seeing me get ahead in the world. You pushed me into politics, and I'm trying to make good. I'm glad you did it--I'll say that now. Isee opportunities ahead if I stay square and honest. But don't you tryto push me into marriage. I'm going to do my own choosing there. Andthat doesn't mean that I'm in love with Clare Kavanagh, or intend tomarry Clare Kavanagh, or want to marry her--or that she wants to marryme. That's straight, and I don't want to talk about it any more. "

He stood up, and his tone was defiant. 

"You'd better take a walk, bub, " commended the Duke, quietly. "I'm goingto nap for a little while. We may be up late to-night. "

He picked up his hat and canted it over his face. "Get back here asearly as five o'clock, " he said, from under its brim. 

They were away in the farmer's carryall at that hour, after a supper ofbread-and-milk. 

In the edge of the village of Burnside the Duke ordered a halt, andstepped down from the carriage. The evening had settled in and it wasdark under the elms. 

"Here's five dollars, brother. You've used us all right, and now so longto you. "

"But I hain't got you to nowhere yet!" protested the farmer. He hadfinally decided in his own mind that these were railroad managersplanning projects, with an eye on his own farm. He wanted to carry themwhere he could exhibit them to some one who could inform him. 

But the Duke promptly drew Harlan along into the shadows, and a farmerhampered with a two-seated carriage is not equipped for the trail. Theyheard the complaining squeal of iron against iron as he turned to goback home. 

"We've come here to call on a man, " stated the Duke, after they hadwalked for a little time. 

"On ex-Governor Waymouth, I suppose, " Harlan suggested, quietly. 

The old man chuckled. 

"How long have you been suspecting that?"

"Ever since I heard Burnside mentioned, of course. "

"Good! You guessed and kept still about it. You've got the makings of apolitician, and you are learning fast. Now what do you suppose I'msneaking up on Varden Waymouth in this way for?"

"You said I'd see for myself when the time came. I'm in no hurry, grandfather. "

The Duke patted Harlan's shoulder. "You're one of my kind, that's sure, boy. I haven't got to put any patent time-lock onto your tongue. And Ican't say that of many chaps in this State. You're a safe man to havealong. Come on!"

The house was back from the street a bit--a modest mansion of brick, dignifiedly old. Tall twin columns flanked the front door and supportedthe roof of the porch. Harlan had never seen the residence of GeneralWaymouth before, but that exterior seemed fitted to the man, such as heknew him to be. 

He admitted them himself, when they had waited a few moments aftersounding alarm with the ancient knocker. Framed in the door, he was apicturesque figure. His abundant white hair hung straight down over hisears, and curled outward at the ends; his short beard was snowy, butthere was healthful ruddiness on his face, and though his figure, tallabove the average, stooped a bit, he walked briskly ahead of them intothe library, crying delighted welcome over his shoulder. His meetingwith Thelismer Thornton had been almost an embrace. 

"And this boosting big chap is Harlan--my grand-baby, Vard! Guess youused to see him at 'The Barracks' when he was smaller. Since then he'sbeen trying to outgrow one of our spruce-trees. "

The ex-Governor gave Harlan his left hand. The empty sleeve of the rightarm was pinned to the shoulder. 

"The old Yankee stock doesn't need a step-ladder to stand on to lightthe moon, so they used to say. "

He rolled chairs close to each other and urged them to sit, with theanxious hospitality of the old man who has grown to prize the narrowingcircle of his intimates. 

"Smoke, Thelismer, " he pleaded. "Stretch out and smoke. I always like tosee you smoke. You take so much comfort. I sometimes wish I'd learned tosmoke. Old age gets lonely once in a while. Perhaps a good cigar mightbe a consolation. "

"So you do get lonesome sometimes, Vard?" inquired the Duke. 

"It's a lonesome age when you're eighty, comrade. You probably find itso yourself. There are so few of one's old friends that live to beeighty. "

Then they fell into discourse, eager, wistful reminiscences such as cometo the lips of old friends who meet infrequently. The young man, sittingclose in the circle, listened appreciatively. This courtly old soldier, lawyer, Governor, and kindly gentleman had been to him since boyhood, ashe had to the understanding youth of his State, an ideal knight of theold régime. And so the hours slipped past, and he sat listening. 

The calm night outside was breathlessly still, except for the drone ofinsects at the screens, attracted by the glow of the library lamp. Asteeple clock clanged its ten sonorous strokes, and still the old menchatted on, and the Duke had not hinted at his errand. 

The General suddenly remembered that he had in the cellar some home-madewine, and he asked the young man to come with him, as lamp-bearer. 

"The good wife would have thought of that little touch of hospitalitylong ago, my son, " he said, as they walked down the stairs, "but awidower's house with grouchy hired help makes old age still morelonely. "

On their return they found the Duke, feet extended, head tipped back, eyes on the ceiling. He was deep in thought, and told Harlan to placehis glass on the chair's arm. 

"Varden, " he said, "eighty isn't old, not for a man like you; and itshouldn't be lonely, that age. I'm still older, and I propose to wearout instead of rust out. "

"I don't feel rusty, exactly, " returned the General, smiling into hisglass. "But when I think of all the marches, Thelismer, of thecampaigns, the heartbreaking struggles of the war--of all the cases wonand cases lost, the nights of study and days of labor in the law--thefuss and fury of politics--of all the years behind me, I feel as thoughI'd like to be used as my father used his old boots: Before he took hisbed for the last time he went up into the garret of the old farm-houseand laid his boots there on their sides. 'Let 'em lie down, now, andrest, ' he said. And I've never allowed them to be disturbed. "

The Duke still stared at the ceiling. 

"Varden, you and I have known each other so long that you don't need asmuch talk from me as you would from a stranger. When I've asked a thingfrom you in the past I didn't have to sit down and talk to you an hourabout the reasons why I wanted it. You understood that I had a goodreason for asking. I'm going to ask just one more thing from you in thislife. I'm going to ask it straight from the shoulder. You and I don'tneed to beat about the bush with each other. I want you to say 'yes, 'for if you don't you're abandoning our old State as though she were awidow headed for the almshouse. "

Thornton leaned forward, grasped his glass and drained it at a gulp, andthen looked the amazed General squarely in the eyes. 

"You're going to be nominated as Governor of this State in the nextconvention, and you've got to accept, " he declared. "Now hold on! Justas you understand that I've got good reasons for asking you to do this, just so I understand all that you're going to say in objection. Idiscount all your objections in advance. I know you haven't lost run ofaffairs in this State--you know all the mix-up the party is in rightnow. They're going to beat Dave Everett in convention, General, just assure as the devil can't freeze his own ice. It's going to be'Seventy-two all over again. People gone crazy for a change and jumpingthe wrong way, like grasshoppers in front of a mowing machine. Spinneymeans the whole rotten thing over again--State treasury looted, tax ratereduced to get a popular hoorah, a floating debt that will make usstagger and keep enterprise out of this State for ten years, petty graftin every State office, and every strap on the party nag busted fromsnaffle to crupper. Now I want to ask you one question: Do you want ArbaSpinney for the next Governor of this State--sitting in the chair thatyou honored? You know him! You've heard his mouth go. You understand hiscalibre. Do you want him?"

"No, " admitted General Waymouth. 

"Well, you're going to get him if you don't accept that nomination. You're going to get him, blab-mouth, mob-rule, mortification, and merryhell--the whole bagful! Do you want that for this State, Vard?"

"Our State can't afford to have such a man, " agreed General Waymouth, "but--"

"I'd, myself, rather see a Democrat win at the polls!" shouted Thornton. "But the Democrat that they've got in line is worse than Spinney. It's apopocratic year, and they're all playing that game. But they can'tovercome our natural plurality, Varden. It means Spinney if he goes tothe polls! It's up to you to stop him. You've got to do it!"

The General rose and walked around the room. His shoulders were stoopeda bit more. Then he came and put his hand on Thelismer's shoulder. 

"Your faith in what I am and what I might do is worthy of you, my oldcomrade, even if it exalts my poor powers too much. And I thank you, Thelismer. But I know what I am. I'm only a stranded old man. Theyounger generation will not think as you do. Go and find some good manthere. I'm too weary, Thelismer, too old and too weary--and almostforgotten. Find another man!"

"What's that? Find a man for Governor of this State, groom him, work himout, score him down and shove him under the wire of State Convention awinner inside of two weeks? Varden, you know politics better than that!_You_ forgotten by the younger generation of this State? Harlan, whathave you to say to that?"

The young man stood up. He had listened well and listened long thatevening. In the presence of this gracious old knight of the heroic daysof history he had felt his heart swelling as he remembered the recordthat all men of his State knew. 

The fervor of his admiration showed so plainly in his glistening eyesthat General Waymouth was touched, and waited indulgently. 

"General, it's only because my grandfather is your old friend and hascommanded me that I dare to speak. I simply have a hope. It has becomedear to me. I'm hoping for a privilege. I honestly believe that outsideof all party preferences there are thousands of young men in this Statewho will feel proud to have that same privilege--will esteem it one ofthe honors of their lives. Their fathers had the same honor. And that'sto go to the polls and cast a ballot for Gen. Varden Waymouth. It willmake politics seem worth while to us, sir. "

"Good!" ejaculated the Duke. "You're hearing the voice of the young menof this State now, Varden. " He stood up. "Here's my boy for yourservice. He'll be in the next legislature. Use him. Depend on him. You're old--you've earned your rest. I know it. But here's a loud callfor a sacrifice. This boy and such as he can lift a lot of the load. Varden, give me your hand. Say that you'll do it!"

"Let's sit down a moment, " said the General, solemn gentleness in histone. "I have something that it's in my heart to say. "

He drew his chair even closer to them. They waited a few moments for himto speak. In that room with its dignity of ancient things, with thesilence of the summer night surrounding, that waiting was impressive. Harlan felt the thrill of it. Even his grandfather was gravely anxious. The General leaned forward and put his thin hand on the elder Thornton'sknee. 

"Thelismer, you yourself link the past with the present, so far as thepolitics of this State go. You link them even more than I do, for youare active in the present. You have been a strong man--you are strongto-day. But I want to say to you, and this is as friend to friend, youhaven't always used that strength right. I know what reply you'd make tothat. We've talked it all over many times. You say that you've had toplay the game. That's right. And I've played it myself, too. But in theyears since then, while I've sat at one side of the arena and looked on, I've had a chance to meditate and a chance to observe. I don't thinkmatters have been running right in this State--and now I'm not speakingof Arba Spinney or his ilk. You come to me to-night and you ask me to bethe Governor of this State once more. You want me to come back into thegame. You ask me to appeal to the suffrage of the young men who admirewhat little I've accomplished. I want to warn you. I may be putting ittoo strong when I call it a warning. I have some ideals to-day. You maynot find them to your liking in politics. "

"I'm willing to trust in your good judgment and your sense of what issquare for all concerned, " protested the Duke, stoutly. "In the hot olddays I was hot with the rest, Vard. I've mellowed some since. "

"You may not find me a safe man, Thelismer. I shall come back out of theshadows with a firm resolve to merit the approval of the young men ofthis State--and the young men see more clearly than their fathers did. "

"I'm not here to-night with bridle or bit or halter, Varden. We needyou. The party has got to have you. I know what your name willaccomplish in that convention. You shall be Governor of this Statewithout making pledge or promise. Will you stand?"

"I ask you again, Thelismer, if there is no other way?"

"Any other way means Spinney and mob rule. "

General Waymouth turned to Harlan. "Go out and tell the honest young menof this State that I will try to satisfy their ideals. That's the onlypledge I'll give. I'm afraid I haven't any promise for the old machine, Thelismer. " He smiled. 

"We don't need any, " returned the Duke, briskly. "We know Vard Waymouth. But there's one pledge I do want from you. This whole thing is to beleft in my hands so far as announcement goes. My plan of campaign makesthat much necessary. We don't want to flush that bunch of birds till wecan give 'em both barrels. "

"I consent. I'll live in the lingering hope that at the last momentyou'll find I won't be needed. "

He rose and gave his hand to each in turn, bringing them to their feet. 

"Now for bed. Of course, you'll remain here the night. "

"No, " declared Thornton, decisively. "Out o' here on the midnight! Iwant to dodge out of Burnside in the dark. We'll walk down to thestation now. It's settled. I'll keep you posted. "

At the door the General gave Harlan the last word, grasping his handagain. 

"You brought me a message from the young men that touched me. "

"I spoke for myself, but I believe that all of them would like to havethe same opportunity that I had, " faltered Harlan. "I know they would. Will you let us come to you at the right time and make it plain?"

"I shall depend upon you in a great many ways in the months to come. Youknow it's to be a young man's administration by an old man made youngagain. I'm proud of my first volunteer!"

"He's a good boy, and he's got the makings in him, " declared the Duke. 

"I've been too long with men not to appreciate a good chief of staffwhen I see him, " laughed the General. 

Framed in the big door, with the dim glow of light behind him, hewatched them depart. 

The Duke walked in the far shadows of the station platform in silence, smoking, until the train whistled. 

"Bub, you remember that I told you I'd put you in right, " he said, climbing the car steps. "Now follow your hand. "

But Harlan Thornton, fresh from that presence, understood that he hadpledged a loyalty deeper than the loyalty of mere politics orpreferment. 

CHAPTER XII

DEALS AND IDEALS

There was no one in the smoking-room of the car, so the Duke discoveredwith relief. It was late, and the passengers were in their berths. Therewas no one to spy, ask questions, or guess. 

"Complete!" he grunted, satisfiedly, as he sat down. "We've come throughwith the job in good shape, Harlan. It'll have to be a mind-reader thatfinds out what I've put up to-day. "

He swung his feet upon the seat opposite and sighed. 

"I'm a pretty old man to be tearing 'round nights in this fashion, bub, but I feel younger by twenty years just this minute. Now I didn't tellyou my plans this morning. Reckoned I'd wait till I had a clear viewahead. I've got it now. I'll wire ahead to the junction for our baggageto be brought from the hotel and put on board this train. We'll stay on. State capital next. Down to Luke's place. We'll stay there till StateConvention. Finger right on the pulse after this. "

He called the porter and arranged for his berths, and ordered thetelegram sent from the next station. 

He began leisurely to unfasten his necktie and collar. 

"Got to tell Luke, you know. A close corporation of four--that's enoughto know it. Can't trust the rest. We'll let 'em keep their old politicalhen sitting on their china egg. We'll hatch the good egg in our ownnest. Then for a glorious old cackle! Vard Waymouth will be the nextGovernor of this State! Sure!"

"And this State will have the right man on the job with him asGovernor!" cried the young man, enthusiastically. "I'm proud of what youdid to-night, grandfather. I don't believe he would have listened toanyone else. "

"Friendship, comradeship, mean something when you get old, my boy. "

"I hope they'll all know who did it when the time comes right. Some ofthe men who have been growling about you behind your back will havetheir mouths shut for them. "

"You've been hearing the old man cussed thoroughly and scientifically, eh?" drawled the Duke. He squinted, quizzically. "Well, a man who staysin politics fifty years and doesn't make enemies, stays too close to theground to be worth anything. Good, healthy, vigorous enemies are acompliment. "

"I wonder whether his party will say that when General Waymouth startsout in his reforms. "

"What reforms?" demanded the old man, tugging off his collar. 

"You heard what he said--about what he intended to do--the warning, ashe called it. "

Thornton looked at his grandson serenely and with a glint of humor inhis eyes. 

"You don't have any idea, do you, that Vard Waymouth is going to playpolitics with sugar-plums instead of with the chips he finds on thetable? Get your wisdom teeth cut, young chap. That's another branch ofthe science for you to learn. "

Harlan protested, his loyalty a bit shocked. 

"I believe that General Waymouth meant what he said. "

"Well, what did he say?"

"You _know_ what he said. I saw you listening pretty closely, grandfather. He intends a square deal for this State. I may be young, and I probably don't understand politics, but I know an honest gentlemanwhen I see one. "

"My boy, there's no question of dishonesty here. Don't pick up any ofthe patter that the demagogues are babbling--and they don't know justwhat they mean themselves. He _is_ an honest man. Have I known him allmy life without finding that out? But he isn't going to start out andclinch any reputation for honesty by turning his back on his own partyand its interests--not for the sake of having the cheap demagogues ofthe other side pat him on the back and pick his pockets at the sametime. He knows politics too well. But we won't sit up here to-night anddiscuss that. Keep your faith in him. He's worth it. "

With his coat on his arm he started for his berth. 

"The idea is, then, the party is going to make him stand first of allfor things that will help the party, without much regard for what willhelp the people of this State as a whole? That's politics according tothe code, is it, grandfather?"

"That's politics, my boy, " stated the Duke with decision. "Once in awhile you find a fellow splitting off and trying to play it different, but he doesn't last. Why the devil should he? It's his party, isn't it, that puts him on the job?"

"It's the majority of the people that do it, if he's elected. "

"Don't get fooled on this 'people' idea, Harlan. The people are no goodwithout organization--and organization _is_ the party. I don't want todiscourage you, son. You'll see some opportunities where you can grab inand turn a trick for the general good of all hands. But you can't dumpyour friends. You've got to stand by your own party first. You doanything else, and you'll simply get the reputation of being a kickerand an insurgent. And then you can't spin a thread. Your own partydoesn't want you and the other side is afraid of you. _Ideals_ areblasted good in their way, but in politics cut out the _I_ and attend tothe _deals_. It's the only way you'll get anywhere. "

Harlan sat alone for a while and thought. Rebellion seethed in him. Butit was rebellion against something vague--protest that was more instinctthan actual understanding. He still lacked the prick of partyenthusiasm; party, as he had seen its operations, stood for some prettysordid actualities. One thing comforted him: he had not lost his faithin General Waymouth. His grandfather's cynicism had not destroyed that. He realized that his youth and his lack of experience would make him avery humble cog in the legislative machinery. But he had youth and highhopes, and his creed from boyhood had been to do everything that he hadto do resolutely and to the full measure of his ability. 

When he looked at his watch he decided that he would not go to hisberth. The train would reach the State capital shortly after four in themorning. He dozed in his seat, the grateful breath of the summer nightfanning his face through the screen. The Duke found him there, appearingas he had departed, his coat on his arm, his collar in his hand. He wasfull of the briskness of the dawn in spite of his short rations ofsleep. 

"You mustn't think because you've found sins in the party that you'vebeen picked out for the atonement, boy, " he chided, jocosely. "Get yoursleep--always get your sleep. I wouldn't have been alive to-day if I'dbeen kept awake by worry and wonder. "

A cab took their luggage to the hotel. They walked up the hill. It wasthe old man's suggestion. 

"It'll do us good. This air beats any cocktail you can get over Luke'sbar--and they serve as good a one as you'll get anywhere, even if thisis a prohibition State. "

"Wasn't it Governor Waymouth who signed the first prohibition bill inthis State?" asked Harlan. 

"Still dwelling on visions of reform, eh?" inquired his grandfather, smiling broadly. He did not reply immediately. He stepped ahead, forthey were obliged to walk in single file past a man who was sweepingsawdust across the sidewalk. In the windows that flanked the open doorsof his shop dusty cigar boxes were piled. The shelves within were empty. Harlan recognized the nature of the establishment. It was a grog-shop inits partial disguise. He got the odor of stale liquors from the opendoor as he passed. 

"I was present when he signed it, " said the Duke, as soon as they werewalking side by side once more. "Something had to be done politicallywith the Washingtonian movement, you know; it had cut the cranks out ofthe main herd. You'd think, nowadays, to hear some of the things thatare said about conditions in the old times, that every man in this Statepicked up his rum-bottle and pipe and threw 'em to Tophet and got ontothe wagon. You weren't born then. Let me tell you how it reallyhappened. It was mostly politics. The disorganized mob ofprohibitionists didn't do it--it was our party. We needed the cranks toswing the balance of power. They were all herded, ready to follow thebell. Needed a shepherd. Didn't know which one of the old parties to runto. It's a crime in politics not to grab in a bunch of the unbrandedwhen it's that size. We put prohibition into the platform and carriedthe election. Then the boys went to the Governor and told him, privately, that they really didn't mean it, and framed it up that they'dpass the bill in the legislature all right and then he'd veto it--andthe party would be saved, and he wouldn't be hurt, because every oneknew that he couldn't be accused of acting in the interests of therumsellers, but only stood on the constitutional law ground--and therewas great talk those days, son, of personal liberty and inherent rights. But Vard picked up his pen and told us he wasn't much of a hand forplaying practical jokes on the people. He signed it. And he was alicense man, at that, those days. Guess he is now. "

"I don't see how you can say he has played politics--not after he stoodout like that. "

Thelismer Thornton laughed silently. They were half-way up the longhill. The bland morning was already growing warm. The old man stoppedfor a moment, hat off, under a dewy maple. 

"Bub, do you think Vard Waymouth, lawyer that he is, didn't know justabout how much that act would amount to after it got to operating? Aboutall it did was to proclaim the rum business contraband. No teeth, noclaws, not much machinery for enforcement--and public sentiment cussingit, after it began to hit men individually. Reform in politics ispopular just so long as it doesn't hit individuals. "

"There's teeth enough in the law _now_", remarked Harlan. 

"Oh, it's easier to put 'em in than it is to fight the mouths of theprofessional ramrodders who come down to the legislature. We put in theteeth right along and leave off the enforcement muscle. The old thingcan't chaw! Then the ramrodders have got the law to hoorah about andread over in the parlor, and they'll go right past such a place as wesaw down the street there and not know it's a rumshop. After they getall the law they ask for, it's a part of their game to say that therumshops aren't doing business. They're the kind that believe that justhaving the law makes every one good--they don't want to go back on theirown scheme. Come along!" He went out into the sunshine. "I don't like toget talking prohibition. The play is not to talk it. It runs best whenyou don't talk about it. It's running good now. Saloons open, and allthe prohibitory law-frills the old fuss-budgets can crochet and hangonto the original bush! Both sides satisfied!"

"It may be good politics--it may seem all right to you, because you werein the thing from the start and saw how the tricks had to be played, "grumbled the young man. "But I haven't had that kind of training. I'vebeen brought up in business, grandfather. And a State that will do whatthis State is doing now--I'm not saying who's at fault--but the Statethat will handle a law in this way is a blackleg. I believe in GeneralWaymouth. I believe he's got something up his sleeve in the way of realreform. I believe he meant what he said. I don't want to see you hurtpersonally in your plans, grandfather, but I want to tell you franklyI'm with the other side in this thing. "

The Duke glanced at him inquiringly. 

"I mean, politics or no politics, I want to see a law enforced so longas it's a law. If a party cannot hold together and keep on top with anyother system, then the party is 'in' wrong. I don't believe GeneralWaymouth intends to straddle. He'll enforce the law. "

"And kill his party?" inquired the old man, sarcastically. "Oh no, myboy. The party has looked out for that. It isn't taking any chances witha man who might get morally rambunctious. The Governor of this Statehasn't anything to do with enforcing the prohibitory law. We've kept allthe clubs out of his hands. When the W. C. T. U. Converted old GovernorLevett, he got ambitious and tried it on. And the only thing he found hecould do was to issue a proclamation to the sheriffs 'to do their duty. 'The most of 'em framed it and hung it up in their offices; it was toogood a joke to keep hid. "

They walked on in silence. Harlan did not find it easy to continue thatline of talk. His deameanor did not accord with the fair face of themorning. But the old man sauntered on under the trees, plainly contentedwith the world and all that was in it. 

"Let's see, you haven't met Madeleine, Luke's girl, since she waslittle, have you?" he inquired, stealing one of his shrewd side glancesat his grandson. 

Harlan was occupied with his own thoughts and shook his head. 

"I was _thinking_ she'd been away at school whenever you've been downhere with me. Beautiful girl, my boy. Brains, too. Polish up yourthoughts. These college girls are pretty bright, you know. "

"I don't think she will notice whether I've got any thoughts or not, "replied the young man, sourly. "She won't pay much attention to awoodsman--not that kind of a girl. "

"What kind of a girl?"

"One that's full of society notions and college airs. I know the kind. Unless a fellow has wasted about half his life in dancing and loafingaround summer resorts they treat him as though he were a cross betweenan Eskimo and a Fiji. Life is too short to play poodle for girls of thatsort. "

"Well, you are certainly on the mourners' bench to-day, front row and anend seat, " said the old man, disgustedly. "You'd better go up and take anap till breakfast-time, and use sleep, soap, a razor, and common senseand smooth yourself off. I reckon I haven't got you out of those woodsany too quick. "

Only the earliest birds of the hostelry roost were about the big houseat that hour. The new arrivals dodged scrub-women and sweepers in theoffice and on the stairs, and went to their rooms. The Duke, leavinghis grandson at his bedroom door, suggested a bit stiffly that he would"call around about eight o'clock and open the den and lead him down to alittle raw meat, unless he smoothed up his manners and his appetite inthe mean time. "

CHAPTER XIII

THE DUKE'S DOUBLE CAMPAIGN

Presson came in with the Duke at eight o'clock, bringing cordial morninggreetings to Harlan's room. 

The old man found his grandson much improved, both in spirits and garb. In his fresh, cool, summer gray, erect, stalwart, and clear-eyed, he wona grunt of approval from his mentor. 

"There's nothing like being young, Luke! I was just telling you that theboy was getting into the dumps--bound to study all the seams before heput the coat on. But the world looks better now, doesn't it, son?"

"It's the fit of the coat that counts in politics, " observed thechairman, sagely. "And the one that was built last night fits like thepaper on the wall. Don't bother with the seams, Harlan. The liningcovers 'em. "

"Presson likes the frame-up, Harlan, " said the Duke, smiling broadly. "He isn't even jealous because I thought of it first. "

"Who else could have pulled it off as you have, Thelismer? It would takemore than straight politics to get Vard Waymouth out of his den. And Icould have offered only politics. "

With an arm about each he pushed them to the door, saying that his wifeand daughter were waiting below. When Harlan turned from his respectfulgreeting of the mother, whom he knew, he found Miss Presson looking athim with frank and smiling interest. He had heard vague reports thatMadeleine Presson had blossomed into beautiful womanhood since he hadseen her. He had been prepared to meet a rather vain and pampered younglady, conscious of her charms and attainments. He assumed a bit ofreserve as armor for his sensitiveness. But this attitude responded soill to her good-humored ease in renewing their acquaintanceship that hewas momentarily embarrassed, remembering what he had said to hisgrandfather a few hours before. 

"I think I have a most distinct recollection of Mr. Harlan Thornton. When I was ten years old you brought me some lumps of spruce-gum in abirch-bark box and I declined it, saying that young ladies did not chewgum. But I took it when you looked so sad, and I carried it away toboarding-school, and I found out that young ladies do chew gum--when noone is watching them. That gift made me very popular, sir, and now Ithank you. I fear I did not thank you then. "

"It's worth waiting all this time to hear you say that. I'm glad thegift found appreciation, for I culled the winter pickings of a wholelogging crew for those red nuggets. I've been so distrustful of my goodtaste ever since that I've never dared to give anything to a younglady. "

"I'm afraid you didn't realize what you were doing when you snubbedhim, " put in the Duke. "I haven't been able to get him out of the woodssince--till now, and I've had to bring him almost by main force. "

The carriage was at the door. The State chairman led the way to it. Hehad a home for his family apart from the big hotel, the mammoth hostelryof the State--one of his many business ventures. 

"We are on our way home from our morning ride--it's the real jolly partof the June day, the two hours before breakfast, " explained the girl, asthey went down the steps. "When we called here for father you mayimagine how delighted we were to find your grandfather. I know youunderstand, Mr. Harlan Thornton, what a dear old man your grandfatheris!"

"He has been mother, father, brother, and sister and best friend--allthose to me. He has seemed to have some of the elements of all. 

"I know of the good things he has done, and how ungrateful some of thefolks are he has helped. Your grandfather would be a real saint if itwere not for politics. You know we folks at the State capital hearpolitics talked all the time. I suppose my good father has the samewicked things said about him--though, of course, I don't hear them. "

"And I've been too deep in the woods to hear. "

Presson ushered his wife and the young people into the carriage. 

"Thelismer and I would rather walk, " he said. "We have some more mattersto talk over. " And he sent them away. 

Harlan took his seat opposite the ladies, and now, in this closeproximity, he realized how charming the young girl was. From the closebraids of her brown hair to the tips of her bronze shoes she was womanlygrace and refinement personified. There was a cordial frankness in hertone and eyes that attracted him, and put him at his ease. Yet there wasno hint of coquetry. He liked her at once and instinctively, becausesomehow she seemed to meet him on a manly plane of good-fellowship--andyet she was so thoroughly and deliciously feminine. There was just a bitof a drawl in her voice, a suggestion of jocoseness, continualappreciation of the humor of life and living. And her laugh was aninspiration. 

He was a little surprised at himself when he found that he was chattingwith her so easily. Later, when he reflected, he understood. She hadalmost a masculine breadth of view in addition to her culture. In thatfirst day of their meeting she gave voice to some of his own unexpressedviews regarding the trend of the times in public matters. Sheapologized, half-humorously. "But as I said to you a while ago, we hearpolitics talked much at the State capital. "

Following the after-breakfast chat, he walked back to the hotel with hisgrandfather. 

"By-the-way, I didn't lie to you any about Luke's girl, did I?" remarkedthe old man, casually, and as though the matter had occurred to him indefault of better topic. "But she's too advanced in her ideas for awoman. She'll be suffragette-ing it next. "

When Harlan began to defend the right of women to interest themselves inthe larger affairs, only a twinkle in the Duke's eye betrayed hisamusement. If Harlan, in his first quick suspicions, had secretlyaccused his grandfather of planning a matrimonial campaign inconjunction with his political one, he was now ashamed of thosesuspicions, for they concerned Madeleine Presson. Having met her, herealized that if he should dare to connect her in his thoughts withanything that his grandfather might be scheming he was making of himselfa very presumptuous and silly ass. Now that he had seen her, now when hewas spending days of waiting at the State capital and seeing herfrequently, he found that Madeleine Presson's personality eliminatedpossible matchmakers. He felt very humble in her presence--and stillashamed. He had never taken stock of his own deficiencies veryparticularly. His environment had not prompted it. He had been superiorto the men he had ruled. He realized now that the little amenities oflife which make for poise and ease must be lived, not simply learned. In taking thought lest he err he found himself proceeding awkwardly. Histraining in the past had led him to set work and achievement ahead ofall the rest. He understood now that those essentials in a life that isto yield the most appear better as superstructure. Mere achievement mayattract respect. Erected on culture, it wins still more. Respect feedsonly one appetite of ambition. True ambition is hungry for affection andfriends, placing lovers ahead of sycophants. And the finer qualities, the softer virtues, attract more surely than mere fame. 

These and similar reflections came to young Thornton ratherincoherently. It was not that he desired the affection or the admirationof Madeleine Presson. But this young woman represented for him a newphase of the world he was meeting in its broader sense--and he wasambitious with the zest of youth. Often he was obliged to spur himselfout of diffidence in her serene presence. At other times she put him athis ease with a tact which made him realize his own shortcomings. Andunder those circumstances ambition droops like a plant in a drought. 

He had time to think during the two weeks he was at the State capitalwaiting for the big convention. His grandfather made no demands uponhim. 

Thelismer Thornton had quietly appointed himself the dominant figure inthe back room at State headquarters. Under his big hand all the stringsmet. Even Luke Presson took subordinate post as a lieutenant. 

The Duke of Fort Canibas _knew_ that he was in control. 

The Hon. David Everett _believed_ that _he_ was. Thornton blandlycultivated that belief in Everett. When Everett talked he listened. WhenEverett counselled he agreed. He invited all the confidence of thatgentleman; he made sure that "the logical candidate" used him asrepository of all his political secrets; he was careful to assurehimself that Everett's strength was entirely in his hands and under hiscontrol--for he intended to shatter that strength so instantly, sothoroughly, that not one fragment would be left to hamper his own plans. 

And yet day by day, word by word, hint by hint--his eye on the futureloyalty of the Everett faction at the polls--he made the candidateunderstand that Arba Spinney was a man to be reckoned with--that theconvention was not an open-and-shut certainty for the machine. Withoutrealizing how it had come about, Everett found himself discussing"political exigencies. " Without knowing that he had been selected as amartyr for his party, he committed himself in lofty sentiments regardingthe duty of a man in a crisis. Not that he suspected that his chanceswere endangered. He felt that he was truly the man of destiny; he wasurging other men to forget their slights and their disappointments andrally to him. But the fact remained that--thinking wholly of othermen--he had committed himself, and in a way that he could be reminded ofwhen the time came. 

The Duke planted that kedge well out, to serve in the stress of weatherat the polls in the fall, should Everett and his men be silly enough toconfound "party exigency" with treachery. 

All men are forgetful. The Duke feared that some men had forgotten thedetails of Gen. Varden Waymouth's notable life. The publicity bureau, obeying crafty suggestions and not understanding just what it was allabout, began in the stress of that campaign to recall stories of the olddays. And no man represented the old days as did Varden Waymouth, hero, scholar, and statesman. There were giants in the old days, and everymachine newspaper in the State hailed General Waymouth as chief of thegiants. They contrasted the present with the past. General Waymouth'spicture gazed forth in stately benignity from every broadside--his lifestory filled the columns of newspapers and the mouths of men. 

With Arba Spinney's activities Thornton was in touch at all times. Morethan ever before Mr. Spinney merited his title "Fog-horn. " He wasstriking the high places in the State, pouring language from under themat of his mustache, warning all men off the political shoals of "themachine. " From those shoals he was scooping up mud in both hands, andspattering all men and all measures. He found plenty of listeners, forprotest was abroad. But the persistent defamer irritates even hisfriends. He offends the innate sense of patriotism and loyalty whichslinks even in the breast of the rebel. The Duke noted with satisfactionthe outward symptoms of Mr. Spinney's campaign; he was winning afollowing in those days of unrest. Through the columns of his newspapersthe old politician exploited Mr. Spinney, seeing to it that he was welladvertised as a man who persistently branded his own State as a den ofinfamy. Thus he made Spinney strong enough to play against Everett andweak enough to fall far in the estimation of men when the time came forhim to fall. 

And then at last, in the latter days of June, all roads led to Rome. TheRepublican Convention was called for the twenty-eighth, in the big hallof the State's metropolis. 

On the day before, Thelismer Thornton emerged from the back room ofheadquarters at the State capital, and with Chairman Presson and Harlanjourneyed to the scene of the conflict. Before their departure the Dukehad been obliged, smilingly, to refuse a request of Mrs. Presson's. 

She had asked that young Mr. Thornton be delegated as squire of dames toaccompany herself and her party to the convention. 

"I'm afraid you haven't realized for a week or so that the boy is inpolitics, Lucretia. I've let him run to pasture with a pretty long cordon him. He'll have to come in under the saddle now. We'll have one ofthe young beaus from the Governor's staff on the lookout for you at thehall. This fellow here"--he patted Harlan's arm--"he hasn't been brokento the society bridle yet. He was allowing to me the other day that hedidn't propose to be, either. "

Miss Presson had overheard. 

Harlan, remembering, flashed a glance of rebuke and anger at the oldman. It was a shock to him to have his own sentiments thrust back at himin that manner. 

"We haven't found Mr. Harlan ungallant, " protested Mrs. Presson. Shetreated the matter in jest, though the young man's face did not indicatethat he especially appreciated the humor. 

"Oh, he's probably just been playing 'possum--practising dissimulation, getting used to being a politician! You be watching out, Lucretia. He'llforget himself and make a bolt pretty soon. The test of the thing willbe in seeing whether he holds out or not!"

In his indignation, Harlan was too confused just then to grasp the factthat his tormentor was craftily handing him over to the Pressonwomenfolk, bound, branded, and supple--unless he proposed to merit hisgrandfather's label in their estimation. 

"Now, look here, grandfather"--he began, wrathfully; but the Duke pulledhim away, drowning his protests in a laugh. 

"You have placed me in a ridiculous position, and that's a mighty mildway to put it, " complained the indignant victim, when they were outside. "I don't understand, grandfather, why you do something to me every nowand then that knocks all the props out from under me. It isn'tdecent--it's vulgar--it's shameful, the way you do some things!"

"Operate in a queer way, do I?" inquired the old man, blandly. 

"You certainly do. "

"Did you ever stop to think, boy, that human nature is a queer thing?"

"Whose human nature are you referring to--yours or mine?"

"You know what the old Quaker said to his wife: 'All the world's queer, dear, except thee and me--and thee's a little queer!'"

The angry young man would have liked to get a little more light on thequestion, but Chairman Presson was ready for them and hustled them intothe carriage. And on the ride to the station, during the journey bytrain, at the convention city, there were other matters uppermostbesides a young man's pique. 

CHAPTER XIV

THE BEES AND THE WOULD-BES

Men--a swarm of men--a hiveful of men. Lobbies, parlors, corridors, stairways of the big hotel packed with men. 

Men in knots, in groups, in throngs, pressing together, disintegratingto form new groups, revolving in the slow mass of the herd, shakinghands, crying greetings, mumbling confidential asides. An observer whodid not understand would find it all as aimless as the activity of anant-heap--as puzzling as the slow writhings of a swarm of bees. Cloudsof cigar smoke over all--voices blended into one continual diapason;medley, and miasma of close human contact. 

After supper, in the crowded hotel dining-room, Harlan Thorntonaccompanied his grandfather through the press of jostling men. 

The night before a State Convention was a new experience for him. Hewalked behind the Duke, who made his slow, urbane way here and there, drawling good-humored replies to salutations. He had quip ready forjest, handclasp for his intimates, tactful word for the newer men whowere dragged forward to meet him. Even the Governor of the State, aponderous dignitary with a banner of beard, did not receive so hearty awelcome, for the Governor was accorded only the perfunctory adulationgiven to one whose reign was passing. 

"Governors come and Governors go, Thornton, but you've got where you'rean institution!" cried one admirer. "I'll be sorry to miss you out ofthe legislature this winter. "

"But here's another Thornton--and you can see that he won't rattle'round in the seat, " returned the Duke, his arm affectionately about hisgrandson's shoulders. 

As he went about, in this unobtrusive way, varying his manner withdifferent men, he presented his political heir. 

At that hour there was no surface hint of the factional spirit thatdivided the gathering which had flocked from the ends of the State. Jealousy, spite, apprehension, rivalry were hidden under the gayety ofmen meeting after long separation. The political kinship of party mendominated all else in those early hours. It was a reunion. Food nestledcomfortably under the waistbands. Tobacco--cigars exchanged, lightsborrowed from glowing tips--loaned its solace. Bickerings were inabeyance. Men were sizing up. Men were trying out each other. Courtesyinvites confidences. The candidates had not "taken their corners. " Thesuites that they had selected for headquarters were now occupied only bythe lieutenants who were arranging the boxes of cigars and stacking theliterature ready for distribution. 

The Hon. David Everett, serene in the consciousness of approval by hisparty machine, held preliminary court in one corner of the spaciousoffice lobby. The State chairman was with him--his executioner skilfullydisguised. 

Thelismer Thornton forged through the crowd in that direction. He paidhis respects publicly and heartily. In that hour when congratulationssugared the surface of conditions, after he had pump-handled men untilhis arm ached, Everett forgot that he ever had entertained doubts. 

"There's nothing to this!" he had been assuring the State chairman overand over, catching opportunity for asides. "They're all coming intoline. The sight of you and Thornton backing me has reminded them allthat they can't afford to rip the party open. There's nothing to it!"

Presson agreed amiably. But studying his men, searching for insincerity, he saw what Everett closed his eyes to. He exchanged a significantglance with the Duke as the latter turned to resume his promenade. 

Above the continual, distracting babble one sonorous voice roseinsistently. Laughter and applause broke in upon it occasionally. Therewas a din in that corner of the lobby that attracted many of thecuriosity-seekers in that direction. 

"There's Fog-horn Spinney holding forth, " Thornton informed Harlan, ironically. "Come along. We mustn't slight any of the candidates. "

They made way for him. Men grinned up into his face as he passed. Theyscented possible entertainment when the big boss met the demagogue. Manyof the men wore badges--long strips of ribbon with this legend printedthereon, running lengthwise of the ribbon:

HONEST ARBA

Candidate Spinney had a thick packet of ribbons in one of hisgesticulating hands. He was flushed, vociferous, and somewhat insolent. Like Everett, he was not analyzing the acclamation that greetedeverything he said; applause had made him drunk. But under the hilarityof his listeners there was considerable enthusiasm for the man himself. The Duke perceived it, for he realized what times had come upon theState. Spinney's bombast expressed the protest that was abroad. Rebellion, thirsty, does not seek the cold spring of Reason. It fuddlesitself with hot speech, it riots--it dares not pause to ponder. 

"The men that are running this State to-day are running it forthemselves, " he declaimed, as Thornton and his grandson came into thefront rank of his listeners. "They want it all. I brand 'em for whatthey are. I could take glue and a hair-brush and make hogs out of everyone of 'em!"

A shout of laughter! There was more zest for the mob in the point of Mr. Spinney's remarks, with the Duke of Fort Canibas, lord of the northcountay, present to listen. 

"I'm not ashamed of my platform. I'm willing to promulgate it. For I'mgoing to stand behind it. It ain't a platform fixed up in a back room ofthis hotel the night before convention, sprung at the last minute, andworded so that it reads the same backward and forward, and doesn't meanany more than whistling a tune! What kind of a system is it that taxesthe poor man's family dog, the friend of his children, a dollar, andlets the rich man's wild lands off with two mills on a valuation screweddown to pinhead size?"

Applause that indicated that the bystanders owned dogs!

"If you're hunting for something to tax, pick out bachelors instead ofdogs. Dogs can't earn money. Bachelors can. There are forty thousand oldmaids and widows in this State who can't find husbands. Tax thebachelors. Give the single women a pension. Hunt out the tax-dodgers. There are things enough to tax instead of the farms and cottages of thepoor men. "

He now fixed the Duke with his gaze. 

"You don't dare to deny, do you, that the system in this State isscrewing the last cent out of the exposed property and letting thedodgers go free? Tax the necessities of the poor, say you! I say, taxthe luxuries of the rich!"

"In some countries, I believe, they get quite a revenue by taxingmustaches, " stated the Duke, thus appealed to. 

Spinney indignantly broke in on the laughter. 

"You've carried off oppression so far as a joke, but you can't do it anylonger, Squire Thornton. The people are awake this time. They've gotdone electing lawyers and dudes and land-grabbers for Governors. They'regoing to have a Governor that will make State officials work for fairday's wages, as the farmers and artisans work. No more high-salariedloafers in public office! No more dynasties, Sir Duke of Fort Canibas!You'll be having a coat of arms next!"

This last was said in rude jest--the public horseplay of a man anxiousto win his laugh at any cost. 

"I've got a coat of arms, Arba; I won the decoration when I retired fromhard work at the age of fifty. That was about the time you were startingin life by selling fake mining stock around this State. My coat of armsis two patches on a homespun background, surrounded by looped galluses. And I can show you the mile of stone walls I built before you wereborn. "

Spinney did not relish the merriment which followed that sally. 

"You've outgrown that coat of arms, then, in these days, " he retorted. "They all know you by a different stripe since you set the other chap atwork, Squire Thornton. And the pendulum of power is swinging the otherway! The people are behind _me_. You'd better get aboard. " His style ofhumor depended most on its effrontery. He held out one of his badges. "Better put it on, " he advised. "Get aboard with the rush! They're allfor 'Honest Arba. '"

The Duke stepped forward and presented his breast. 

"Pin it on, Arba. When a man shifts his business and is introducing abrand-new line of goods, different from what he ever carried before, heneeds all the advertising he can get. Pin it on!"

But Mr. Spinney did not pin it on. He had been sure that the old manwould indignantly refuse, and his discomfiture was evident. 

"You're showing your regular disposition, I see, " he growled. "Grabbingeverything you can get hold of. But a joke is a joke--let this one restright here! Thornton, I say it here to your face, where all the boys canhear me: the people want a change in this State. I am not going behind adoor to talk with you--that's been done too much! I stand in the openand say it! Open fighting after this--that's my code. I fight for thepeople. The people shall be put wise and kept wise to all that's goingon. "

"It's a good plan, " counselled the Duke, unperturbed. "I see I can'ttell you anything about advertising. " He tapped a badge on the breast ofa man near him. 

"I'm for the people!" shouted Spinney. "The old wagon needs a newwheel-horse. I don't insist I'm the right one--or the only one. I merelysay I'm willing to take hold and haul, if the people want me to. I offermyself, if no better one is found. "

The crowd applauded that sentiment generously. 

Thornton did not lose his amiability--his tolerant yet irritatinggood-humor. 

"Speaking of wheel-horses, Arba--a man up my way started out to buy ahorse the other day. He found a black one that suited--but the man whoowned that horse was mighty honest, as most of my constituents are. 'Youdon't want him, ' he told the man. 'He's too blamed slow. ' 'That doesn'thurt him a bit for me, ' said the buyer. 'I want him to mate anotherblack horse to haul my hearse. I'm an undertaker!' 'Then you certainlydon't want him, ' insisted the fellow. 'The _living_ can _wait_, but the_dead_ have got to be _buried_. '"

The Duke had made his way out of the crowd before the laughter ceased. 

"Apply it to suit, Arba!" he called over his shoulder. 

Arm in arm with his grandson, the Duke traversed the lobby and went upthe broad stairs to the State Committee headquarters--double parlors onthe floor above. The men who were sitting in the main parlor saluted theold man in the offhand manner of intimates. He drew his grandson intothe privacy of the rear room. 

"Now, my boy, get your hat, take a carriage and meet General Waymouth atthe nine o'clock train. I've had him on the telephone. He's coming hereto-night. Between us, he's grown lukewarm on our proposition. I want youto talk with him after you meet him. Take your time on the way from thestation. "

"I'm a pretty poor agent to send on such a job as that, " said Harlan, deprecatingly. 

"You're just the one, " insisted the old man. "Don't you suppose I knewwhat I was doing when I took you with me that night? Talk for the youngmen of this State! He's tired of politics and politicians. I am, myself, sometimes. He's got to dwelling on the political side. Get it out of hismind. Thank God, you don't know enough politics to talk it to him! Youcan talk from your heart, boy. The younger generation in this State doeswant a change. I realize it. But that change has got to be tempered withpolitical wisdom. It must be managed through politics. I'll attend tothat part. It's your task to make Vard Waymouth see that he ought tostand. You can do it. Begin with him where you left off. "

Harlan hesitated. 

"Well?" inquired the Duke, a bit petulantly. 

"I've been used to talking straight out to you, grandfather. I'm willingto help as far as it's in my poor power. But I want you to tell me thatI'm not being used as a decoy-duck in this thing. "

"I reckon you'd better explain that, son, " said the Duke, stiffly. 

"It's your own fault that I'm saying a word about it. But you did sometalking after we came away from General Waymouth's house. It wasn't somuch what you said; it was what you intimated. I believe in GeneralWaymouth. But if I'm any judge of what has been framed up, he isn'tgoing to be allowed to do what he wants to do. "

"Did I say so?"

"No. But you did say that he would play the game with the chips that areon the table, not with sugar-plums. "

"And you construe that to mean that I'm pulling him into this thing soas to be able to work him in the interests of the machine, eh?" inquiredthe Duke, putting into brutal speech even more than his grandson's vaguesuspicions suggested. "Now, look here! You remember Pod McClintock andhis epileptic fits? You know he fell into a barbed-wire fence in a fit, and told around afterward how he had been to heaven, and the devil methim on his way back and clawed him for spite? Well, now don't you go toimitating Pod. There's more or less barbed wire in politics--any mangets afoul of it. But don't lay it to the devil. That will be elevatingaccidents onto too high a plane. If Vard Waymouth is the next Governorof this State there'll be some wire fences that he won't be able to siton. There'll be too many barbs. We'll put top rails onto all the fenceswe can. But you can't make any fence safe for those that are bound tobutt head-first into barbed wire. Waymouth isn't the kind to do anybutting. I'll tell you this, Harlan, and it's straight: if I help tomake Waymouth our next Governor, I'll help to make him a goodone--provided he needs any of my help in that line. Now go and attendto your business. "

There were few at the railroad station, and those few paid little heedto General Waymouth when he stepped down from the train. The young mangreeted him with eager respect, and explained why he was there. 

The General took his arm and walked to the carriage. "This is restful. I'm glad to see you here, " he said. "But to-morrow, " he added, bitterly, "if I am fool enough to be dragged back into politics, I'll be metwherever I go by men that fawn and men that seek--by that crowd Ithought and hoped I had escaped forever. I was very hasty, Mr. Thornton, when I gave my word to your grandfather. I fear I must hold youresponsible just because you were present. " He smiled as the young mantook his seat opposite. "But you constituted a new element in politics. I had been having my dreams in the peace of my home--and one of thosedreams was to see the young men of this State breaking away from thepolitical bondage of the fathers. But I'm afraid I am older than Ithought. I have an old man's fears. I have had enough--too much--of thecontact of men. Now this next idea is fanciful--another proof that I'mold--in my dotage, perhaps. " His tone was gently playful. "I told youthe other day that you seemed to typify the young strength of the State. So I'm going to appeal to you, young man--I cannot very well appeal tothe rest, for they are not in the secret--I'm going to beg of you, Mr. Second Generation, to release me from my promise. What say you?--andremember that I'm an old man who has fought the good fight and is veryweary. "

"I've got to confess there isn't much wit and humor in me--there doesn'tseem to be just now, " stammered Harlan, after groping some moments forsuitable reply to what he accepted as badinage. 

"Oh, I don't want jest in answer to that, sir, " protested the General. "I am in earnest. " But his tone was still a bit whimsical. "You know, even so great a man as Caesar consulted the oracle and the omens and thesoothsayers. Why should not I practice a little divination? Now answerme, young man--or I'll say, young _men_ of the State?"

"Yet I can't think you really mean that, General, " protested Harlan, wholly confused by this persistent banter. 

"Call it in fun, call it in earnest, still I demand my answer. " GeneralWaymouth was serious now. "I came here resolved to tell Thelismer, faceto face, that I could not sacrifice the last strength of my life in theway he has asked. But when you met me at the station all my ambitionsfor this newer generation, as I have dreamed them, came up in me. Myboy, this State of ours is in a bad way. In one respect it is especiallybad. We have one solemn law in our constitution that is made our ownpolitical football and the laughing-stock of the nation. We forbid thesale of liquor. Look at that saloon we are passing at this moment! It isa law that affects nearly every person in our State--comes near to everyone, directly or indirectly. The manner of its breaking, publicly andprotected by politics, has bred disrespect for all law in the boys whoare growing up. And they are the ones who will run our State when weoldsters are gone. I'll not say anything about the other reforms thatconditions are calling for. There's _one_--the big one that flauntsitself in our faces. I'm of the old school, Mr. Thornton. I don'tbelieve in the prohibitory principle as applied to the liquor question. It hasn't the right spirit behind it--it is invoked by bigots andfanatics who refuse helpful compromise. But it's a law--our law! Everyday that passes under present conditions adds its little to thedamnation of the moral principle in our boys and girls, growing up witheyes and ears open. God, I wish I were twenty years younger! But I'm oldenough to have fantastic notions; old enough to insist on an answer tomy question, in spite of what you may think of my mental condition. Willyou release me from that promise? I made it to the young men of thisState--in my disgust at conditions, in my passion to do something toclean out this nest!"

The lights from the brilliant shop-windows shone into the carriage. Harlan leaned forward. The General's face was serious. 

"Still, I can't understand it!" he cried. "I'm only--"

"I tell you, you typify for me at this moment the young men of my State!I choose to decide in this fashion. Do you feel that an honest Governorwould help your self-respect?"

"I can answer that question, sir. I believe in you. Ever since youpromised my grandfather that you would accept the nomination I havedepended on that promise. I know what you can do for our State. If youare not to be our next Governor the heart has gone out of me, and theyoung men of this State have lost their best hope. "

The carriage wheels had grated to a standstill against the curb in frontof the big hotel. The buzz of the crowded hive came out to them throughthe open windows. General Waymouth glanced that way and frowned. Butwhen he turned and looked into the glowing face of the young manopposite, his countenance cleared slowly. His smile returned. There wasa hint of pathos in that smile, but his eyes shone. He put out his handand took Harlan's in a firm clasp. 

"That sounds like my call to duty, Mr. Thornton, " he declared. "Ilisten. I obey!" Then he dropped his earnestness. "Let this little talkremain a secret between us. These practical politicians wouldn'tunderstand. A bit of an old man's weakness; perhaps that was it. Alittle eccentric, eh?"

The driver had opened the carriage door. 

"I believe I understand, sir. I do now. And I'm sorry. "

The remark was a bit cryptic, but the General understood. 

"And you'll appreciate better what this means to me when you are as oldas I. But that's the last of talk like this, my boy. There's one morefight still in me. We'll just go ahead and find out how much honesty isleft in this State--and you shall help me hunt for it, for old eyes needthe help of young ones, and I'm going outside the politicians to findhonesty. "

He led the way across the pavement to a side door of the hotel. 

"We'll go in this way, quietly, " he said. "I haven't any appetite forthat kind of a stew just yet. "

CHAPTER XV

SITTING IN FOR THE DEAL

On the second floor of the hotel Thelismer Thornton was pacing thecorridor, hands behind his back, puffing his cigar. He was paying noheed to the men who were streaming past him in both directions, goingand coming from the rooms of the candidates. Everett and Spinney were intheir suites, extending hospitality with questionable cigars andice-water. 

Delegates were flocking up from the hotel bar in squads. They weremeeting other delegates, forming new combinations which offered freshopportunities for "setting 'em up, " and after paying their respects werehustling back downstairs again to interview the gentlemen in whitejackets. 

Out from open transoms over the doors of sleeping-rooms floated cigarsmoke and voices. There were boys running with ice-water and glasses tothe noisiest rooms. From some of these rooms the familiar bacchanaliansongs were resounding even at that early hour of the evening. The chorusof "We're here because we're here" mingled with the words of thatreminiscent old carol, "When we fit with Gineral Grant, by gosh. "

The Duke, towering, abstracted, swaying along ponderously, close to thewall of the corridor, eyes on the head of the stairway, was asindifferent to the uproar as he was to those who passed. 

A man who was somewhat flushed and a bit uncertain in his gait came outof the State Committee headquarters. He planted himself in front ofThornton. 

"Thelismer, " he said, familiarly, "I've been trying to get something outof Luke. He won't say. Now what do you know about it? Is the party goingto be honest? Are we going to get that resubmission plank in theplatform this year?"

"They haven't asked me to write the platform, Phon. "

"I tell you, the people want a chance to vote on this prohibitoryquestion. It's been stuck into our constitution where the people can'tget at it. I ain't arguing high license, but I tell you the people wanta chance to vote on the question, and the Democrats are going to offer'em a chance. "

"That's a Democratic privilege, " said the Duke, calmly, preparing topush past his interlocutor. "The Republican party stands forprohibition, and hasn't had any trouble in rounding up the votes for thelast twenty-five years. "

But the disputant caught hold of him when he started away. 

"Look here, Thelismer, you ain't so much of a hypocrite as the most of'em. Why don't you help us make a break in this thing? Damn it, let's bedecent about it! Rum enough running in that bar-room downstairs to drivethe turbine-wheel in my woollen-mill! Half the delegates to thisconvention with a drink aboard, and a third of 'em pretty well slewed! Iam myself. But I'm honest about it. They're drinking rum in about everyroom in this hotel. And they're going into convention to-morrow and nailthat prohibitory plank into the platform with spikes. By Judas, I'mhonest in my _business_; now I want to have a chance to be honest in my_politics_!"

The Duke gazed down on him good-humoredly. He was accustomed tooverlook the little delinquencies of his fellows on such festaloccasions as State Conventions. 

"You're asking too much out of party politics, Phon, " he declared. "There are drawbacks to all the best things; seeing that the Nationalplatform won't let you vote as you think, you can hardly ask the Stateplatform to be perfect and let you vote as you drink. "

But his friend was not in the mood for jovial rallying. 

"By the gods, if you old bucks that have been running things ain't goingto give us a show--if we ain't going to get our rights from our ownparty--I know what I can do! I can vote the Democratic ticket, and Iknow of a lot more that will. You're asleep, you managers!"

"Well, Phon, when you vote as you drink--voting the Democraticticket--you'll vote for a popocratic tax on corporations that will makeyour woollen-mill look sick. And that's only _one_ thing!"

"I know what I will do, " insisted the rebel. 

The Duke took him by his two shoulders. 

"So do I, " he returned. "You'll have a bath, a shave, four hot towels, and a big bromo-seltzer--all in the morning, and you'll go into theState Convention and stick by the party, just as you always have done. But as for to-night--why, Phon, I wouldn't be surprised to see youpledge yourself to Arba Spinney. "

He gayly shoved the man to one side and went on. 

"Well, even Fog-horn is getting more votes corralled than you old blindmules realize!" shouted the other after him. "This party is sick! You'regoing to find it out, too!"

"Sick it is, but I reckon here's the doctor, " muttered the old man, hurrying toward the top of the stairs. 

General Waymouth had appeared there, Harlan close behind him. 

The Duke forestalled those who hastened to greet the veteran. Takinghis arm, he marched him promptly across the corridor and into the rearroom of State Committee headquarters. He locked the door behind themafter Harlan had entered. 

"I don't think we're exactly ready for that public reception yet, " heobserved with a chuckle, turning from the door. He glanced at theGeneral, anxious and keen in his scrutiny. 

"Vard!" he cried, heartily, noting the resolution in the countenance, the light in the old soldier's eyes, "you're looking better, here, thanyou sounded over the telephone a few hours ago. You're going tostand--of _course_ you're going to stand!"

"I'll take the nomination, Thelismer--that is, providing you want me tostand as a candidate who will go into office without a single stringhitched to him. "

"I guess the party isn't running into any desperate chances, Vard, withyou in the big chair. Sit down now and take it easy. I'll call Luke in. After we've had our talk with him, we'll begin to enlarge our circle alittle--it's a pretty close combination up to now. "

The porter at the door summoned the chairman of the State Committee. 

"The Senator is just in from Washington, " he announced, after hisenthusiastic greeting of the General. "I took him right up to Room 40, where the Committee on Resolutions is at work. He wanted to attend tothat first. Then he'll be down here. "

The chairman was referring to the United States Senator who would, byparty custom, preside at the convention next day for the purpose oftinkering his own fences. 

"Is Senator Pownal dictating the platform?" inquired the General, rathericily. 

"He's got a few little ideas of his own he wants to work in, " affablyexplained the chairman. "Nothing drastic. A little endorsement of somethings he's gunning for. It'll be all safe and sane. We backed thoseresubmission fellows out of the room. "

"By-the-way, keep a sharp eye out for those chaps, Luke, " counselled theDuke. "I've been hearing around the hotel this evening that they'regoing to introduce a resubmission plank from the floor to-morrow. "

"I'll rush an early vote in the convention, providing that allresolutions shall be presented to the Committee on Resolutions withoutargument, " stated the chairman. "All that foolishness can be killedright in the committee-room. We've got trouble enough on hand in theparty this year without letting the convention express itself on theliquor question, even if the split only amounts to a sliver. "

He pulled his chair to the table, spread some papers there, andcommanded attention by tapping his eyeglasses on the sheets. 

"Here's the programme for the routine: Called to order at ten-thirty bychairman of State Committee. Call read by secretary. On motion of DavisBolton, of Hollis, proceed to effect temporary organization--SenatorWalker Pownal, chairman--and so forth. On motion of Parker Blake, ofJay, ten minutes' recess declared for county delegations to choosevice-president, member of State Committee, and member of the Committeeon Resolutions. "

As he read on, Harlan opened his eyes as well as his ears. Theconvention of the morrow had been blocked out to the last detail. Everymotion that was to be made, every step that was to be taken, had its manassigned to it--and that man had already been notified and tagged. Fifteen hundred men, assembled presumably as free and independent agentsto take counsel for the good of the party, were here bound to thenarrowest routine, with programme cut and dried to such an extent thatone who dared to lift his voice to interrupt would be considered aninterloper. And he knew that even then, from what Presson had said, thelittle band of the select were formulating the resolutions that thecommittee would take in hand as delivered--accepting that platform asthe dictum of the party, and free speech on the convention floor denied. 

"Now, " said the chairman, at the close, "let's fill in the rest, andfinish this thing now. Spinney's name will be presented by Watson, ofhis county, and seconded by three other counties. I'm limiting theseconding speeches to three. And you know the men Everett has pickedout! Of course, I've left the--the big matter in your own hands, Thelismer. " Presson glanced over his glasses at General Waymouth with asignificant smile. "Have you decided? Are you going to let both theother candidates be put in nomination before you spring the trap?"

"Sure!" snapped Thornton. "I want that convention to realize how littlegood can be said of either of them. By the time that gets through thosefifteen hundred skulls, they'll be in a state of mind to appreciate theman of the hour!"

General Waymouth was leaning back in his deep chair, his head on therest, his eyes upturned to the ceiling, fingers tapping the chair's arm. He was offering no comment. 

"Vard, " said the Duke, "we've got to let a few more into the case now. Overnight is short notice, at that, for a man to get his nominatingspeech ready. But we're safe. It won't be the speech that will take thatconvention off its feet. It'll be your name--and the fact that you'rewilling to stand. Who've you got in mind?"

"No one, " replied the General, briefly. 

"Any choice?"

"No. "

"You're willing to leave it to me?"

"I am. "

"Then I'll admit I've picked the men in my mind. One is Linton, thatyoung lawyer that's been taking the lead in the referendum and thedirect primaries campaigns--both of them devilish poor politicalpolicies; but that doesn't prevent him from being the most eloquentyoung chap in the State. And he'll tole along the liberals. We'll needonly one other--that's old Colonel Wadsworth. You see the scheme of thatcombination, of course! We don't need any more. The convention will beoff its feet before the old Colonel gets half through his secondingspeech. Linton is a delegate, Luke, and I saw to it that the old Colonelwas fixed out with a proxy after I got here. Now, Harlan, you go out andhunt up those two gentlemen, and bring them here quietly. They're in thehotel. Come to the private door, there. You say you haven't suggestions, Vard?"

"Not now, " said the General, not shifting his position. "The time for mysuggestions has not come yet. "

Harlan went out into the throng, searching, asking questions. The firstman of whom he made inquiry recognized him as Thelismer Thornton'sgrandson, and invited him to the bar to have a drink. 

"Busy?" he ejaculated when the young man declined. "H--l, there ain'tany one really busy here to-night, except Senator Pownal and LukePresson. They're running the convention. The delegates don't have to doanything--they are just here for a good time. Come on!"

As Harlan walked away from him, he remembered what Chairman Presson hadjust delivered from his papers, and decided that truth often spoke fromthe depths of the wine-cup. 

He did not find either of his men in the Hon. David Everett'sheadquarters. The rooms were packed. Perspiring delegates were edging inand oozing out. Everett was industriously shaking hands, his rubicundface sweat-streaked, his voice hoarse after his hours of constantchatter in that smoke-drenched atmosphere. Harlan stood a moment, andlooked at him with a sort of shamed pity. The plot seemed unworthy, inspite of its object. The sordid treachery of politics was turned up tohim, all its seamy side displayed. 

Two men crowded past him, talking low; but in that press their mouthswere near his ear. They were halted by the jam at the door. 

"What did you stab him for--how much?" asked one. 

"Got ten, " said his companion--"ten on account. I get fifty for thecaucus. "

"Too many machine Republicans in my town, and he knows it, " said theother. "The best I could do was fool him out of twenty-five. But that'sdoing well--in these times. This Spinney stir has made it cost Everettmore than it has cost any candidate for ten years. I really didn't havethe heart to crowd him for any more. He's been jounced down good andhard as it is. "

Harlan took one more look at the unconscious and fatuous Everett, andwent out of the room. Twenty feet away, as he knew, sat his grandfather, ready and able to smash the candidate's dreams and chances as a childbursts a soap-bubble. And the man's money--thrown to the winds when aword might have held his hand and closed his pocket-book! Harlan, grandson of Thelismer Thornton, tried to put the thing out of his mind. 

"Politics, " said a man in the corridor in his hearing, "has got the peltoff'm second-story work, as they're running the political game in thisState right now. But it's only petty larceny. And that's why the wholething makes me sick. "

"Me too, " said his listener. "You could brag some about a politicalsafe-blowing, but we all have to turn to and hush up this sneak-thiefwork. "

Harlan, walking on, wondered whether the coup that was then in processof elaboration in State Committee headquarters would not be consideredby Everett and his supporters as arising to the proper dignity ofpolitical crime. 

To his surprise Spinney's rooms were practically deserted. The candidatewas there, perched on the edge of a table, nursing his knee in hisclasped hands and talking vigorously to a few of his intimates. Thedefection was not bothering him, apparently. Harlan promptly understoodwhy. As he stood for a moment, making sure that neither Linton norWadsworth was there, he heard the mellow blare of distant band music. Spinney jumped off the table. 

"The boys are coming!" cried one of his friends, and stepped out throughthe window upon a balcony. "Wait till after I call for the cheers, Arba!" he called back. "Step out when they strike up _Hail to theChief_. "

"This will make the Everett bunch sit up and take notice, " said a man atHarlan's elbow. "There'll be a thousand men in line behind that bandwhen she swings into the square, here! And a Spinney badge on every oneof 'em!"

He was challenged promptly. The corridor was full of Everett men. 

"Ten dollars to a drink that your man Spinney pays for the band! Andwhen a band starts up street you can get every yag, vag, and jag in thecity to trail it! You can't fool doubtful delegates that way, Seth! Gohang your badges on a hickory limb. They're only good to scare crows. You can't scare us!"

This speaker heard Harlan making inquiries for his men. 

"The Colonel is down in the office, " was his information, "over in thefarther corner, behind one of those palms, telling war stories toHerbert Linton. Just came past 'em. "

It seemed a rather happy augury to Harlan; that out of that throng histwo men should have paired themselves struck him as an interestingcoincidence. He found them, and quietly delivered his message. 

Colonel Wadsworth stood up, gaunt, straight, twisting his sparseimperial, and blinking a bit doubtfully at the messenger. But Linton wasnot so much at a loss for reasons. He was an earnest young man withslow, illuminating smile. 

"Has the committee seen new light regarding my two planks, Mr. Thornton?" he asked; and without waiting for answer, he led the way. Thethree were admitted at the private door. 

United States Senator Pownal was there, evidently newly arrived from thecommittee-room. 

The band was just coming into the square under their windows. 

Its deafening clamor beat in echoes between the high buildings, the mobwas roaring huzzas. The bedlam blocked conversation. 

Thelismer Thornton pulled down the windows and twitched the curtainstogether. 

"Let 'em hoorah, " he said. "With Spinney's band on tap, any fellows thattry to listen at our keyholes will be bothered. I'm glad his band is outthere. Now, gentlemen, I have something to say to you. "

They listened to him, all standing. Only General Waymouth kept his seat, his head tipped back, his finger-tips together. 

The Duke was brief, but he was cogent and he was emphatic. He explainedwhat he had done and why he had done it. He was frank and free with thatselected few. He delicately made known the General's reluctance, butstated in his behalf his willingness to step into the breach at thiseleventh hour for the sake of his party. Then Thornton went first toColonel Wadsworth, drew him along to Linton, and told them what theirparty asked of them. 

Senator Pownal did not wait for this explanation to be finished. He wasthe first to reach General Waymouth with congratulations andendorsement. 

"You cannot understand how immensely relieved I am to know this plan, "he declared. "I have been here only a few hours, but I was justbeginning to realize what the situation had developed into. I hadn't theproper perspective at Washington. Thornton is right. We're on the edgeof an upheaval in this State; I'm afraid Everett would have plunged usstraight into it. "

Thornton had made no mistake in his selection of advocates. ColonelWadsworth rushed to the chair of his old commander, and Linton, with ayoung man's loyal zeal, followed. The lawyer came back to Harlan, hiseyes shining. 

"We've got a _man_ to follow now, Mr. Thornton, not a political effigynor a howl on two legs! I was down there hiding myself. I hadn't stomachfor either of the others. "

There had been a brief silence outside. Then the band struck up _Hail tothe Chief_, and the uproar broke out once more. 

"That's our tune, and they don't know it yet!" cried the Senator, gayly. "Let's have the benefit of that to spice our little celebration, now andhere!" He started for the window to open it, but General Waymouth putout his hand and checked him. He had stood up to receive theirhandclasps. 

"One moment, Senator, " he entreated. "I have a word to say for myselfnow. You have just come from Room 40. Have they finished drafting theplatform?"

"It's in shape--practically so. "

"Will you send for it?"

The Duke nodded to Harlan, and the young man arose. "Tell Wasgatt I wanthim to come down here with the resolutions, " he directed. 

And while he was gone there was no conversation in the parlor. It mighthave been because the band was playing too loudly; it might have beenbecause General Waymouth's visage, grave, stern, almost forbidding, rather dampened the recent cordiality of the gathering. 

CHAPTER XVI

THE HANDS ARE DEALT

When Committeeman Wasgatt came into the room in tow of Harlan Thorntonhe found silence prevailing there. It was silence that was marked by alittle restraint. The band outside was quiet now. A human voice wasbellowing. It was Arba Spinney's voice--a voice without words. 

Wasgatt, short, stout, habitually pop-eyed and nervous, clutched hispapers in one hand and held his eyeglasses at arm's-length in theother. 

The others were in their chairs now, ranged about the sides of the room. The General, alone, was standing near the table. Wasgatt turned to himafter a rapid scrutiny of the make-up of the party. 

"I'd like to have the resolutions read, " remarked the General, quietly. 

"Go ahead, Wasgatt, " commanded Presson; and the committeeman advanced tothe table under the chandelier and began to read. 

The preamble was after the usual stereotyped form; the first sectionsendorsed the cardinal principles of the party, and Mr. Wasgatt, gettinginto the spirit of the thing, began to deliver the rounded periodssonorously. General Waymouth leaned slightly over the table, proppinghimself on the knuckles of his one hand. The light flowed down upon hissilvery hair, his features were set in the intentness of listening. 

"'We view without favor the demagogic attempts to throttle enterprise, check the proper development of our State, lock up the natural resourcesaway from the fostering hands of commerce and labor, thereby preventingthe establishment of industries that will extend their beneficentinfluence to the workingman, dependent upon his daily wage. '"

"One moment, Wasgatt!" The General tapped a knuckle on the table, andthe reader waited. 

Waymouth turned his gaze full upon the Senator when he spoke. 

"Gentlemen, understand me aright at the start. I'm not here to try todictate. That would be presumptuous in me, for I am not yet yourcandidate. To-morrow is not here. "

Wasgatt's pop-eyes protruded still more. He stared from man to man, andit became necessary for Thelismer Thornton to take one more into thesecret. He did it a bit ungraciously. He had not expected the General tobe so blunt and precipitate. The candidate waited patiently until thebrief explanation was concluded and Wasgatt had pledged fidelity. 

"I want you fully to understand my spirit in this, " went on the General. "We'll be honest with each other; we know that the floor of a conventionis not the place to discuss the platform frankly; I don't want to washour linen in public. We'll settle it now between ourselves. That plank, there, comes out of the platform if you expect me to stand on it. "

The Senator, challenged by his eyes, spoke. 

"You don't take exceptions to honest efforts to develop our State, doyou, General Waymouth?"

"I do not. But that proposition, no matter how good it sounds, is thesugar-coated preface to an attempt to steal the undeveloped water-powersof this State. "

The Senator's fat neck reddened. 

"You may be inclined to modify that rather rash statement, GeneralWaymouth, when I tell you that I suggested the insertion of thatresolution. "

"I recognized it as yours, Senator. Some time ago my bankers gave me thepersonnel of the group behind the Universal Development Company. Inmaking my statement, I understand perfectly what legislation thatresolution is leading up to. "

"Vard, " broke in the Duke, conciliatingly, "don't take so much forgranted. Why, there are folks suspicious enough to accuse Saint Peter ofstarting Lent and ticking off Fridays from the meat programme simplybecause he was in the fish business. Let's not get to fussing about aset of convention resolutions. They're mostly wind, anyway. "

But General Waymouth was not appeased. 

"I know what resolutions stand for--how much and how little. I'm takingthis occasion, gentlemen, to set myself right with you. That resolutionwill do for a text! I want no taunts later that I led you on into atrap. "

He struck the table with the flat of his hand. 

"I'm laying my cards face up. Here's my hand! I halt right here on thatresolution. I'm certain I know what it means, no matter how it sounds. I'm willing to take my hat and walk out right now. But if I stay--if youpromise to nominate me--I propose to have the saying of what kind of aGovernor I shall be!"

"That's rather blunt talk to make to gentlemen, " protested the Senator, showing a spark of ire. 

"At my age there isn't time to make long speeches to shade the facts, "returned General Waymouth. He was calm but intensely in earnest. 

"Then you are all for reform--one of the new reformers, eh?" inquiredthe Senator. He cast a look of reproach at Thornton, as though thattrusted manager had loosed a tiger on their defenceless party. 

The General smiled--smiled so sweetly that he almost disarmed theirresentment. 

"No, the Arba Spinneys of this State are the reformers. I'm not undersalary to run round and make disturbances in settled order. I'm not abigot with a single idea, nor a fanatic insisting that the world oughtto follow the diet that my dyspepsia imposes upon me. I'm merely an oldman, gentlemen, who has got past a lot of the follies of youth and thepassions of manhood, and has had a chance to reflect for a few years. Ihave not asked to return to public life. But if I do return, if you putpower into my hands, I propose to render unto the people the things thatare the people's, and that term includes every man in this room. It isnot a programme that should alarm honest gentlemen!"

There was appeal in the tone--there was a hint of rebuke in that finalsentence that troubled the conscience of even Senator Pownal. ThelismerThornton was in a chair close to him. 

"Don't let a few little cranky notions about a platform scare you, " hemumbled in the Senator's ear. "You know Vard Waymouth as well as I do. He's safe and all right. Give him his head. You don't want Spinney, doyou?"

"But that was devilish insulting, " growled Pownal. 

"Tipping backward a little, trying to stand straight, that's all. Blastit, a Governor can't run the State. What are you afraid of? You've got alobby and a legislature, haven't you?"

If Waymouth noticed this _sotto voce_ conference he gave no sign. 

"General, " said Pownal, getting hold of himself manfully, evendesperately, "the resolution is not essential. I fear you misunderstandwhat it really means, but we'll not discuss it now. I withdraw it. "

The General bowed acknowledgment, and signed to Wasgatt to resume. 

"'We believe in dividing the burden of taxation equitably and justly, and will bend our efforts to that end. '"

"That is simply empty vaporing!" cried the General. "And it has been inevery platform for twenty years without meaning anything. The platformthat I stand on this year must declare for a non-partisan taxcommission, empowered to investigate conditions in this State--wildlands, corporations, and all--and report as a basis for newlegislation. "

In the silence that ensued they could hear Arba Spinney continuing hisharangue. 

"Gentlemen, you've got to do something in this party to stop the mouthsof him and men like him, " declared the General, solemnly. "You may makeup your minds that you've either got to pay in money, or else you'll payin votes that mean the bankruptcy of the party. "

"I suppose you have the resolution all drawn, " suggested ThelismerThornton, dryly. 

"I have, and drawn according to good constitutional law, " replied theGeneral. He drew the paper from his breast-pocket. 

"Incorporate it, Wasgatt, ready for the final draft, and we'll all goover the thing to-morrow morning. " The Duke was grimly laconic. Thatresolution whacked his pet interests. 

Senator Pownal gave the proposer of this prompt surrender a glance ofmutual sympathy out of the corner of his eye, but the Duke remainedimperturbable. Wasgatt received the paper and went on. 

"'We reaffirm our belief in the principle of the prohibition of theliquor traffic, and pledge our earnest efforts to promote temperance. '"

Across the corridor revellers were bawling over and over in chorus:

 "'Let's take a drink, Let's take it now, God only knows how dry I am!'"

"That's a good thing to reaffirm--I don't mean the song they're singingin that room across there! It's a good thing to pledge ourselves topromote temperance, " said the General, "but that isn't the point atissue. I have another plank that I've written for our platform. "

He drew a second paper from his pocket. 

"Gentlemen, some politicians, more than half a century ago, simply touse a temperance movement for bait in a political campaign, dragged intoour party a moral, social, and economic question that belongs to thewhole people--not merely to us as a party. Let the people, when theright time comes and they decide the matter differently, make a law thatthe majority desires and will stand behind. Just now we have in ourconstitution a law that forbids the manufacture and sale of intoxicatingliquors in this State. There is no option in the matter. Just so long asour party, the dominant political power, uses that option, it is indisgrace with all decent men. I--"

There was a knock at the door--the private door. 

Harlan started up, but his grandfather pulled him back into his chair. 

"Go on, General, " he said. 

"I have drawn a resolution. Here it is: 'As a party, we deplore the factthat temperance, through the so-called prohibitory law, has become amatter of politics, its football to the extent that holders of publicoffice, sworn to enforce the laws, turn from that enforcement in orderto cater to public opinion which otherwise might deprive them of office. We declare against this intolerable system of protection of lawbreakers. Until the people shall repeal the law, we, the dominant party of theState and in control of enforcement, do pledge ourselves to faithfullyenforce it, employing such law as we now have and invoking new powersthrough the legislature to assist us, so long as the prohibitory lawshall remain in our constitution. '"

It was now Chairman Presson's turn to look uncomfortable. 

"Look here, Vard, " exploded Thornton, "I've been pretty patient whileyou've been amputating a few fingers and toes of the Republican party ofthis State, but I'll be damned if I propose to see you cut its throat. "

There was fresh knocking at the door, but the group within the parlorhad enough to think about just then without entertaining callers. 

"Now you're talking simply about yourselves and your office-holders andyour dirty profits. You're calling that mess of nasty confederacy 'OurParty, '" declared General Waymouth, passionately. "When honesty kills aparty, let it die--let its men get out and organize another one. But Itell you, you can't kill it by being honest, Thelismer. The trouble isyou're sitting here and building for to-night--for to-morrow. I'm aRepublican--you can't take that name away from me. But the badge doesn'tbelong on men who are using that name to cover up a rum-sellingbusiness. "

Chairman Presson was livid. He leaped from his chair and drove his fistdown on the table, "Now you're insulting me personally!" he shouted. 

"I deal in no personalities, sir. So long as I hide myself under thename of Republican and allow this thing to go on as it's going, I'm inthe traffic myself; and I don't propose to continue in it--not when Ihave power placed in my hands. "

"By the eternal gods, you won't have the power placed there!" roared thechairman of the State Committee. 

Now some one called to them from outside the door, repeating therapping. 

"When you say that, you're confessing that the Republican party is asneak, Presson, " declared the General. 

The Duke came along to the table. He ticked his forefinger against thepaper that Waymouth was holding. 

"Vard, you're pledging yourself in advance of election to the most rabidof the prohibition fanatics. "

"I'm pledging myself to obey the one State law that occupies the mostspace in public attention, causes the most discussion, makes the mostrow. It's a damnable bloodsucker to be hitched on to any politicalparty! But it's on ours, and I'm going to grab it with both hands!"

"Hold a proxy from the ramrodders, eh?" sneered the State chairman, thoroughly a rebel. 

"No, nor from the State rumsellers. If the people of his State want tohave rum sold, let 'em vote to have it sold. But as it now stands, theycan't enlist me to head the lawbreakers and shield the lawbreaking. I'mthrough playing the hypocrite!"

"We've got to set ourselves above petty bickerings and personaldifferences, " interposed the Senator, cracking the party whip. "I'm aRepublican, first of all!"

"Talk sense, Pownal!" snapped the General, impatiently. "This isn't apolitical rally. We're grown men and friends that can talk plain. Hisprinciples make a Republican--or ought to--not his protestations! Andestablishing a system of low license and sheriff-made local option undera prohibitory law is unprincipled, and you know it!"

Thelismer Thornton, god of that particular machine that was thengrinding so ominously and rattling so badly, felt that he needed a fewmoments in which to mend belts and adjust cogs. He wanted an opportunityto think a little while. He had discovered a new Waymouth all of asudden. He wanted to get acquainted with him. He wished to find outwhether he would be really as dangerous as his astonishing threatsindicated. 

The persistent man at the door was now clamorous. The Duke strode thatway and flung it open. Whoever it might be, the interruption would givehim time to think, to plan, to investigate. 

The intruder was the Hon. David Everett. He stepped in, and Thorntonrelocked the door after him. 

Mr. Everett was not amiable. His little eyes snapped from face to facesuspiciously. It was immediately and perfectly plain to him that he hadforced admission to a conference that had not expected him, did not wanthim, and was embarrassed at finding him present. In the state of mindthey were in, the men in that room would have glowered at any one. Everett detected something more than mere personal resentment at hisintrusion--he sniffed a plot against him. There was no hand outstretchedto him, no welcome, no explanation offered why these leaders of theparty had met thus without intimation to him that anything was afoot. Choleric red suffused his face--it had been gray with passion when heentered, because a corridor filled with curious men is not a happy arenafor a candidate shut out of committee headquarters. 

He realized that he had been a spectacle inciting interest and someamusement while he was hammering on the door. 

One object of the Duke had been attained when he admitted Everett--thewrangling ceased. But the embarrassment was intensified. The situationwas more complex. 

"I beg your pardon, gentlemen, if I am interrupting serious business, "began Everett, intending to force some sort of explanation. 

He waited. No one spoke. The others were waiting, too. 

The candidate looked from one to the other, and then surveyed Wasgattand the papers he was clutching. He eyed General Waymouth with muchinterest and some surprise. He had not been informed of that gentleman'spresence in the hotel. The General returned the gaze with serenity, creasing his sheet of manuscript on the table with his thin fingers. 

"I expected to be called in when you were ready to go over theplatform, " continued Everett, sourly. "I'm supposed to know as early asany one, I presume, what it is I'm going to stand on. "

Thelismer Thornton decided that it was up to him to speak. He leanedagainst the table, half sitting on it, and swung his foot. 

"You have a perfect right, Dave, to inquire about any platform thatyou're going to stand on. And when we get your platform ready for youwe'll call you in and submit it. But allow me to remind you that youhaven't been nominated yet. " The band was blaring again outside. "Theconvention is yet to be held, and has yet to declare its platform. "

"I don't expect you to call Arba Spinney in here and consult withhim--if that's what your hints mean. But there's no need of your usingthat 'round-the-barn talk with me, Thelismer. You know that so far asthe real Republican party is concerned Spinney is an outsider; I'm thelogical candidate, and I demand to be taken into the conference. I don'trecognize that there are two Republican candidates before theconvention. "

"I do, " said the Duke, firmly and with significance. He was preparing toresent this autocratic manner. 

"Well, I _don't_!" cried the State chairman. Secretly he had beenoffended by Thornton's high-handed assumption of control, ever sincetheir talk on the morning after the Fort Canibas caucus. He had promptlyrecognized the political sagacity of the old man's plan. In his fear ofthe Spinney agitation--in his apprehension lest all control should bewrested from his faction of the party--he had been eager to compromiseon General Waymouth, hoping that he would prove to be as amenable toparty reason as he knew Everett already was. But this intractable oldSpartan, with his dictation of party principles that meant the loss ofpolicy, power, and profits, had angered him to his marrow. He was readyto declare himself now, Thornton or mo Thornton. He turned on the Duke. 

"Perhaps you can lick me--that's the only way you can get it!" hedeclared. "But you needn't expect me to stand here and grin and hand itover. "

Thornton stared at him understandingly, accepting the challenge. 

"There was a man up our way, Luke, who fought two highway robbers awhole hour, and when they had finally torn his clothes all off him, heonly had two cents in his pockets. He told the robbers, then, that hehadn't fought to save his two cents, but because he didn't want hisfinancial condition revealed. "

Candidate Everett was finding this conversation hard to follow. 

"There's something here that isn't on the level, and I suspected it theminute I came into this room. Presson, is the State Committee behindme?"

"It is, and it's behind you to stay, " declared the chairman. Again heturned to Thornton. 

"It's up to you, now, whether Arba Spinney gets the nomination or not. If you keep on and split us, he gets it; but I shall make it mightyplain to the boys as to whose fault it was, Thelismer. "

"What's all this about?" demanded Everett. 

Presson hesitated only a moment. 

"There was a movement on inside the party to run General Waymouth as acompromise candidate. It has been talked over. I declare myself now. I'm against it. The State Committee stands for you, Everett!"

The candidate revolved slowly on his heels in order to study the facesof all of them. He did not find much enthusiasm to back up Presson'sdeclaration. He realized that he was in the company of those who hadbeen plotting to shelve him, and he had the wit to understand that onlytheir quarrel over some issue had availed to save him from being knifed. 

His temper got away from him. 

"You've held your nose up pretty high in this world, General Waymouth!Do you call a trick to steal my nomination away from me at the lastmoment gentlemanly or decent? I've put in my time and my money and myefforts. I've made a campaign. And I've waited for this!"

"You needn't insult the General in that fashion, Dave, " broke inThornton. "Address your talk to me. I'm responsible. "

"I think I'm the one that is responsible at this stage, " insistedGeneral Waymouth. "I'll talk to you, Mr. Everett, if you please. Youaddressed me. Any Republican in this State is entitled to seeknomination as Governor. It is a worthy and proper ambition. It is anhonor that belongs to the people. It isn't a heritage to be passed onfrom one bunch of politicians to another. It isn't to be bought andbartered. I realize that precedent has given you that impression. Butit's a pernicious precedent. It's time to do away with it. That's whyI'm here to-night, dipping into slime that I hoped never to be soiledwith again. I've been frank with these other gentlemen. I'm going to befrank with you, Mr. Everett. I know you stand for The System. I don'thave to tell you what that is. You propose to continue the nullificationprogramme, bar-rooms tolerated on payment of fines, tax reform slickedover, water powers and other State resources peddled out to favorites. It's useless to deny. We've all been in politics together too manyyears. "

Mr. Everett did not deny. It was too intimate a gathering for that. 

"This is not the way I'd like to be called to the Governor's chair of myState, " went on the General, "but it's the way of politics. I've got tomeet you on the politician's level, so far as securing the nominationgoes. But I stand here and tell you, Mr. Everett"--he took two stepsforward and stood close to the other candidate, and his voicerose--"that I can be a better Governor of this State than you--in thesort of days that are on us now. This is not egotism--it's truth. I sayit because I know you and the men behind you as well as I know myself. "

"It's a sneak trick, just the same!" shouted Everett. 

"So are many tricks in politics--and, God help me, I'm back inpolitics!" returned the General. He looked them over there in the room, from face to face and eye to eye. "You cannot accuse me of vanity, self-seeking, or ambition at my age, gentlemen. I've been Governor ofthis State once. I didn't enjoy the experience. I'm going into thisthing again simply because I believe that I can put some honesty intopublic affairs. This State is calling for it. And that object justifiesme in what I'm doing. I am a candidate!"

"By ----!" roared Everett, furious, realizing how this candidacythreatened his hopes, "run if you want to. But I'll see to it that thesedelegates know how you're running--cutting under a man that's made anhonest canvass!" He started for the door, tossing his arms above hishead--a politician beginning to run amuck. 

Presson grabbed his arm and held him back. 

"Don't be a lunatic, Dave, " he buzzed in his ear. "If you go toadvertising this around the hotel to-night you'll be giving Spinney thetip and starting Waymouth's boom for him. Damn it, you want to keep yourteeth shut tight and your tongue behind them! There'll be no blabbers goout of this room--I'll see to that! I'll put a dozen members of theState Committee at work on the delegates to-night. " He was walkingEverett toward the door, getting him out of earshot of the others. "Weymouth has got a platform there that sounds as though it was drawn upby the House Committee of Paradise. He's got to be licked--great Judas, he's _got_ to be licked! I've got five thousand that the liquor crowdhas sent into the State for the campaign, but this is the place to useit--right here now! And it'll be used. Don't you worry, Dave! And keepyour mouth shut!"

It was a colloquy that no one else in the room heard--Everett putting insuggestions as the chairman whispered hoarsely in his ear. HarlanThornton, looking on, guessed what it might be. Linton, at his side, ironically hinted at the possibilities of that hurried conference in thecorner. Senator Pownal walked about the room, chewing his short beardand incapable of a word--for his re-election came before the nextlegislature, and to jump the wrong way now in the gubernatorial matterwas political suicide. 

Thelismer Thornton remained in his place on the corner of the table, staring reflectively at General Waymouth. 

Presson ended his whispered exhortations with a rather savage referenceto the manner in which the Duke had involved the campaign. Everett shota baleful glance at the man who had so cold-bloodedly planned hisundoing. 

"Look here, Thornton, " he called out, as he started for the door, "youand I will have our reckoning later. We use old horses for fox bait upour way, too, but we always make sure that the horses are dead first. "He went out and slammed the door. 

Thornton did not turn his head. He kept his eyes on Waymouth. 

"Vard, " he said, "I reckon I haven't been keeping my political charts upto date. I had you down as a peninsula, jutting out _some_ from theRepublican party, but still hitched on to it. I find you're an island, standing all by yourself, and with pretty rocky shores. "

"Perhaps so, " admitted the General. 

"This has been a sort of a heart-to-heart meeting here to-night. In thegeneral honesty I'll be honest myself. I can't support you. "

"Then you lack honesty. "

"No, but your scheme of honesty takes you right into the king-row of theramrodders, and I can't train with the bunch that will flock to you. Your theory is good--but the _practice_ will break your heart just assure as God hasn't made humans perfect! You'll be up against it! You'regoing to test man to the limit of his professions--and it isn't a safeoperation, if you want to come out with any of your ideals leftunsmashed. If you start on that road you'll have to travel it withoutme. "

"Well, there's a little common sense left in the Republican party, "snapped Presson. "General Waymouth, you've had considerable many honorsin your life, and the party gave 'em to you. That calls for somegratitude. You can show it by keeping your hands off this thing. "

"That would have been an argument once, when I was a wheel-horse with mypolitical blinders on; it has been an argument that has kept a good manydecent men from doing their duty. It will not work with me now. " He puthis folded paper into his pocket, and reached and took the otherdocument that he had handed to Wasgatt earlier in the evening. "I'll notdisfigure the perfect structure of your platform now, Presson, but I'llsee how these sound from the floor of the convention, in spite of yourresolutions to shut off free speech! Good-night, gentlemen. " He turnedto leave, still serene with the poise of one who has experienced all andis prepared for all. "I used to have pretty good luck playing a lonehand in our old card-playing days, Thelismer. I'll see what I can do inpolitics. "

"General Waymouth, have you a few moments to give me if I come to yourroom now?" inquired Harlan Thornton. "I want to offer my services!"

"I'll join the party too, if I may!" suggested Linton. 

Colonel Wadsworth was twisting his imperial with one hand and fingeringhis Loyal Legion button with the other. 

"I'm not the kind that waits for a draft, General, " he said. "I didn'tin '61. I volunteer now. "

General Waymouth smiled, bowed the three ahead of him through the doorof the parlor, and softly closed it behind himself and his little party. 

"Well, Thelismer, " raved the State chairman, "you can certainly takerank, at your time of life and after all you've been through, as atop-notch hell of a politician. You start out to run a State campaign, and you wind up by not being able to run even your grandson!"

"What I started running seems to be still running, " said the old man, undisturbed by the attack. 

"And it's costing the Republican party something, this mix-up, " Pressonwent on. 

"You think it looks expensive, taking the thing right now at apparentface value?"

"Look here! I don't relish humor--not now! I'm not in a humorous mood. You can see what it's costing--blast that infernal band!"

Mr. Spinney's serenaders had not had their fill of music. There was dinoutside. The tune, "A Hot Time in the Old Town To-night, " won a gruntof approval from Mr. Wasgatt, still holding his documents, more pop-eyedthan ever. 

"Pretty expensive, eh?" said the Duke, lifting his knee between hishands and leaning back on the table. "You heard about--"

"I don't want any more of your cussed stories! Not to-night!" Pressonrushed out. He went into the main parlor, where the members of the StateCommittee were in informal session. 

Wasgatt was left with the Duke, and the latter fixed him with benevolentgaze. 

"Old Zavanna Dodge, up our way, got to courting two old maids, trying tomake up his mind which he'd take--and the one he didn't take sued himfor breach o' promise. After Zavanna put in his evidence in court, hesat across from the court-house in the tavern window, waiting for thearguments to be made and the case to be decided. Toward night SquireEnfield, his lawyer, came across. 'How did she end out?' says Zavanna. 'Agin ye--for eight hundred, ' says the Squire. 'Pretty expensive, Zav!'Zavanna tucked a spill of whisker between his lips and chewed on it androcked for a little while. 'Unh huh!' says he, figuring it over. Andthen he spoke up cheerful: 'Well, Squire, I reckon there's that muchdifference between the two women. '"

Wasgatt chuckled. 

"The point to that is--but no matter! It was to Luke that I was going toshow the point. "

The old man got his hat from the window-sill and trudged toward theprivate door, saying, partly to Wasgatt, partly to himself: "I reckonI'll go to bed! Just at this minute the campaign doesn't seem to beneeding my help. "

CHAPTER XVII

THE ODD TRICK

Thelismer Thornton was one of the first to stir next morning in the bighotel. All night roisterers had flanked his room, there had been thebuzz of eager argument overhead, riot of dispute below, and continualthudding of hurrying feet in the corridors. He had gone to sleeprealizing that the hive was in a state of upheaval extraordinary, but heslept calmly in spite of it, and woke refreshed. 

He picked his way past cots in the corridors. Men were snoring there. 

His grandson had not returned to their apartments. But the Duke divinedhis whereabouts. He had ascertained by the house telephone the number ofLinton's room. He tried the door when he arrived there. It was notlocked. He entered. Linton was asleep on the bed. Harlan was on a cot. They had taken off only their coats and waistcoats. They did not wakewhen he came in. He pulled a chair to the centre of the room and satastride it, his arms on its back. In a few moments both sleepers woke, stirring under his intent regard. They sat up and returned his gaze. 

"Well, my boys, what's the programme?" he inquired, pleasantly. 

Heavy with sleep, perturbed, a bit apprehensive, neither answered. 

"You didn't come back to your room last night, Harlan. You weren'tafraid of this old chap, were you? Didn't think I'd be running aroundthe room on all fours, eh, or climb the wall, or growl and try to biteyou?"

"I didn't want to disturb you, and Mr. Linton and I wanted to talk afterwe left General Waymouth, " said Harlan. 

"It's all right if you weren't afraid of me, my boy. We can't afford tohave politics put us in that state of mind. Now, own up! You thought I'dpitch in and pull you over to the machine--you were afraid of that, now, weren't you?"

"To be perfectly honest, I didn't want any argument with you, grandfather, but I wasn't afraid you'd convert me. You couldn't dothat. "

"Bub, 'politics before friendship' is all right for a code. I practicethat myself, but it hurts me to have you put politics beforerelationship--the kind that's between us. "

"Grandfather, " replied the young man, firmly, "you remember that youtold me you were going to put me into politics right. I consider thatyou've done so. I'm going to stay where you put me. "

"Oh, you mean one thing and I mean another, my boy, as matters standjust now. You're in wrong. A man isn't in right when he's playing on thelosing end. "

"I stay where you put me, " insisted Harlan, doggedly. "I'm with GeneralWaymouth. "

"General Waymouth was a winner till he committed hari-kari there lastnight. He had Luke's machine, and he had my scheme. He kicked over themachine, and the scheme won't work now; it could have been _snapped_through, but it can't be _bulled_ through--not with the bunch forewarnedand on the lookout. Your political chances with Vard Waymouth, Harlan, don't amount to that!" He clicked his finger smartly above his head. "You may as well go back up-country and boss the Quedaws. "

"And yet you know that General Waymouth is right, Mr. Thornton, " brokein Linton, pausing in lacing his shoes. "There's no chance for argumentabout that. Why is it the big men of this State--men like you, that havethe influence to set things straight--won't back the man that's honestand right?"

"Linton, that's the kind of a question that's asked by the man whoseexperience in practical politics is limited to a term on the SchoolBoard and the ownership of a subscription edition of _AmericanStatesmen_, bound in half morocco. I'll tell you why we don't: we'redealing with conditions, not theories. The chap who writes for the'Kickers' Column' in the newspapers can tell you all about how politicsshould be run, but that's the only privilege he ever gets. It's the chapwho keeps still and runs the politics that gets what's to be got out ofit. And that's because mankind wants what it wants, and not what it saysit wants. "

He went to the window, snapped up the shade, and let the morning lightflood the room. 

"Wake up, my boys! Dreams are rosy--I've had 'em myself. But they don'tbuy the breakfast next morning. Martyrs get a devil of a reputationafter they're dead. It doesn't do 'em a mite of good, not as humanbeings. As long as you're taking the curse that belongs with a humanbeing, get some of the good, too. I tried to operate on a different planlong ago--about the time I had the dreams--but I had to give it up if Iwas to get anything out of life. Vard Waymouth can't build over thehuman nature in this State. I've had to drop him. I hadn't realized hewas in such a bad way. Get aboard with the winners this trip! Then atleast you can be in the swim--you can find some good to do on the side, and be able to do it. But you won't amount to anything sitting on thebank and bellowing. "

The vigils of the night had fortified their faith, the loyalty of youthwas in them, and they were the disciples of one who had enlisted theirenthusiasm. Linton, however, was less assertive than Harlan. The Dukedid not lose his patience. 

"Boys, " he said, at the end of his exhortations, "I see that you've gotto have your little lesson (I'll have to be going now, for I've a fewthings to attend to), and I'll tell you frankly I propose to make thatlesson a lasting one. "

A few hours later the young men went in to breakfast together. The earlytrains had brought other delegates and visitors. The great room wascrowded with a chattering throng. The head waiter intercepted them; heseemed to be waiting for them. They followed obediently, and he led themto an alcove. 

Here a breakfast-party was already installed. 

Miss Presson was first to greet them, giving a hand to each--radiant, fresh, and altogether charming in her tailored perfection. 

"We left word at the door, " she smiled, "for I wanted to behold youbefore the blood and dust of the arena settled over all. "

Mrs. Presson and her ladies were cordial. They did not seem to remarkthat the State chairman kept his seat and was brusque in his greeting. Political abstraction excused general disregard to conventions among themen-folks that morning. The Duke was there. He patronized them with aparticularly amiable smile. 

"May I?" asked Linton, touching the chair next Madeleine. 

"Yes, " said the girl. "You know, Herbert and I are very old friends, Mr. Thornton. " There was a hint of apology to Harlan behind the brilliantsmile she gave him. He had moved toward the chair. He flushed when herealized that he felt a queer sense of hurt at her choice. It wasanother new experience for him who had made the woods his mistress--awoman had chosen another, slighting him. As he took his seat beside hisgrandfather he was angry at himself--at the sudden boyish pique he felt. He had not been conscious till then that he had been interestedespecially in Madeleine Presson. It needed the presence of this otheryoung man, selected over his head, to make him understand that one maynot draw near beauty with impunity, even though one may be verycertain--telling his own heart--that love is undreamed of. He wonderedwhether he might not be afflicted with asinine pride. 

He did not relish the glance that Linton bestowed on him; it seemedthere was just a flash of triumph in it--that bit of a boast one sees inthe eyes of a man who becomes, even briefly, the proprietor of a prettywoman. 

"We were just talking over the latest news--or, rather, it's a rumor, "said Miss Presson. With quick intuition she felt that something, somehow, was not just right. She hastened to break the silence. "Theyare saying that Mr. Spinney has withdrawn, and that his name will not gobefore the convention. Of course, you've heard about it, Herbert--andMr. Thornton!"

They had not heard it. They looked guilty. They had been all the morningwith Colonel Wadsworth, locked away from the throng, finishing mattersof the night before. The expression on their faces was confession oftheir ignorance. 

"If you're going to be early political fishermen you'll have to look foryour worms sharp in the morning or you'll fetch up short of bait, "suggested the Duke, maliciously. 

"Three cheers and a snatch of band-music take on a hopeful color whenthey're lit up by red fire overnight, " remarked the State chairman. "Sodo some other things. But a fellow with good eyesight usually comes tohimself in the daylight. "

"Is that true about Spinney?" asked Harlan, scenting mischief andtreachery, and not yet enough of a politician to understand instantlyjust what effect this would have on the situation. 

"I don't know anything about it, " snapped Presson. "I don't careanything about it. It isn't important enough. The man's strength wasoverrated. It was mostly mouth. Just as soon as the delegates gottogether last night and shook themselves down it was plain enough whereSpinney stood. "

"But you yourself and grandfather have been saying all along thathe--" began Harlan. 

"We say a lot of things in politics, " broke in the chairman, testily. "But it's only the final round-up that counts. And be prepared forsudden changes, as the almanac says! I tell you, I don't know anythingabout this Spinney rumor--nor I don't care. But it's probably true. Everett has got pledged delegates enough to nominate him byacclamation. "

"But last night--" persisted Harlan. 

His grandfather interrupted this time. 

"Don't you remember that old Brad Dunham wrote to New York one springand asked a commission man if he would take a million frogs' legs?Commission man wrote that he'd take a hundred pairs; and the best oldBrad could do, after wading in the swamp back of his house all day, wasto get a dozen. Wrote to the commission man that he'd been estimatinghis frogs by sound and thought he had a million. That's been the waywith Spinney and his delegates, Harlan. "

Mrs. Presson took advantage of the merriment to change the subject frompolitics. It was a topic that did not interest her, and she had learnedfrom her husband's disgusted growlings that morning that there had beentrouble the night before. 

Harlan did not join in the chatter that went about the table. Undercover of it his grandfather gave him a few words of compassionatecounsel. 

"You'll have to swing in with the new deal, bub. You can't cut partysirloin too close to the horn, and that's what Vard did. He wants to siton the mountain and slam us flat under a rock with the new tencommandments on it. We can't stand for it. I didn't dream that he hadgrown to be so impractical in his old age. No one wants any such deal ashe's framing up for the State. As I told you, he's trying to build humannature over, and he can't do it. I'm sorry it's turned as it has--hecould have been just a little diplomatic and made us a good Governor. But Everett will make a good one--you needn't be afraid of him. We'llput through a few measures that will smooth things down a little. Nowyou've got to remember that you're going to the legislature. You mightjust as well not be there if you don't stand clever with theadministration. I haven't put you in just as I intended. But get intoline now, quick. I can smooth it all right for you. I've squared myselfwith Everett--he needed me!"

Harlan listened patiently, keeping his eyes on his food. 

"Right after breakfast Luke is going to have a talk with you andLinton. "

"It will do Mr. Presson no good to talk to me. I'm with GeneralWaymouth. "

"But General Waymouth has been eliminated, you young idiot. It was thecombination of circumstances that made him a candidate. But thosecircumstances have been changed. I can't explain to you how, Harlan--nothere and now. But a brand-new trump has been turned. It had to be done. You stay behind here with Linton and talk with Luke. "

The ladies were rising from the table. 

Harlan did not reply. He did not remain. He stepped aside and allowedthe ladies to pass, and followed them from the alcove. Presson staredafter him angrily. Linton, obeying his request, sat down after Mrs. Presson and her party had retired. 

"You've got a fool, there, for a grandson, Thelismer, " stated thechairman with decision. 

"He doesn't seem to be a politician, " returned the old man, gazing afterhim. "There are a few joints in a man that he ought to be able to bendin politics, but Harlan seems to be afflicted with a sort of righteousossification. He'll have to have his lesson, that's all!"

The young man was not in the mood to accept Miss Presson's invitation toaccompany them to the hotel parlor. In the corridor he refused sobrusquely that she stood and gazed at him, allowing the others to go onwithout her. 

"You seem to be taking politics very seriously, Mr. Harlan Thornton. "

"I'm taking honesty and my pledges seriously, that's all. "

"Then your honesty puts you in opposition to my father, does it, sir?"It was said with a spark of resentment. "Do you realize how thatsounds?"

"I do not say so, Miss Presson. "

"But I have heard queer rumors this morning. Take a woman's advice once, Mr. Thornton: it may be worth something, because I have seen more ofthis game than you have. Don't kill your career at the outset by tryingto realize an impossible ideal. It's bad enough in love, but it's muchworse in politics!" She hurried away, joining the others. 

Harlan paced the corridor impatiently, waiting for Linton to come out. Few men of the hundreds thronging past recognized him, and he was notaccosted. 

He caught fragments of talk. It was evident that the rumor concerningSpinney had found as many disbelievers as believers. Some charged thatthe story was started simply for the purpose of hurting the reformcandidate by decrying his strength and inducing the waveringopportunists to come over to the winning side. Others said a trade hadbeen effected, and that the story of it had leaked out prematurely. Atany rate, the buzz of gossip showed that the situation was badly mixed. 

Linton came alone. He had left the Duke and the chairman in conference. He took Harlan by the arm, and walked to the end of the corridor. Theywere alone there. 

"Of course you know how I came to be in on the Waymouth side, " he began, promptly. "Once I was in I didn't propose to quit so long as there wasany hope. I did what mighty few young men in politics would do, Mr. Thornton--I stood out last night against Presson and your grandfatherwhen they dropped the General. I just say that to show you I'm not acur. But it's hopeless. The thing has turned completely over. "

"You're going to desert the General?"

"It isn't desertion. That isn't a word that belongs in this situation. General Waymouth will not call it that after I've talked with him. "

Harlan did not speak. At the breakfast-table he had been ashamed of thatlittle gnawing feeling of rancor when he looked across at the youngcouple who seemed so wholly contented with their conversation. Now heindulged himself. He began to hate this young man cordially. He excusedthe feeling, on the ground that it was proper resentment on behalf ofthe General. 

"I don't want you to think that I'm disloyal or a deserter in thismatter, Mr. Thornton. But I'm going to the next legislature, and I'minterested in certain measures that will help this State if they'readopted. I can't help General Waymouth now; you can't help him. He hasno one behind him, as the thing has turned. "

"He's got the square deal behind him!"

"Meaning nothing in a political mix-up such as this is. I can't affordto dump all my future overboard and kill myself for the next legislatureby an absolutely useless and quixotic splurge in to-day's convention. The General has made no canvass--he isn't even very much interestedpersonally in the affair. I hope I stand straight with you now. I'mgoing up and tell the General exactly how I feel about the thing. Iadvise you to do the same. You'll be very foolish to butt your headagainst every political influence in this State that counts foranything. I told your grandfather--"

"I don't want your advice in politics, " blazed Harlan, letting hisgrudge have rein, "and I don't thank you to tell me how to get alongwith my own grandfather!"

He hoped that young Mr. Linton would resent that manner of speech. 

Young Mr. Linton, as stalwart as he, raised his black eyebrows, pursedhis lips, and was not daunted by the outburst. 

"I beg your pardon, Mr. Thornton, " he said, "but I fear you did not haveenough sleep last night. "

He started for General Waymouth's room, and Harlan followed him. Thereseemed to be no other haven for the latter just then. He was hungbetween the political sky and earth. He had no hope left that theGeneral could prevail over the conditions that had so suddenly presentedthemselves. But his loyalty was not shaken. Now it had becomeunreasoning loyalty, dogged determination to stick to his choice; and ashe looked at Linton's back preceding him along the corridor, he was morefirmly determined than ever. Suddenly he was glad of the fact that thisyoung man was on the other side, and he did not stop to analyze why hewas glad it was so. 

General Waymouth's parlor was crowded with men. The size of that leveeastonished the two new arrivals. The General was not in sight. He wascloseted with some one in the bedroom. Harlan and Linton noted that themen in the parlor did not wear the demeanor of ordinary visitors callingto pay their respects to a "has been. " Some of them were talking eagerlyin bunches, some were waiting--all were serious and anxious. 

General Waymouth, coming to his bedroom door to usher out three men andadmit others, saw his young lieutenants. He called them to him. He wasstraighter. He was stern. Fires within had given his eyes the flash ofyouth. All his usual gentle pensiveness was gone. 

"My boys, " he said, earnestly, "a week ago I didn't think I wanted to beGovernor of this State again. But I want that office now with the wholestrength of my soul. The devil is running our State to-day through hisagents. I've got a duty to perform. I haven't time now to tell you whatI've discovered since you left my room. I want you to--"

"I ask your pardon for interrupting, General, " said Linton, manfully, "but I want to be as square with you as I can. Interests that belong toothers will suffer if I continue with you--things being as they are. Imake haste to speak before you tell me any more. I ask to be released. "

"As a soldier I might question a resignation on the eve of battle, butas a politician I want no half-heartedness in my ranks. Good-day, Mr. Linton. " He stood very erect, and his air admitted no furtherexplanation. Linton bowed, and went out of the room. 

"There is no half-heartedness here!" cried Harlan, passionately. "Isthere anything I can do, General Waymouth?"

"Go and bring Arba Spinney to this room at once. Understand thesituation before you go: I have already sent men for him. He hasrefused to come. Tell him this is his last opportunity to save himselffrom such deep disgrace that it will drive him from his State. I wish Icould tell you to take him by the collar and lug him here. I venture tosay you have the muscle, young man. But minutes are valuable--bringhim. "

Harlan hurried away. 

Mr. Spinney was not in evidence in the parlor of his suite, but Harlanheard his tremendous voice in the bedroom--that voice could not besoftened even in an exigency. 

Several men whom Harlan recognized as members of the State Committeewere seated near the door; and when he approached to knock, one of theminformed him that Mr. Spinney was too busy to be seen. 

"But my business is important. "

"What sort of business is it?"

"Is Mr. Spinney afraid of visitors?" demanded the young man. His mienimpressed the men. They knew that he was Thelismer Thornton's grandson. They conversed among themselves in whispers. Without waiting, and beforethey could stay him, he flung open the door. 

Spinney stopped in his discourse with several men, and faced aboutapprehensively. He, too, recognized the young man, and was unable todecide whether to class him with friends or foes. 

"Mr. Spinney, I have been sent to bring you with me instantly. Will youcome?"

"Where?"

"It's a matter for your ear, sir. But you must come. "

The men with Spinney promptly counselled him to remain where he was, butthe candidate was impressed by the young man's determined appearance. Harlan strode to him, and took him by the arm. He had been used to thecommand of men since boyhood. "I have some very positive instructions. It will be a serious matter for you, Mr. Spinney, if you don't come--andyou can't afford to take the advice of these men here. "

He propelled his man toward the door, and Mr. Spinney went. It is likelythat he concluded that no very serious damage could come to him in thepresence of Thelismer Thornton's grandson. But when they arrived nearthe door of General Waymouth's parlor, Spinney recognized what it meantand resisted. 

"It's a trap!" he gasped. "I thought your grandfather--"

The State Committeemen were following along the corridor, growlingthreats. Now they understood that this was practically an abduction. They hastened up to the scene of the struggle. But the young man was notdeterred. He was obeying orders without question. With him it was not amatter of politics; he did not pause to wonder how the affair would belooked upon. The man to whom all his loyalty had gone out had commanded;he was obeying. But the others were resolute too. They were about tointerfere. At that moment Thelismer Thornton appeared in the corridor. 

"Let the boy alone, " he commanded, thrusting himself among them. 

The diversion gave Harlan his opportunity. Clutching Spinney with onehand, he threw open the door and pushed him in, followed him, and closedthe door. He locked it, and stood with his back against it. 

In that moment he did not reflect that in obeying General Waymouth soimplicitly he might be playing traitor to his own flesh and blood. Butthe Duke, in his cynicism, had never attracted his grandson's politicalloyalty. That had seemed a matter apart from the family ties betweenthem. His grandfather had set him on the trail of decency in politics, and had given him a leader to follow. 

The frankness with which his grandfather had exposed the code by whichhe and his ilk operated in politics, making tricks, subterfuge, anddownright dishonesty an integral part of the game and entitled toabsolution, had divorced Harlan's straightforward sympathies when thequestion came to issue between his own relative, complacentlyunscrupulous, and General Waymouth, heroically casting off bonds offriendship and political affiliations, and standing for what wasobviously the right. It was chivalrous. It appealed to the youth inHarlan. His manhandling of the amazed Spinney was an unheard-of eventamong gentlemen at a political convention, but there was more thanimpulse behind it. Harlan Thornton was a woodsman. Social conventionsmake the muscles subservient, but in the more primitive conditions themuscles leap ahead of the mind. 

Therefore, he came with Mr. Spinney and tossed him into the presence ofthe chief, who had sent for him. 

Then he set his broad shoulders against the door, for fists had begun tohammer at it. 

It was evident at once that Spinney recognized the nature of theconference that had assembled in General Waymouth's room, and knew whatthe personnel of the group signified. 

He looked around him and started toward the door. 

"I've got witnesses to that assault, and you're going to suffer for it, "he blustered. Harlan did not give way. 

"You can't leave here yet, Mr. Spinney--not until General Waymouthfinishes his business with you. "

The General had viewed Mr. Spinney's headlong arrival with astonishment. He stepped forward to the centre of the room. There was a note in hisvoice that quelled the man as much as had Harlan's resolute demeanor atthe door. 

"Spinney, it will be better for you if you listen. "

The candidate turned to face him, apprehensive and defiant at the sametime. The panels of the door against which Harlan leaned were jarred bybeating fists. Harlan heard the voice of his grandfather outside, calling to him impatiently. A moment more, and Chairman Presson added amore wrathful admonition to open. 

"Mr. Thornton, will you kindly inform those people at the door that thisis my room, and that I command them to withdraw?" directed GeneralWaymouth. 

Harlan flung the door open and filled the space with the bulk of hisbody. Both parties stood revealed to each other, the young man dividingthem, and disdaining intrenchments. 

"What kind of a crazy-headed, lumber-jack performance are youperpetrating here?" demanded the elder Thornton. "You're not handlingCanucks to-day, you young hyena!"

"This is a scandal--a disgrace to this convention!" thundered Presson. He started to come in, but Harlan barred the doorway with body and arms. 

"Do you want any of these gentlemen inside, General?" he asked. 

"Neither Mr. Presson, nor Mr. Thornton, nor any of the rest, " declaredWaymouth. "And I want that disturbance at my door stopped. "

"You hear that!" cried the defender of the pass. "Now, Mr. Presson, ifyou intend to disgrace this convention by a riot, it's up to you tostart it. " And then the choler and the hot blood of his youth spoke. Hedid not pick his words. His opinion of them was seething within him. Hetalked as he would talk to a lumber-crew. "I'm keeping this door, andI'm man enough for all the pot-bellied politicians you can crowd intothis corridor. And if there's any more hammering here, I'll step out andshow you. "

He slammed the door, locked it, and set his shoulders against thepanels. 

"Luke, keep away, " counselled Thelismer. "The boy is just plainlumber-jack at the present moment, and he's a hard man in a scrap. Wecan't afford to have a scene. "

"They're going to turn wrongside-out that wad of cotton batting with twoounces of brains wrapped in it!" raved the State chairman. But the Dukepulled the politician away, whispering in his ear. 

Spinney faced the General, blinking, doubtful, sullen. 

The old soldier knew how to attack. He flung his accusation with fiercedirectness. "Spinney, you have sold out. You're a traitor. And you're athief as well, for you've sold what didn't belong to you. You solicitedhonest men, in the name of reform, to put their cause into your hands. It was a trust. You've sold it. "

"I'll prosecute you for slander!" roared the candidate. He hoped hisdefiance would be heard by those outside. 

"You may do so, but I'll give you here and now the facts that you'll goup against. That's how sure I am of my ground!"

He shook papers at the man. 

"Last night, or rather this morning at one o'clock, to be exact, you metLuke Presson and members of the State Committee, and for two thousanddollars, paid to you in one-hundred-dollar bills, you agreed to pullout. The secret was to be kept until it should be time for thenominating speeches to be made on the floor of the convention to-day. Ihave here affidavits signed by responsible parties who heard the entiretransaction. " It was accusation formal, couched in cold phrases, withoutpassion. 

Spinney started. The perspiration began to stream down his face. But inspite of the staggering blow the fight was not out of him. He thoughtquickly, reassuring himself by the recollection that his bedroom doorhad been locked, and men were on guard in his parlor. There could havebeen no eavesdroppers. This must be a bluff. 

"That's a damnation lie!" he shouted. 

"Don't you bellow at me, sir! I'm not trying to extort any confession. But you're wasting time, denying. I'm sure of my ground, I repeat. That's why I'm talking now. I'm an old man, and I was in politics inthis State before you were born. And there were tricks and tricksters inthe old days. And I knew them. I played one of those tricks on you, sir, last night. It's the last one I hope I shall ever play, for tricks areto be taken out of the politics of this State. The god of good chancelodged you in 'Traitor's Room, ' last night, Mr. Spinney. "

The man stared at him, frightened, not understanding. 

"There's a false door and a slide in the wall of that bedroom, Spinney, and the old politician who put it there years ago passed the knowledgeon to me. I'm willing every one should know it now. When you go back Iwill have it shown to you. It will convince you that these affidavits Ihold in my hand are not guess-work. These men in this room now--for yourown men brought me word that you were hiding from them--made thoseaffidavits. Look at them, and deny--deny once more, Spinney!"

But the candidate had no voice now. He glanced furtively from face toface. 

"Spinney, " one declared, bitterly, "we've got you dead to rights. Thereain't any use in squirming. We suspected you when you hid away from us, and General Waymouth put us in the way of finding out just who was withyou. You might as well give in. "

The General did not wait for Spinney to speak. He was in no mood thenfor listening. He was in command. He was issuing orders. The battle wason, and he was in the saddle. 

"I propose to have your name go before the convention, Spinney. Youmust walk out of this room and deny the rumors that are afloat. Ipropose to have two of these men go with you and stay with you. And ifyou deny half-heartedly, or if you attempt any more sneak tricks, or ifyour name is not put into nomination to-day, I'll stand out and declarewhat is in these affidavits. If you want to save yourself and the menwho bribed you, obey my orders. "

"I don't understand why you want me to go ahead now, " Spinney venturedto protest. 

"And I don't propose to take you into my confidence enough, sir, toinform you. I simply instruct you to do as I say, and if you obey, I andthese men here will do all we can to cover up this nasty mess in ourparty. It's in your hands whether you go to jail or not. "

The General signalled to Harlan, and the young man opened the door. Spinney went out with his watchful guardians. 

"Now you ought to be able to hold your men together until we need them, gentlemen, " said the General, addressing those who remained. "But you'dbetter get out among them and see that they stay in line. DefendSpinney! God knows, the words will stick in your throats, but show abold front to the other side. Gather in your stragglers. "

They filed out, plain and stolid individuals from the rural sections. 

Harlan was left alone with the General. 

"There go the kind that the demagogues always catch, Mr. Thornton. Thedemagogues understand human nature. They prey on the radicals who willfollow the man who promises--sets class against class and eternallypromises! Promises the jealous ascetics to deprive other men of theindulgences they seem to enjoy--promises to correct things for the greatmajority which dimly understands that things are out of joint in theirlittle affairs, and as dimly hope that laws and rulers can correct thosethings and make the income cover the grocery bills. Spinney had them bythe ears, that he did! But the knave was shrewd enough to understandthat the machine would probably whip him in convention. They used myname to scare him into selling out--threatened to stampede theconvention for me. That's why I'm so angry. "

"Let me ask you something, General. It was Spinney, was it, Spinney andthe kind I've seen training with him in this thing, that stirred up theopposition in this State--the kind of opposition we found at our FortCanibas caucus?"

"From all reports, yes. I know some of the agents that have been workingin the State. The men behind have hidden themselves pretty well, and I'mnot exactly certain where their money is coming from. But I suppose theliquor interests are putting in considerable, as usual. "

"The liquor interests! Backing reformers?"

The General smiled. 

"Remember that I've had better chances to see the inside than you, youngman. I've watched it operate from the start. In case of doubt you'llfind the liquor interests on both sides. It's an evil that prohibitionopens the door to. The saloons are to be tolerated and protected, orthey are to be persecuted--the programme depends on the men who getcontrol. If they are to be tolerated, the wholesale liquor men have tostand in right, so that they may have the privilege of doing businesswith the retailers. If the saloons are to be closed, the liquor men wantto stand in right, so that they can do business direct with theconsumer; and then there are the increased sales through the legalizedcity and town agencies when the saloons are closed--the liquor men needthat business. The liquor is bound to come in anyway, whichever factionis in control. So the big rumsellers cater to both sides. "

"Isn't there any decency anywhere, in any man, General Waymouth, when hegets mixed into such things?"

"Don't lose your faith that way, my boy! You see, I'm even playing a fewpolitical tricks myself. Your grandfather is more than half right--wehave to play the game! But I'm trying a last experiment with humannature before I die. I haven't the things to lose that a young man has. I am forcing myself on my party--using some means that disgust me, but Ihave to do so in order to prevail. I want to be Governor of this Stateagain, and I want to be Governor with more powers than I had before. Youand I both know what the party managers want, I'd like to find out ifthe people are willing to be governed that way, after they've learnedthere's a better system. I want to find out if every man in this Stateis willing to pay his own just share of taxes, if the people will wakeup and stand behind a man who shows them how to keep from private greedwhat belongs to the people. And most of all, young man, this State is ina condition of civil war over this infernal liquor question. Theradicals are away off at one side, and the liberals as far away fromthem as they can get, and both sides plastering each other with mud. There's no common ground for a decent and honest man to stand onbetween; that is, he's too much disgusted with both sides to joineither. I want to see whether there's good sense enough in this State totake the thing out of the hands of the fanatics so that we can getresults that decent men can subscribe to--_results_ instead of the ruinand rottenness we're in now. "

He stopped suddenly with a word of apology. 

"You mustn't think I'm inflicting a rehearsal of my inauguration speechon you, Mr. Thornton. I talked more than I intended. But my feelingshave been deeply stirred this morning. "

"It's wicked business, General Waymouth! I don't understand how you'vekept so calm through it. But, thank God, you can show 'em all up now, asthey deserve to be shown to the people of this State. I can hardly waitfor that convention to open!"

The General put his papers into his breast-pocket and buttoned his closefrock-coat. He gazed on the young man's excitement indulgently. 

"My boy, you have yet to learn, I see, that what would make a good scenein a theatre would be a mighty bad move in politics. This, to-day, is aconvention that a good many thousands of voters are waiting to hearfrom. If they should hear the whole truth, I'm thinking that theDemocratic party would win at the polls. So, you see, I must continue tobe a politician. We'll be going along to the hall, now, you and I. It'snear the hour. I want to be the next Governor of this State" (he smiledwistfully), "so you and I will go out and hunt for enough honest men tomake me Governor. "

The hotel was pretty well deserted as they walked down the stairs andthrough the lobby. 

"Ours doesn't seem to be the largest parade of the day, Mr. Thornton, "said the veteran mildly, when they were on the street, "but we'llsee--we'll see!"

CHAPTER XVIII

THE SHEPHERD AND THE SHEEP

Like a beacon marking shoals, Thelismer Thornton stood at the head ofthe broad granite steps that led up to the convention hall. An unlightedcigar was set hard between his teeth. Men flocked past him withobsequious greetings, but he merely grunted replies. He was watching forsome one. He swore under his breath when he saw his man. GeneralWaymouth and Harlan came up the steps together. He swung between them, and went along into the hall. 

From open doors and windows band-music blared, welded with the roar oftwo thousand voices, each man shouting his conversation to be heardabove his neighbors. It still lacked ten minutes of the hour set for theopening of the convention. 

Under the cover of the uproar, as they walked along, the Duke deliveredsome very vigorous opinions to his grandson, expressing himself as tothe latter's state of intellect, judgment, and general fitness to beallowed loose among men. 

Harlan did not retort. He took his cue from the General, who smiled andlistened. 

"I'll tell you what I ought to do with you, boy! I ought to skin you. I'd find a ready sale for the hide. They could use it to make bindingsfor New Testaments. Your're too d--n--d righteous, altogether! I've beeneasy and patient with you, but I don't propose to stand at one sidenow, and see you ruin yourself politically. Why are you letting the boydo it, Varden?" he demanded, turning on the General. "You're old enoughto know better. He's no help to you now. I supposed I had a grandsonuntil you got hold of him!"

"You've still got a grandson, but you haven't got a political tool touse in prying open a new governorship deal every fifteen minutes, "declared the young man. "You took me to General Waymouth, you pledged meto him--I pledged myself to him. I don't propose to discuss this matterany further. I'm my own man when it comes to politics!"

"Thelismer, I wouldn't say any more just now, " suggested the General. "You are angry, and I've told you many times in past years that yourjudgment is not good when you are angry. But this is no place fortalking these matters!"

The curious had already begun to throng about them. General Waymouth wasa marked figure in a gathering. It had not become a matter of generalknowledge that he was attending the convention. He had not appearedfrequently in public since his retirement, and men were glad to see him. The early buzz that greeted his first appearance in the hall grew louderand louder, and swelled into an uproar as delegates turned in largernumbers and recognized him. 

The vast body of the auditorium was crowded with men. Posts supportinghuge placards indicated the division of delegates into counties. TheGeneral's own county was nearest the door by which he had entered. At acall from some one these delegates climbed upon their settees. They gavethree cheers for him. It was a spontaneous tribute to the one great manof the State--their county's favorite son. 

The word passed rapidly. Other counties came to their feet. The band wasplaying, the early enthusiasm of the day was fresh, men had not hadopportunity to exercise their voices till then, and as the Generalpassed down the side aisle of the hall he was cheered by everydelegation. Harlan followed him closely, and the Duke was at theirheels. Every man in the hall saw the little group. It seemed eminentlyfit that Thelismer Thornton should escort General Waymouth. But the Dukedid not realize that the General was shrewdly using that opportunity ofdisplaying Thornton, the elder, in his retinue. The accident fitted withsome plans of his own. 

Spurred by the excitement of that tumultuous moment, Harlan could notrestrain a bit of a boast. 

"How do you like the sound of that, grandfather?" he flung over hisshoulder. 

"There's no politics in that, you young fool. A hoorah isn't anomination. "

But he could not hide from himself the plain fact that Varden Waymouthwas a tremendously strong figure in State affairs. 

There was sincerity behind that outburst. Eyes glistened. Faces glowedwith admiration and respect. The Duke wondered bitterly how much of thatextraordinary tribute was inspired by the publicity work for which theState Committee had spent its good money. 

The General led the way in at the side door that admitted to the stage. He was on familiar ground. Behind the stage there were severalanterooms. He appropriated an empty one, hanging his hat on a hook. 

"Not an elaborate lay-out for a candidate, Thelismer, " he remarked, pleasantly, "but headquarters to-day is where we hang up our hat. "

"Vard, you don't mean to tell me--seriously, at this hour--that you meanto be a candidate?" Thornton had put aside his anger. That had beenbitter and quick ire, because his grandson had seemed so blind to hisown personal interests. There was solicitude now in the old man's air. 

"I got you into this myself, " he went on. "I coaxed you in, for thesituation was right and ripe. You kicked it over yourself. I haven't anycompunctions, Vard. I stayed with you just as long as I could stay. ButI'll be dod-jimmed if I'll shove a Governor onto my party that's ahybrid of Socialist and angel. Now you can't swing this thing. Everett'sgot it buttoned. I tell you he has! You're too big a man, to-day, to getbefore that convention and be thrown down. I've got a better line on thesituation than you have. Vard, let's not have this come up between us atour time of life. It's bad--it's bad!"

"It _is_ bad, " returned the General, quietly; "but not for me! And it'stoo late to stop. I'm going through with it, Thelismer. "

There was dignity--a finality of decision--that checked furtherargument. Thornton shifted gaze from Waymouth to his grandson, startedto say more, snapped his jaws shut, and walked away. 

The door of the anteroom afforded a view across the stage. The hour hadarrived. The secretary of the State Committee appeared from the wingsand waited until the delegates were in their seats and quiet. He readthe call, and then the temporary organization was promptly effected, thetagged delegates popping up here and there and making the motions thathad been entrusted to them. 

A clergyman invoked Divine blessing, praying fulsomely and long, beseeching that the delegates would be guided by the higher will intheir deliberations. 

"It's the only prayer I ever find amusing--God pardon me!" whispered theGeneral at Harlan's side, watching the preliminaries. "To call a Stateconvention, as the machine runs it, a deliberative body is a sad jest ofsome magnitude. The managers intend to hold the real convention thenight before in the State Committee's headquarters at the hotel. Butto-day I hope that prayer proves prophetic. "

He studied the faces on the platform. The United States Senator, smugand now satisfied that he had chosen aright for his personal interests, sat in the chairman's central seat, and studied his people from undereyelids half lowered while the parson prayed. 

After the prayer, the routine proceeded hurriedly. For five minutes theconvention seemed to be in a state of riot. Men were bellowing andyelping, and standing on settees. The counties were holding simultaneouscaucuses for the purpose of selecting, each its vice-president ofconvention, its State committeeman, and member of the Committee onResolutions--the resolutions then reposing in the breast-pocket of theHon. Luke Presson. 

The secretaries were announced, the temporary organization was madepermanent, and, advancing against a blast of band-music and a salvo ofapplause, the Senator-chairman began his address. 

"Now, " remarked General Waymouth, grimly, "I am ready to openheadquarters in earnest. My boy, in that anteroom across the stageyou'll find your grandfather and Mr. Presson, and certain members of theState Committee. David Everett will be there, too. Inform them I send myurgent request that they meet, at _once, _ the Hon. Arba Spinney and adelegation in my room here. I think that combination will suggest toguilty consciences that they'd better hurry. If they show any signs ofhesitating, you may intimate as much to them. "

The plain and stolid men came in just then. They brought Mr. Spinneythrough the side door. The unhappy conspirator, jostled by hisbody-guard, was near collapse. He was now traitor to both sides. Circumstances hemmed him in. But more than he feared the recriminationsof Luke Presson and his associates, he feared the papers in thebreast-pocket of Varden Waymouth. 

Harlan went on his errand, crossing the stage behind a backdrop. SenatorPownal had got well under way, and was setting forth the sturdyprinciples of the Republican party with all the power of his lungs. 

Harlan did not knock at the anteroom door; he walked in, and for amoment he thought that the enraged chairman was about to leap at histhroat. 

"Spinney, eh?" he blazed at the young man's first word. "Explain to me, Mr. Thornton, what is meant by your assault on a decent and honestcitizen? What do you mean by teaming him from the hotel to thisconvention hall with a body-guard to insult men who have business withhim?"

The question was confession that the chairman had been unable to get atthe political property he had paid dearly for. It indicated that hesuspected but did not realize fully how deeply Spinney was in the toils. 

"Explain!" shouted Presson, standing on tiptoe to thrust featuresconvulsed with rage into the young man's face. 

"General Waymouth is waiting to explain, sir. He's across the stage, there! And Mr. Spinney is with him. I'd advise you to hurry. "

"I don't need any of your advice! If you've got him on exhibition atlast where the public can be admitted, I can't get there any too quick. "

He rushed out, charging like a bull, and the others followed. 

The State committeeman who closed file with Harlan did not appreciatethe gravity of the situation. 

"You seem to be introducing new features into a State Convention to-day, cap'n, " he observed, sarcastically. "The way you're handling BrotherSpinney is like the song about

"'Old Jud Cole, who went by freight To Newry Corner in this State;Packed him in a crate to get him there, With a two-cent stamp topay his fare. '"

He added, "Spinney is light enough to travel on that tariff, but you'regoing to find he's got friends that are heavier. "

Young Thornton waited till all had entered the anteroom, and again tookhis post as guard on the inside of the door. 

General Waymouth checked Presson at the first yelp of the outburst withwhich he had stormed into the room. Probably there was not another manin the State who could have prevailed by sheer force of dignity andcarriage in that moment when the passions of his opponents were sowhite-hot. But he was, in intellect, birth, breeding, and position, above them all, and they knew it. There, boxed in that little room, theyfaced him, and anger, rancor, spite, itch for revenge gave way beforehis stern, cold, inexorable determination to prevail in the name of theright. 

"Gentlemen, I haven't called you here for the purpose of arguing orwrangling. You'll waste time by trying to do either. You are here tolisten to what _must_ be done. You represent the warring factions. Thereare enough of us to straighten the matter out. There are not so manythat the secret of this shameful mess cannot be kept, and our partysaved at the polls. "

He paused to draw the fateful documents from his pocket. 

In the hush of the little room they heard Senator Pownal declaiming:"And it is upon these firm principles, bedrock of inalienable rightsguaranteed to the people, upon the broad issues of reform, inculcationof temperance, and the virtues of civic life, that the Republican partyis founded. "

Harlan, at the door, younger than the rest, found a suggestion of humorin what the orator was saying compared with what the party managers hadmet to hear. But there were no smiles on the faces of the group. Thedemeanor of the stricken Spinney, anger fairly distilling in hissweat-drops, hinted the truth to Presson. Thelismer Thornton tried toget near Spinney, understanding it all even better than the Statechairman, but the plain and stolid men flanked their captive withdetermination. 

"I have here five affidavits from eye-witnesses, swearing that ArbaSpinney was bribed to sell out his faction at the last moment to-day, leaving only David Everett in the field. I have no time to waste ingiving the details of that transaction to men who know them just as wellas I do. And I want no interruption, sir!" He brandished the papersunder the nose of Presson, who attempted to speak. "I do not propose tohave my intelligence insulted by denials from you or any one else. Ifyou don't believe I have full proof of what I charge, you walk out ofthat door and put the matter to the test! And I hasten to assure you, sir, that you'll be eternally disgraced!"

He waited a moment, because a roar of applause that greeted one ofSenator Pownal's utterances resounded even in the remote anteroom. 

"It all means, gentlemen, that I'm to be the nominee of this conventionto-day. It's time for a clean-up, and I'm going to start one. The menwho are running our party are not fit to be in charge of it. The votersdeserve a better show. I've called you here to give you an opportunityto save yourselves, personally. I'm willing to submit to a littleby-play for that purpose. You are to allow Spinney's name to go beforethe convention, according to the regular programme. That's to divert theattention of the convention and the State-at-large from what otherwisewould seem a split in the recognized management of the party. Spinneyhas been only a rank outsider, politically considered. We have toconsider the campaign, gentlemen, and the material we may furnish ourfriends, the enemy. Then, you gentlemen of the State Committee, each inhis county delegation, are to start a demonstration in my behalf. Thisis no time for me to be mock-modest. On the heels of that demonstrationEverett's name is to be withdrawn with the explanation that such anapparently spontaneous demand from the voters should be recognized. Mr. Everett is to declare that under the circumstances he does not wish tostand in the way of popular choice, and he is to announce that much andpresent me to the convention. I assure you, Mr. Everett, that I ask thislast with no intent of wounding your feelings or indulging in cheaptriumph--it is necessary in order that the mouths of political gossipsmay be shut. "

A rather stupid silence followed that declaration of programme. Thevoice of the Senator rose and fell without. 

The General met their staring eyes calmly. "It may be a rathersurprising development of the convention, " he said. "But as soon as thesurprise is over it will commend itself as a perfectly natural andgraceful concession to public opinion--as public opinion can be set inmotion by the members of the State Committee on the floor of theconvention. In fact, the plan commended itself to my friend Thelismer, here, and Chairman Presson some weeks ago. "

The State chairman was stirred as though galvanically by that statement. The bitter memory of how he had groomed the dark horse that was nowkicking his master's political brains out rose in him. 

"By the everlasting gods, " he shouted, "I'll go down fighting! If thehouse has got to come down, I'll go down with it. "

"Samson had two arms. I have only one, " returned General Waymouth. "ButI've got that arm around the central pillar of your political roof, gentlemen--and I've got the strength to handle it! You've stated yourposition as a politician, Presson. Now I'll state mine. Rather than seethe Republican temple made any longer a house of political ill-fame I'llpull it down on you prostitutes. "

It was bitter taunt--an insult delivered with calm determination tosting. Presson stamped about the room in his wrath. 

"I'm making no pact or promise, " went on the General. "I declare thatyou are the men who are wrecking our party. Now if you propose to wreckit completely, we'll go smashing all together in the ruins. It may aswell be wrecked now as later!"

There was another hush in the room. 

"So I call upon you, men of office, shop, and farm, bone and sinew ofour grand old party, " exhorted Senator Pownal from the forum outside, "to forget the petty bickerings of faction and stand shoulder toshoulder in your march to the polls. Nail the principles of justice, truth, and honesty to the flagstaff, and follow behind that banner, winning the suffrages of those who believe in the right. "

"It sounds as though the Senator might be arriving close to his amen, "suggested General Waymouth, ironically. "You have only a few minutes inwhich to decide. I hold the proxy of one of these delegates to theconvention. " He pointed to one of the stolid and plain men. "You knowthat I can get the ear of that convention--you can't work any gag-ruleon me--I have been listened to too often by the men of this State whenI've had something to say. And you know what effect these affidavitswill have!"

There was further silence, broken only by the voice of the Senatorwithout and Presson within, who was scuffling about, babbling disjointedoaths. 

Suddenly a great outburst of applause signified that the Senator hadconcluded. 

"Go ahead out and kill your party!" barked Presson. "Give it yourstrychnine! It may as well die right now, in a spasm, as to have alingering death later with you at the head of it, Waymouth. You can'tteam _me_!"

"You let me say a word right here!" blustered Everett. "I wash my handsof any deal with Spinney. I've got the bulk of that convention behindme. I don't propose to be shunted. "

"I supposed you all remembered the details of what you did lastevening, " returned the General, coldly. "Is it necessary for me toremind you, Mr. Everett, that Chairman Presson turned over to Spinney apaper in which you agreed to appoint him to a State office? Thattransaction was noted along with the rest, sir. "

"I'll have as many witnesses as you, " declared Presson, "I'll--"

"Stop!" It was a tone that cowed the chairman, struggling with hisguilty conscience. "I have warned you that I'm not here to argue thismatter with you. I'll not be drawn into any discussion. What I have, Ihave!" He waved his papers above his head. "What I can do that I'll do!I would remind you, gentlemen, that the convention is waiting. "

Thelismer Thornton caught the secretary of the State Committee by thearm and propelled him toward the door, ordering Harlan to open it. "Signal that band! Start it to going!" he directed. "Keep thosedelegates easy. " He turned on the chairman. "Now, Luke, you're licked. And it's your own deadfall that's caught you. I know just how you feel, but here's a laundry-bag that you've got to draw the puckering-stringson. Shut up! I'm going to save you from yourself. You're running amuck, now. You're a lunatic, and not responsible. " He dragged the defiantchairman back into the room. He held him in firm grip. "There's a newbribery law in this State. You haven't forgotten it, have you! It'sState prison!"

"Look here, gentlemen, " he went on, addressing the members of the StateCommittee, "you've got just five minutes leeway between a devilish goodpolitical walloping and striped suits. Get out on the floor. Get busywith those delegations. And the man of all of you who dares to say oneword too much about what's been done here to-day will peek through barsand wish his tongue had been torn out by the roots before he talked!Presson, this thing is out of your hands. You shan't cut your ownthroat, I say! Get onto that floor, men!"

They went. It was the rush of men to save themselves. Each man as hepassed out cast a glance upon the papers that General Waymouth clutched, and a second glance at Harlan, brawny guard, at his side. 

"Take Everett across to the committee-room and call in the men who wereto present him, " directed the Duke, releasing the chairman. "And it's upto you two to give 'em a story that will hold 'em. It's short notice, but you've got General Waymouth for a text! Look here, Dave, " he whirledon Everett, who was frantically protesting, "your strength was thestrength the boys of the machine put behind you. It hasn't been personalstrength. You can't afford to be a blasted fool now, even if you arecrazy mad. You've been lecturing considerably the past few weeks on'party exigencies. ' This is one. It's an exigency that will put youbefore a grand jury if you don't tread careful. Get across there, youand Presson! I'm eating dirt myself. Get down on your hands and kneeswith me, and make believe you like it!"

He hustled them out. 

The band was rioting through a jolly melange of popular melodies. 

The old man hesitated a moment, and then walked across to the General. 

"Vard, politics is most always a case of dog eat dog, but I want toassure you that I'm not hungry just now if you are not! And my grandsonseems to have more political foresight than I gave him credit for. I'mgetting old, I see!"

He did not give them opportunity to answer. He swung about and went toSpinney. 

"I reckon they'll raise your guard, now, Arba, " he said, nodding at thestolid and plain men. "There isn't much more that you can do, either toharm or help. You'd better pull a chair out to the edge of the stagethere, and listen to what a h--l of a fellow you are when your oratorsnominate you. Then before the applause dies away, you'd better start forhome. It'll be a good time to get away while Presson is busy!" It wasplain that, lacking any other object, the Duke was venting the last ofhis spleen on this wretched victim of the game. "Before you go, give meone of those 'Honest Arba' ribbons. I keep a scrap-book of jokes!"

The abject candidate had no word to offer in reply. He was white andtrembling, for after Presson's early declaration it had seemed that thewhole shameful story was to be thundered in the ears of those twothousand men sitting yonder. 

"You can suit yourself as to your further movements, Spinney, " said theGeneral, noting the man's distress. 

"There's a rear exit from this hall, " remarked the Duke, significantly. 

Spinney went out, hanging his head. 

"Well, there's at least one cur eliminated from the politics of thisState, " blurted Harlan, gratefully. 

"Eliminated!" sneered his grandfather. "The first man you'll meet in thelegislative lobby next winter, sugar on his speech and alum on hisfinger, so that he can get a good firm grip of your buttonhole, will beArba Spinney, drawing his salary as the paid agent of half-a-dozenschemers. He may seem a little wilted just now, but he's a hardyperennial--you needn't worry about _him_. "

"I think you're the man to take these documents to the Committee onResolutions, Thelismer, " stated the General, drawing out the planks hehad submitted the evening before. "You can explain why they should beinserted--and I have modified them somewhat. I have no desire tofrighten the party at the outset. "

The Duke took the papers, and departed without a word. The men of theaffidavits returned to their delegations on the floor of the convention, gratification in their faces, as well as a sense of the importance ofthe secret they were guarding. 

The band gave a final bellow, and the business of the conventionproceeded. 

General Waymouth and Harlan took chairs into their little room and satdown to wait. The sounds came to them mellowed by distance, butdistinct. They followed the procession of events. 

Spinney's name was presented by an up-country spellbinder who had copiedlogic, diction, and demagogic arguments from his chief. But all thethrill, swing, and excitement of the Spinney movement were gone. Redfire, hilarity, and stimulants could not be used to spice this daylightgathering of men ranged in orderly rows on their settees--and subtlesuggestion had already gone abroad. Yet the undercurrent of oppositionto the further dictation by the party ring was shown by the applausethat greeted every reference by the speaker to the conditions thatexisted in the party. On the text of Spinney, personating Protest, theorator preached to willing converts who clamored for change, even thoughno better leader than Spinney offered. Spinney got perfunctory applause;suggested change was cheered tumultuously. 

The convention was ripe for revolution against dominant conditions, without exactly understanding how to rebel wisely and well. 

Suddenly a clarion voice raised itself from the convention floor. Theyin the little room could hear every word. 

"That's Linton, " said the General, calmly. "He balked under my pat, buthe's plunging into the traces handsomely under the whip!"

"Linton! After refusing? Is he presenting your name?"

"Oh, he's a politician, and one must allow a politician to weigh out hisstock of goods on his own scales, and hope that he will give goodmeasure. I'll be grateful in this instance, Mr. Thornton. They've pickedout an able young speaker!"

In spite of his resentful opinion of Linton, an opinion into which hewould not admit to himself that jealousy entered, Harlan, as helistened, had to acknowledge the ability of the young lawyer. 

First he caught the attention of his auditors, then he skilfullysuggested that he was preparing a surprise. With appealing franknessthat won the interest and sympathy of the Spinney adherents, he agreedwith them that the times demanded changes and reforms. He urged thatthese should be undertaken within the party, and then, earnestly butdelicately, he hinted that the reformers had not picked the rightleader. As delicately he suggested, next, that an extreme partisan, bound far in advance of nomination by factional pledges and trades thathe must carry out, was not the right man to extricate the party, either. Lastly, he came to the crux of his speech, plunging into the theme withpassionate eloquence that brought moisture to the eyes of Harlan. Thatyoung man was not thinking of the orator, then. His thoughts were on theold man at whose side he sat--the old man who listened in dignifiedpatience. 

Now the delegates sniffed the truth. A word had put them on the trail. They were not sure. But they suspected. And mere suspicion sent themupon their settees, cheering wildly. Distrust of Spinney, sullendisloyalty to the machine-created Everett, furnished a soil in whichhope for another solution of the tangle sprang with miraculous growth. 

Linton waited until the roar of voices died away. They again listenedbreathlessly, wondering whether their own hopes had beguiled them. 

"From the storied past, gentlemen of the convention, we draw precept andexample, lesson and moral, hope and inspiration. As nature has stored inthe bowels of the earth the oil that serves the lighthouse beacons ofto-day, so life has stored in various reservoirs human experience thatcan light the path through troublous times in these latter days. Writtenon the scroll of history, limned on the page of law, we find the wordsof the fathers, sane and helpful thought and good counsel. In days ofdoubt and worry and despair we may meet the fathers on the written page. But, oh, how grand a blessing for the human race could we sit at theirfeet beholding them in the flesh and receive their teachings! If onlythey, the fathers, might take us by the hand and lead us through thedevious tangles of public policy! To-day we meet here in perplexeddivision as to the standard-bearer for our next campaign. If up fromthat past of sage counsel and unfaltering faith there might come onewho could stand forth and expound the lessons that we need, we mighttake heart and travel boldly on. But, gentlemen, I bring you a messageof greater hope--more profound a blessing. Up from that past comes thestandard-bearer _himself_! His wise kindliness meets every test ofhonest gentleman; scholarship crowns his brow, Law holds her torch aloftthat his feet may tread the safe way; war from him has taken tribute, but to him has given a hero's deathless laurels. Once in her historythis State welcomed him to her councils as her gracious overlord, andnow--"

There was no doubt in their minds now. A window-shaking demonstrationbore down his voice. 

Linton seized upon the beginning of silence. 

"Now once again his State, groping for a hand to lead her forth tostability and progress, sees his hand and seeks to grasp it, supplicating him: 'O father, guide me! O wise man, teach me! O hero, save me!' And I name to you, gentlemen, for the candidate of theRepublican party--"

He leaped upon a settee and voiced the name of General Varden Waymouthwith all the strength of his trumpet voice. But no one heard what hesaid. They all knew what he was to say. They did not need the spokenname. 

That convention had been ripening for a stampede. Its componentdelegates had contained the stampede fever for weeks before theyassembled. Men leaped and screamed. It was a storm of enthusiasm; twothousand feet furnished the thunder-roar; hats went up and came downlike pelting rain; and voices bellowed like the bursting wind volleys ofthe gale. 

Here and there, gesticulating men were trying to make secondingspeeches, but the words were lost. The chairman of the convention, grimand pale and wondering just how much damage this overturn signified tohis personal interests, nodded recognition to these speakers, andallowed them to waste their words upon the welter of mere sound. 

He also recognized other men who arose. He knew them for Spinney'sadherents and divined what they were trying to say. And having divinedit, he was promptly inspired to get in with the rush of those who wereclimbing aboard the band-wagon. 

He advanced to the edge of the platform, and by tossing his arms secureda moment of silence. He had his own salvation to look after. 

"I am glad, inexpressibly pleased, that as chairman of your convention Ican now declare myself for General Waymouth; for the convention has butone name before it--the name of Arba Spinney has been withdrawn!"

When the tumult began again--almost delirium this time--David Everettappeared from the wings, white, stricken, overwhelmed by the suddennesswith which the prize had been snatched beyond his reach, driven out uponthe stage by the State Committee like a whipped cur forced to performhis little trick in public. He began to speak, but the delegates did notlisten--they knew what he was saying, and were cheering him. Not all ofit was enthusiasm for General Waymouth; men instantly realized that anasty split in the party had been bridged; men felt that in this newcandidate both factions had the ownership that puts one "in right. " Aunited party could now march to the polls. 

The nomination was by acclamation!

They came to General Waymouth, where he stood patiently at the door ofhis room--the committee appointed to escort him before the convention. He signalled for them to precede him--his hand was inside the arm ofHarlan Thornton, and he did not withdraw it even to shake the eagerhands that were outstretched. He walked upon the stage with the youngman, and, still holding his arm, faced the hurricane of enthusiasm untilit had blown itself out. 

It was a breathless hush in which he spoke. 

"Our party, in State Convention assembled, has to-day declared forhonesty. " They did not exactly understand, but they gave voice likehounds unleashed. That sentiment complimented them. "I pledge the laststrength of my old age to the task you have imposed upon me. Give meyour pledge, man to man, in return. Shall it be for all of us: honestyin principle and unswerving obedience to every party profession we make?I await your 'Yes'!"

It came like a thunderclap--two thousand voices shouting it. 

He stood there, his hand upraised, waiting again until the hush was uponthem once more. They were ready for the usual speech of acceptance. Buthe said simply this:

"I accept the trust!"

He put his hand behind Harlan's guarding elbow and retired. 

"A carriage at once, Mr. Thornton, " he directed. "I must save myself forperformance, not parade. "

They were away before even the eager platform notables could interceptthem. The cheering was still going on when the carriage started. Fromthe open windows of the hall the riot of the convention--voices andmusic--pursued them until the racket of the busy street drowned it out. 

"At the present moment, Mr. Thornton, it is not likely that theRepublican State Committee is in a mood for poetry, " remarked GeneralWaymouth. Gayety that was a bit wistful had succeeded his sombreearnestness. 

"But something in the sentiment of this old song might appeal to themwhile they are thinking of me just now:

"'The mother may forget the child That smiles so sweetly on her knee;But I'll remember thee, Glencairn, And all that thou hast done to me. '"

Harlan did not reply. At that moment, strangely enough, somethingbesides the fury and the results of that tremendous convention occupiedhis thoughts. While he had stood beside General Waymouth he had notlooked down into the pit of roaring humanity. He had looked straight upinto the eyes of Madeleine Presson, whose gaze, by some chance, caughthis the moment he stepped upon the platform. She had leaned on thegallery-rail and studied him intently. In spite of all else that hadhappened and was happening, he could not help wondering why. 

CHAPTER XIX

THE RAMRODDERS RAMPANT

Though Mrs. Luke Presson was not especially interested in the practicalside of plain politics, yet it was a part of her social methods to maketame cats of men of State influence as far as she was able. She did thisinstinctively, rather from the social viewpoint than the political. LukePresson did not take her into his confidence to the extent that hedesired her to cultivate men of power for his own purposes. He onlydimly and rather contemptuously recognized that women had any influencein political matters. But it did occur to him, after that Stateconvention, that perhaps he needed his wife to assist him in beginning areconciliation with General Waymouth. 

Mrs. Presson came to him, directly the convention had adjourned. The fewmen who were lingering in headquarters dodged out, for they perceivedthat the chairman's wife had something on her mind. 

He endured her indignant reproaches for some time. She taxed him withbetrayal of her personal interests. 

"I've never tried to pry into your schemes. I don't care about them. Butwhen you make a fool of me in regard to the next Governor of this State, you shall answer for it to me!"

"I did no such thing, " he protested, wanting to placate her for privatereasons of his own. 

"I say you did. You're chairman of the State Committee. You knew whichman would be nominated--you must have known it all along. You wouldn'tbe State chairman if you didn't know that!"

The unhappy magnate was ashamed to tell her the bitter truth. 

"You allowed me to come here to-day with Mrs. Dave Everett and herdaughters. Here is the bouquet I brought to present to her husband!" Sheshook it under his nose and tossed it into a corner. "You never told mea word about the plan to nominate General Waymouth. It was deliberatedeceit on your part--for what reason I cannot understand. "

Presson tried to think of a story that would explain and shield him, butthe convention had not been an affair to promote clear thinking. 

"Here's a legislative session at hand, and you've allowed me to stayentirely out of touch with the next first gentleman of the State! I'mlike all the rest of the trailers, now. I haven't any prior social claimon him. And I can't even find him at this late hour to offer mycongratulations. "

"I haven't been able to offer mine, either, " said the chairman, grimly. 

"I'll endure no more of this foolery, Luke! If you propose to make aplaything of your own wife from now on--"

"I'm telling you the truth. General Waymouth hurried out of the hallbefore I could get to him. That devilish Canibas bull moose picked himup, like he's been picking up--"

But the astonishment in his wife's eyes stopped him. He was revealingtoo much of his secret. 

"Why, Harlan Thornton went away with him--Thelismer's grandson! Some onetold me who saw them in the carriage together. What do you mean byCanibas moose?"

"Can't you see that I'm all stirred up by the excitement of thisconvention?" he demanded. "I don't know what I'm saying. I'll explain toyou later, Lucretia. "

"I think you'd better. Where did General Waymouth go?"

"To the hotel, I suppose. "

"No, he's not there. I have telephoned. Luke, we must have him at lunchwith us. It's his place to lunch with us--you're the chairman of theState Committee! It's a late start for me--and it's your own faultbecause it is so. But you must find the General and make him come toluncheon. I have arranged for the party in the English Room at thehotel. You _must_ have him there!" She hurried away to where the ladieswere waiting for her. 

Presson, the politician's instinct of self-preservation now getting thebetter of his rancor, promptly determined that his own interests wouldbe helped by his wife's luncheon-party, provided the victor could becajoled and coralled. He put pride behind him. It was not so easy to doas much with his shame and the downright fear that assailed him when hereflected on his plot and its outcome. But he decided that althoughlittle might be gained for him by making up to the victorious General, agreat deal would be surely lost if the antagonism were emphasized. 

He put on his hat and hurried to the street. Inquiry at the cab-standafforded him the information that General Waymouth and his companion hadnot given a definite destination. "But there's the man who took them, "said the manager. "He's just back. Ask him. "

The driver said that he had dropped them at the park, at their request, and the chairman jumped into the carriage, directing that he be conveyedto the same place. 

He found them sitting democratically on a bench, taking the air. 

Without preliminary the chairman extended Mrs. Presson's invitation. "There will be a very small party of us, and it may save you from theannoyances of the public rooms, " added Chairman Presson, humbly. 

The General arose and accepted with cordiality, somewhat to Harlan'ssurprise, for his unbending youth could not yet understand how politicalhatchets could be buried so quickly. 

"I want to congratulate you, General, " said the chairman on the way tothe carriage. "And I want to tell you that the State Committee willswing into line behind you for the campaign. You'll find us loyal. There's a good deal more I'd like to say, but there'll be time enoughfor that later. I'll merely say this: both of us have been in politicsyears enough, I believe, to be able to wash a convention slate clean, when it's a question of a State campaign against the opposite party. "

"I'll meet you frankly on that plane, Mr. Presson. I have too much aheadof me to waste time in quarrels. It isn't my nature to retaliate. I haveunderstood the situation better than some men would. "

Harlan, hoping that the chairman appreciated that magnanimity, gavePresson a look that expressed much. But in his new humility the latterwas getting rid of ancient grudges as fast as he could. While theGeneral was entering the carriage, the chairman offered ratherembarrassed apology. "But you introduced some original specialties inpolitics that took me off my feet, young man!" he added, with a sicklysmile. 

Harlan was still a little stiff. It was not easy for him to get into thestate of political pliability that he saw others assume so readily. 

"I'm a countryman, and pretty awkward in most everything I undertake, "he said. "I have no business meddling in the big affairs of this State. I'll take my place where I belong, after this, Mr. Presson. If I don't, I'll not have a friend left--not even my own grandfather. "

The chairman glanced at him curiously, scenting something like duplicityunder this bitter frankness. He was not used to seeing men throw asidesuch advantages as this young man had gained. 

The three entered the hotel through the side door, and at the General'srequest the chairman accompanied him and his young lieutenant to theirheadquarters. It was near the luncheon hour, and Presson had suggestedthat he conduct them to Mrs. Presson. 

A party of men had taken possession of the General's suite. They rosewhen he entered. They paid no attention to Harlan, but surveyed ChairmanPresson with disfavor that was very noticeable. 

Several of the men were clergymen, advertised as such by their whiteties and frock-coats. Those who attended them had the unmistakable airof zealots. Their demeanor showed that they had come on business thatthey considered serious. 

General Waymouth knew them. He addressed one or two by name, and wasgracious in his greeting of the others. 

"We wait on you, " began their spokesman, one of the ministers, "as acommittee from the United Temperance Societies. "

"My time is not my own just now, gentlemen, " explained General Waymouth. "I have a luncheon engagement with Mr. And Mrs. Presson. I will see youat some other time. "

The faces of all of them grew saturnine at that announcement. ForChairman Presson was not recognized as the especial friend ofprohibition by the fanatics of the State. 

The clergyman, following his line of duty, was not in a mood to acceptdelicate hints regarding social engagements. He stood his ground. 

"Our business will occupy but a short time, and I suggest that it willbe for your personal interest to listen now, sir. "

It was an unfortunate bit of obstinacy. 

"I regulate my own hours for engagements, Mr. Prouty. You have come onyour own business, and it must await my convenience. "

"It's _your_ business I come on, General Waymouth, and I advise you tolisten! And I will add that it will not help you with the temperancepeople of this State if they are told that within two hours after yournomination you are consorting with the arch-enemy of temperance reformin our midst!"

With two strides the General was back at his door. He opened it. 

"Be so kind as to leave the room, gentlemen, " he invited, icily. "I'llnot detain you even to have you apologize for your intrusion on myprivacy or ask pardon of a guest whom you've insulted!"

They obeyed him, sullenly. Even their effrontery could not withstandthat dignity. But they muttered among themselves, and one man calledback over his shoulder: "It isn't the first time, General, that a manbrave enough to lead battle charges hasn't shown that he's got thespirit to declare for the right against the wrong, when politics standsby with open ears!"

"There go some of the reformers you were asking your grandfather about afew weeks ago, Harlan, " sneered the indignant chairman. "Those are themen who are holding themselves up as examples for all the rest of men tofollow. Every one else is a rummy and a hellion, according to theirranking. "

"As bad an element as the rumsellers themselves, " declared theGeneral--"men of that type! I'm speaking now of the interests of truereform--reform that gets to the individual and is something else thanthis everlasting wrangle and racket between factions. I like fighting, but I like to have a natural fighter admit he's in it just for the sakeof fighting--not claim it's all for morality's sake!"

"Then what are you?" blurted Presson, but checked himself in evidentconfusion. 

"Eh?" inquired General Waymouth, mildly. 

"I--I don't know what it was I had in my mind--guess I was thinkingabout something else. "

But the General smiled as though he understood. Then he went into theinner room, explaining that he wished to make himself presentable to theladies. 

The chairman took a crafty survey of Harlan. 

"Between you and me, my boy, " he said, getting back upon his old-timefooting with Thornton's grandson, "the General has got both of my eyesput out, so far's his politics go. Did you hear him just rip into thoseramrodders? And yet he's been stiffer and straighter than the worst of'em since he struck this city. I'd like to know who in thunder he _is_playing with, anyway! What does he say to you, on the side?"

"You'd better get General Waymouth's plans from himself, Mr. Presson. "

"I'm not asking you to betray anything. But he's got a policy, ofcourse. I only want to know it, so that I can grab in with him. But Ican't figure anything, so far. "

"I thought he made himself pretty plain last night. "

"He made himself plain, I'll admit that. Plain that he's againsteverything that the party management stands for. But now he turns aroundand kicks out the other crowd! He's got to pick his gait and take aposition somewhere!"

"That's something I know nothing about, sir. "

The chairman grew testy. He felt that he was being played with. 

"Seeing that you're in close to the Amalgamated Order of Angels, you'dbetter drop him a hint that running a political campaign isn't likestampeding a convention. The State Committee stands ready to help, andbefore he gets much further along he'll find he needs the help. You'dbetter make that plain to him. "

His guest of honor reappeared then, and the chairman led the way. Harlanhad been included in his invitation, and attended his chief. 

With old-fashioned gallantry, General Waymouth made his compliments tothe ladies whom Mrs. Presson had assembled to grace the occasion. Herlittle crust of social earth had been tossed alarmingly by the politicalearthquake, but she felt that now she was finding safe footing oncemore. 

Thelismer Thornton was there, so were Senator Pownal and the secretaryof the State Committee, and a few other favored ones whom the hostesshad sought as being close to the new order of things. She led forwardLinton. 

"And now, General, we're all wondering just how nice a compliment you'llpay to the orator whose eloquence makes you the next Governor of ourState, " chattered the good lady, poorly informed as to real conditions, but anxious to force a situation for her favorite. "Herbert has been somodest about it! We've been telling him just how grand we thought itwas. "

"I thank you, Linton, for what you said. " The General took the youngman's hand. "You have wonderful gifts of eloquence. "

But there did not seem to be the enthusiasm which the importunate Mrs. Presson desired. 

"With all due respect to your greatness, General, isn't it true that heturned the convention--has made you Governor?" she insisted, half injest to cover her earnestness. 

"If it comes about that I'm the next Governor of this State, " hereturned, gently, "it will be due entirely to this young man. " He pattedHarlan's shoulder affectionately. "Just how he has accomplished it is avery deep political secret between us two. I present my grand vizier, ladies and gentlemen!" They understood that seriousness lay behind hiswhimsical manner of speech. 

Two very round eyes testified to Mrs. Presson's amazement. But once moreshe found her social feet after this echo of the main quake. She tookHarlan's hand, and placed it on the chair next to that of her daughter. 

"You'll sit here, if you please, Mr. Thornton, " she said, urbanely. 

For a little while a trifle of embarrassment shaded the few words theyoung couple addressed to each other, under cover of the generalconversation about the board. Then Harlan, glancing down the table, sawLinton staring gloomily in his direction. And at that look his spiritsleaped like a steed under the spur. What he had not dared, consideringhimself on his own merits, he ventured now. If vague, hidden sentiment, as he had thought of Clare Kavanagh, had restrained him in the past, itno longer restrained him now. 

The excitement of the day had given him a queer exaltation. He had beenone of the chiefs in the arena where all the great State looked on atthe combatants. The overlord had just given him soul-stirring proof ofhis affection, half in jest as Harlan realized, remembering the occasionfor it, but it was none the less gratifying. Madeleine Presson hadlooked at him with strange, new interest in her gaze when the Generalspoke out. It had occurred to Harlan that it was not the samegood-humored tolerance which she had so frequently shown in her pastrelations with the bashful woodsman. His unquiet grudge against Lintonspiced the whole. 

He turned to the girl. 

She seemed altogether desirable. Something in her eyes responded to hisown feelings. And after that he seemed to be listening to himselftalking--and wondered at the new man he had become. 

When it was over, and the ladies rose from the table to follow Mrs. Presson, he tried, feeling guilty for a moment, to remember the lookthat Linton had given him and to excuse himself as one who had simplyshown the proper spirit of revenge. But when he took her hand he said:"My grandfather carried me away from you and your mother in veryungallant fashion yesterday. And he tried to put ungallant words into mymouth. I trust you'll allow me to disprove them. I'd like the privilegeof being your obedient squire on the trip home. "

"So now that you've become a very big man you've decided thatgrandfathers shall no longer be indulged in tyranny?" she asked, with adash of malicious fun. 

"I view matters in a new light, " he replied. 

"And there's a wonderful psychology in light, so they who have studiedthe matter tell us, " she said, mischief in her eyes. "But we'll not goso deeply into the matter. Let it be a light that will guide yourfootsteps to our rooms at train-time. You will find us awaiting oursquire!"

General Waymouth excused himself as soon as the ladies had retired. Thelittle group of men had promptly begun to canvass the outlook and plans, but he demurred politely when they desired to drag him into thediscussion. 

"Not yet, gentlemen! We have had enough of talk in the last few hours. Let me escape to the old brick house up in Burnside for a while. Mytrain goes shortly. Will you accompany me, Harlan?" It was the firsttime he had used the young man's christian-name Harlan flushed withpleasure. "I will see that you get back here in good season to bringthat guiding light, " he murmured, to the other's confusion. 

"I do not like to seem too exacting--too persistent in requiring yourattendance, " protested the General, as they returned along the corridor. The great hotel was nigh deserted. The delegates had hurried away on theconvention specials. "But you have protected me from a great manyannoyances, to put the situation mildly. I am calling you away now tomake a very special request of you. We will speak of it on the way tothe station. "

Ranged in front of the door of his suite was the delegation from thetemperance societies, patiently waiting, more saturnine than before. 

The Reverend Mr. Prouty intercepted them with determination. 

"I do not like to seem too persistent in this matter, but we feel thatwe have a right to a few moments of your time, sir. You are acceptingpublic office, and--"

"I do not care to have any lessons in politics read to me, Mr. Prouty. State your business. "

"We prefer to see you in private. "

"And I prefer to have you talk before a reliable witness. Mr. Thorntonis such, and he is entirely in my confidence. "

He did not invite them into his room. 

"We represent the united temperance societies of this State, " began theclergyman. 

"I understand perfectly, " put in the General. "And in order that we maythoroughly understand each other I will inform you that I know exactlywhat corporate interests are furnishing money to you and your campaignmanagers. I have been very careful to keep posted on these matters, gentlemen!"

For a moment Mr. Prouty was visibly taken aback. 

"It is necessary to finance even righteousness, " he said, at last. 

"Beyond question, " admitted the General. "I only ask you to meet me onthe business basis where you belong. I'll not allow you to maskfactional interests behind religion or a moral issue. I don't mean to becurt or disobliging, gentlemen, but you must get out in the open. Youhave something to ask me? Ask it. You'll receive a plain answer. "

"Do you intend to enforce the prohibitory law?"

"I question your good taste, Mr. Prouty, in selecting one law and askinga prospective Governor whether he intends to do his sworn duty in regardto it. "

"But other Governors have not done so. We propose to have pledges afterthis. We'll vote for no more nullifiers. "

"Other Governors have had no direct power to enforce the law, sir. I hadno power when I was Governor. But I'll assure you that if I am the nextGovernor I shall demand that power from the legislature, and I'llenforce that law with all the resources of the State treasury. If it'sin the power of man to accomplish it, the sale of liquor shall bestopped in this State. "

They plainly had not expected that. His attitude toward them, hisassociation with the nullifier Presson had suggested that he intended tocarry out the usual "let it alone" programme. They applauded. 

"One moment, gentlemen. That doesn't mean that I or any other man, orthat the prohibitory law, as we have it, or any other mere law, can stopthe drinking of liquor in this State. I'm speaking only of the open saleof it. I know perfectly well that my attempt to make men sober by lawalone will fail miserably. As it is administered now, the law stillcaters to appetite and public demand for privileges, and the public goesalong without especial disturbance. But as I shall enforce theprohibitory law, conditions will be so intolerable in this State thatthe way will be paved for a common-sense treatment of the liquorquestion. I shall enforce in order to show how wrong the prohibitoryprinciples are. They have not been shown up so far, for the law has notbeen enforced. "

The delegates were disconcerted. The spokesman's face grew red. 

"Do you dare, sir, as a candidate for Governor of a prohibition State, to stand up here before these representatives of the temperancesocieties and say you are opposed to prohibition?"

"I certainly do, " declared the unruffled General. "For this State is nota prohibition State! It fatuously thinks it is when the citizens can getall the liquor they want without trouble. I merely propose to put it tothe test of honesty. "

"You declare yourself an enemy, then, do you?"

"Mr. Prouty, there you launch yourself into your usual intemperance! Atthe first word of another man's dignified difference of opinion youshout 'enemy' and prepare to fight! I want to ask you and yoursupporters here a question: Will you meet with representatives of allthe interests concerned in this matter, including the liquor men andthose who use liquor in its various forms, and endeavor to arrive atsome compromise in this State which shall put a stop to what ispractically civil war, in which we are expending all our energieswithout accomplishing any real betterment of conditions? Will you agreeto some middle ground, if it can be shown that more men can be madesober and less men hypocrites?"

"I stand solely for the principle of prohibition, unswerving tilldeath, " announced the clergyman. His partisans applauded. 

"You won't stop and listen to what may be for the actual best interestsof our State, then?"

"I'll not license crime nor compound felonies with criminals. "

"Mr. Prouty, as Governor I signed the first prohibition law passed inthis State. It was on trial. I was liberal enough to bend my ownpersonal views to give it that trial. When I'm thinking of my State Idon't insist that _my_ way is the _only_ way. Now, sir, if you knewthat, as citizens, not mere partisans, we could all get together andframe something better than a law that has bred evils of politicalcorruption through all the years without altering the appetites of thepeople--if you knew that, wouldn't you remould some of your opinions andhelp us bring about the best good for the whole of us?"

"I'll not abate my loyalty to prohibition one jot or tittle!"

"In your case and in the case of the kind of fanatics who train withyou, " declared the General, with disgust in tone and mien, "that word'prohibition' is simply a fetish--a rally-call for a fight. It is you, sir, and such as you, who are holding this State back from realprogress. I'm not discussing the liquor question alone. I haven'tpatience to discuss it with you. I'm referring to the spirit thatactuates you. Your kind sat as judges in the Inquisition. Prohibitionnow offers an opportunity for your bigotry--that's why you cling to it. You cling to it in spite of the fact that it has made more thandrunkards--it has made liars and thieves and perjurers and grafters outof men who would not otherwise have been tempted. When men arise to tellthe truth about it, you get behind your morality mask and accuse them ofthe basest motives and claim immunity for yourselves from attack inreturn. I fear I am a little severe, sir, but your attitude showed thatyou came to me with appetite for a quarrel. "

"I'll see to it, " declared Mr. Prouty, hotly, "that five hundredministers in this State denounce you from their pulpits as an enemy totemperance. "

"You don't know what temperance is!" General Waymouth brushed past them. "Your definition slanders the word. I shall be glad to have yoursupport, gentlemen, at the polls. But I am for the State, not for yourfaction or any other faction. I know you are not used to hearing acandidate tell you the truth--it has not been the style in this State. If the truth from me has shocked you, blame the truth, not me. "

He ushered Harlan before him and closed his door upon the delegation. 

"It's a sad feature of public affairs in this State, my young friend, "said he, when they were alone, "that so large a mass of the people, whonaturally are sane and moderate, allow those paid agents of so-calledreform to serve as popular mouth-pieces. Reform for reform's sakesupersedes reform for the people's sake. Candidates have been afraid ofthose mouths. Such mouths as those outside there assert that they aretalking for the whole people in the name of morality, but there are onlya few mouths of that kind. It is time to test it out. I propose to seewhether the people will not follow the real thing in honesty instead ofthe mere protestation of it. "

On the way to the station the General preferred his request. It was thatHarlan become his executive officer in the approaching campaign--hischief of staff, his companion, his buffer, protecting him from theassaults of the politicians. 

"Before the campaign really opens there will be three weeks or so inwhich you may attend to your own affairs. You remember that it was youthat dragged me into this, young man!" It was the old jest, but it hadtaken on meaning within twenty-four hours. "You have seen with your owneyes, heard with your ears, how I stand alone between factions which arewilling to sacrifice the State in order to win for their own interests. I have planted my standard between 'em! I'll try to rally an army to itthat will leave the extremists of both those sides hopelessly desertedby the rank and file of the honest citizens. I need you with me, for youhave been with me from the start, and you have shown your fitness" (hesmiled), "even to securing an audience with the Honorable Spinney. Is ityes, my young friend?"

"It is yes, General Waymouth. I question my ability--I know it is poor. But of my loyalty there is no question. "

The General grasped his hand. They were at the car steps. "It shall be'Boots and saddles!' three weeks from to-day!"

Linton was in the parlors of the hotel with the Presson party whenHarlan arrived, glowing with his new enthusiasm, confident in his newelevation in the affairs of men. In the affairs of women he was notquite as sure of his desires or his standing, but his mood was new, andhe realized it. He went straight to Madeleine Presson. Twenty-four hoursbefore the presence of Linton at her side would have held him aloof. 

He put out his hand to the young lawyer, and Linton took it. 

"I extend my congratulations rather late, but they are sincere. It was anoble speech. You put in words my own thoughts regarding a noble man. "

"Perhaps you could have expressed those thoughts just as well as I did. "Linton was not cordial. 

"No, sir, not with a woodsman's vocabulary, though with such a text Icertainly should have felt the true inspiration. "

"You'll have to claim considerable political foresight, even though youcast doubt on your eloquence, " said Linton, rather sourly. "I'llconfess that I jumped wrong. But I had my interests to protect. Let meask you--is General Waymouth offended, very much so, because I withdrewmy support this morning?"

"General Waymouth has not made any comments on the matter in myhearing. "

"I know you can explain to him--"

Harlan broke in, impatiently:

"I am not cheeky enough to advise such a man about picking his politicalsupport. I beg your pardon, Miss Presson!" He bowed. He turned toLinton. "I hope you won't open this subject with me again, Mr. Linton. Iam so loyal to General Waymouth that you cannot explain satisfactorilyto me any reasons why you should have deserted him to-day! You will seenow why the topic should not be referred to again between us. "

Linton bristled. 

"If you take such an unjust view of it as that, I certainly feel thatthe matter should be referred to again between us--at the proper time!"

"I'd advise you to take my hint, " retorted Harlan. 

They stared at each other, eye to eye, both plainly wishing with allheartiness that no feminine presence hampered them. 

The girl laughed. 

"Coffee and pistols for two! If each other's company makes you soimpolite, I'll be compelled to separate you. Come, Mr. Harlan Thornton, baron of Fort Canibas, you have volunteered to see me safely home. "

He offered his arm, and they followed Mrs. Presson, who had alreadystarted for the carriage. He rode with them to the station, flushed andsilent, and the girl studied his face covertly and with some curiosity. 

On the train, in the first of their tête-à-tête, she sounded himcautiously, trying to discover if his feelings toward Linton wereinspired wholly by political differences. She seemed to suspect therewas something more behind it, even at the risk of flattering herself. But she had detected certain suggestive symptoms in the demeanor ofHarlan at the breakfast-table that morning. He did not betray himselfunder her deft questioning. But he promptly grew amiable, and before theend of their railroad ride that day she had proved to her ownsatisfaction that her ability to interest young men had not been thrownaway upon him. The light in his eyes and the zest of his chatter withher told their own story. He left her at her home with a regret that hedid not hide from her. 

And yet, when he was at last in his room at the hotel that night, hewrote to Clare Kavanagh the longest letter of all those he had writtento her since he left Fort Canibas. 

It might have been because he had so much to write about. 

It might have been because a strange little feeling of compunctionbothered him. 

But Harlan did not have the courage to examine his sentiments tooclosely. Only, after he had sealed the letter and inscribed it, he layback in his chair awhile, and then, having reflected that after threeweeks he would no longer be his own man, he decided that he'd better runup to Fort Canibas and attend to his business interests. 

And he departed hastily the next morning, in spite of the Duke's puzzledand rather indignant protests that business wasn't suffering beyond whatthe telephone and mails could cure, and that he himself would go homethe next week and see to everything. 

There are some men who are strong enough to run away from weakness. Notthat Harlan Thornton admitted that he was weak in the presence ofMadeleine Presson. But he felt a sudden hunger for the big hills, thewide woods, the serene silences. He wanted to get his mental footingagain. He had been swept off in a flood of new experiences. Just now hefound himself in a state of mind that he did not understand. 

"I'll go back and let the old woods talk to me, " he whispered tohimself. 

Then he tore up the letter he had written to Clare Kavanagh. 

It had occurred to him that he could tell it to her so much better. 

So when he came to Fort Canibas in the evening of the second day hemounted his horse and rode across the big bridge. 

He went before he had read the letters piled on the table in the gloomyold mess-hall. And he brusquely told the waiting Ben Kyle to save hisbusiness talk until the morning. 

CHAPTER XX

A GIRL'S HEART

He walked his horse when he reached the farther shore. He was wonderingjust what he was to say to Dennis Kavanagh. They had not parted in amanner that invited further intimacy. From twin windows of the house onthe hill lights glowed redly, as though they were Dennis Kavanagh'sbaleful little eyes. Fear was not the cause of the young man'shesitation. But he dreaded another scene in the presence of the girl. Kavanagh and his grandfather had brutally violated an innocentfriendship. They had put into insulting words what neither he nor Clarehad dreamed of--he hastily assured himself that they were not lovers. More than ever before he now felt infinite tenderness towardher--compassion, sympathy--an overpowering impulse to seek her. He hadmuch to tell her. He could not think of any one in all the world whowould listen as she would listen. The red eyes glowering out of thesummer gloom did not daunt him; they suggested tyranny and insultingsuspicion, and he pitied her the more. He rode on past the tall cross ofthe church-yard. A voice out of the silence startled him. A white figurestood in the shadow of the church porch. 

"Come here, Big Boy, " she said. "I'm not a ghost. I'm only Clare. I'vebeen waiting for you. "

He left his horse, and hurried to her. 

"Waiting for me? I did not write. Have you second sight, little Clare?"

"No, only first news. This isn't one of the big cities where the crowdsrush by and do not notice each other. It's only a lonesome little place, Harlan, and gossip travels fast. I heard you were home five minutesafter the stage was in. So I came here and waited. "

He took both her hands between his broad palms, caressing them. 

"And you knew I'd hurry to come across the long bridge? That makes mehappy, Clare, for you must have been thinking about me. "

"I haven't many things to do these days except think, " she returned, wistfully. "You'll understand why I came down here. I'm not trying tohide away from my father, and I know you are not afraid of him. Butlectures on the subject of not doing the things you don't have any ideaof doing are not to my taste, and I know they don't suit you. So we'llsit here in peace and quietness, and you shall tell me all about it. "

He turned his back on the two red eyes of the Kavanagh house, and satdown on the step below her, and began his story, eagerly, volubly. 

Once in a while he looked up at her, and she gave wise little nods toshow she understood. In relating the early episodes of his journey, heventured to leave out details. But she insisted that he give them. 

"I want to know about the world--how they all look, and how they speak, and what they do. I've been lonely all these weeks. I've been wonderingall the time what you were doing. Now I want it to seem that you've cometo take me with you, back through it all. I want it to seem just asthough I were travelling along with you--that will make me forget howlonely I've been, waiting here on the edge of the big woods. "

And he humored her whim, for he had always understood her child's ways. The woods had trained him to note the details of all he saw; hisexperiences had been fresh and stirring, and he told his story withzest. 

Then he came to his mention of Madeleine Presson. "Her father is theState chairman--the man you saw at 'The Barracks. ' I was at their housea few times. Her mother--"

"But about her! You are skipping again, Big Boy. "

"There is not much about her, " he said, stammering a bit. "I saw herhere and there, and talked with her, that's all. "

"But I'm seeing with your eyes and hearing with your ears as I go alongwith you, " she insisted. "I want to know how other girls are in theworld outside. I have been waiting to have some one tell me. You sawher, you heard her. Begin, Harlan: her looks, her clothes, her manners, what she said, what she talks about. I have only you to ask. "

His self-consciousness left him after he began. He drew his word-pictureas best he could. 

"That makes her beautiful, " she said, when he paused, searching his mindfor some word of description. "I think I can see her with your eyes, BigBoy. Tell me what she knows; and how does she talk?"

In the dusk he could not see the expression on her face. He knew thatshe listened intently, leaning above him. He was not conscious that hepraised Madeleine Presson's gifts of mind or person. But as he had foundher, so he portrayed her to the isolated girl of the north country, describing her attainments, her culture, her breadth of view, her graspof the questions of the day, her ability to understand the big mattersin which men were interested. 

She made no comment as he talked. She did not interrupt him when he hadfinished with Madeleine Presson and went on to relate how he had beenforced into the forefront of the State's political situation. 

"So, then, you have become a great man, " she faltered. "I remember. Iwas selfish. I did not want you to go away. "

"No, I am not a great man, little Clare, " he protested, laughingly. "I'monly a little chap that a great man is using. And you were not selfish. It was you that first put the thought into my mind that I ought to usemy opportunities. That night at the end of the bridge, you know! I wassullen and obstinate. But you talked to me like a wise little woman. Allthe time I was with my grandfather later that evening, trying to beangry with him, I kept remembering your advice. "

"I lied to you!" she cried, so passionately that he leaped to his feetand stared down on her. "I said it. I remember. But I lied. I waspunishing myself because I had been selfish about you. But I didn'tbelieve what I was saying--not deep in my heart. I wanted you to say youwouldn't go--but I didn't want you to look back ever and blame me for myselfishness. You see now how wicked and wrong and weak I am. I didn'twant the world to take you away from--from us up here: from the woodsand the plain folks. You'll hate me now. But I have to be truthful withyou!" Her voice broke. 

"The world has not won me away from my friends, dear. You must know metoo well for that suspicion to shame me. "

She crouched on the step before him. Her hands, fingers interlaced, gripped each other hard to quiet their trembling. In her girlishfrailness, as she bent above her clasped hands, huddled there in theblack shadow of the porch, she seemed pitifully little and helpless andforsaken. The woe in her tones thrilled him. She was trying hard tocontrol her voice. 

"You see, Harlan, I can look ahead and understand how it will be. Awoman does understand such things. That's the awful thing about being awoman--and looking ahead and knowing how it must be before it everhappens!"

"Before what happens, Clare? I'm trying hard to understand you. "

He leaned forward, and could see her eyes. He had seen that look in theeyes of a stricken doe. 

"The world is all outside of this place, Harlan. You know we have alwaysspoken of all other places than this as 'outside. ' You have steppedthrough the great door. Now you see. You can't help seeing. It's alloutspread before you. No one can blame you for not looking back hereinto the shadows. The great light is all ahead. I am--I ought not tospeak about myself. I have no right to. But you'll forgive me. I didn'thave any one to tell me! I didn't have any mother to advise me. I haveplayed through all the long days, I don't know anything. Other girls--"

"Clare! God save you, little Clare--don't--don't!" he pleaded. 

"You have been away only a few days, and yet you have found out thedifference. You told me about her. She is beautiful, and she is wise. She has not wasted the long days. She can help you with knowledge. Shecan--"

He put out his arms and tried to take her, cursing himself for histhoughtless cruelty. Infinite pity and something else--fervent, hungrydesire to clasp her overmastered all the prudence of the past. But sheeluded him. She sprang away. She retreated to the upper step of thechurch porch, and he paused, gazing up at her. 

"Oh, Blessed Virgin, put your fingers on my lips!" she gasped. "Why didI say it?"

"Listen to me, Clare, " he urged, holding his arms to her. "I know nowthat I've been waiting for you. I thought it was friendship, but nowI--"

She cried out so loudly, so bitterly, that he stopped. 

"If you say it--if you say it now, Harlan, it will shame me so that Ican never lift my eyes to yours again. I realize what I have said. It isI that have put the thoughts into your mind--almost the words in yourmouth. Don't speak to me now. Oh, you can see how little I know--what afool I am, forward, shameless, ignorant about all that a girl shouldknow! Do not come near me--not now!" He had started to come up thesteps--he was crying out to her. "Oh, Harlan, don't you understand?Don't you see that I can't listen to you now? I have driven you to saysomething to save my pride. I say I _have_! You are good and honest, andyou pity me--and my folly needs your pity. But if you should tell me nowthat you love me, I'd die of shame--I'd distrust that love! I couldn'thelp it--and I've brought it all on myself. Oh, my God, why have I grownup a fool--why have I wasted the long days?"

She ran down past him. He did not try to stay her. He understood womennot at all. He obeyed her cry to be silent--to keep away from her. 

She turned to him when she reached the ground. 

"I haven't even known enough to understand how it stands between us. Between us!" There was a wail in her voice. She sobbed the rest ratherthan spoke it: "That river out there is between us! I don't even belongto your country!"

She pointed at the great cross of the church-yard. It stood outlined inthe starlight. 

"Religion stands between us! My father and your grandfather are betweenus!"

She came back two steps, her face tear-wet, her features quivering withgrief. 

"But there's something else between us, Harlan, blacker and deeper thanall the rest. Don't try to cross it to come to me. You will sink in it. Fools for wives have spoiled too many men in this world. I understandnow! Your grandfather knew. " She raised her eyes, and crossed herselfreverently. "Mother Mary, help me in this, my temptation!"

She turned, and ran away, sobbing. 

Harlan hurried a few steps after her, crying appeals. But he did notpersist. Her passionate protests had come from her heart, he knew. Hedid not dare to force himself on her when she was in that mood. 

He sat down again on the church steps. He remained there in deep thoughtuntil the red eyes in Dennis Kavanagh's house blinked out. He did notfind it easy to understand himself, exactly. His feelings had beenplayed upon too powerfully to permit calm consideration. He feltconfident in his affection for her. But her youth and the obstacles heunderstood so well put marriage so out of immediate consideration thathe merely grieved rather than made definite plans for their future. Withmoist eyes he looked up at the dark house on the hill and pledgedloyalty to the child-woman, knowing that he loved her. But that the lovewas the love that mates man and woman for the struggles, the prizes, thewoes, and the contentment of life he was not sure--for he still lookedon Clare Kavanagh as more child than woman. 

Marriage seemed yet a long way ahead of him. He rode slowly back to "TheBarracks. " His problem seemed to be riding double with him. The problem, one might say, was in the form of a maid on a pillion. But he did notlook behind to see whether the maid bore the features of Clare Kavanaghor Madeleine Presson. At that moment he was sure that only Clare's imagerode with him. But in thinking of her he understood his limitations. For, woodsman and unversed in the ways of women, he had not arrived atthat point in life where he could analyze even a boy's love, much less aman's passion. 

The next morning he left Fort Canibas with big Ben Kyle, to make a tourof the Thornton camps. It was a trip that took in the cruising of atownship for standing timber on short rations and in the height of theblackfly season, an experience not conducive to reflections on love andmatrimony. 

But when he returned to Fort Canibas, on the eve of his departure totake up his duties as General Waymouth's chief of staff, he saddled hishorse and rode across the long bridge. 

This time there was no white figure on the church porch and no wistfulvoice to call after him. He kept on up the hill. He was not thinkingabout what Dennis Kavanagh might say to him. He had resolved to askClare manfully if she would continue to trust him for a while until bothcould be certain that their boy and girl love signified to them the lovethat life needed for its bounty and its blessing. That seemed the honestway. It seemed the only way, as matters lay between them and theirfamilies. 

Dennis Kavanagh was seated on his veranda, smoking his short pipe andinhaling the freshness of the shower-cooled summer air along with thearoma of his tobacco. 

"I would like to see your daughter, Mr. Kavanagh, " announced the youngman, boldly. "And I have not come sneaking by the back way. It will be agood while before I can see her again. "

"That it will, " responded Mr. Kavanagh, dryly, "and it will be a goodlong while before ye'll see her now--that may be mixed, but I reckonye'll get the drift of it!"

"It will be better for all our interests if I have a few words withher, " persisted the young man, trying to keep his temper. 

"Will ye talk to her through the air or over the telephone?" inquiredthe father, sarcastically. "She is not here, she is not near here, andif ye wait for her to come back ye'll best arrange to have your mealsbrought. "

He did not pause for Harlan to ask any more questions. He came down fromthe porch on his stubby legs and handed up an envelope. The flap of theenvelope had been opened. 

"She left this, " he said; "and having opened it and seen that it heldnothing but what ye might profitably know, Thornton's grandson, I heregive it into your hand, and ye needn't thank me. "

Harlan, wondering, apprehensive, fearing something untoward, took outthe single sheet of paper. He read:

"BIG BOY, --Go on and let the world make you a great man. I'm groping. Perhaps I'll see my way some day and can follow. But just as there's acure for ignorance, so there's a cure for hearts, maybe. Your friend, CLARE. "

Harlan looked over the edge of the paper into the twinkling little eyesof the father. Mr. Kavanagh seemed to be getting much satisfaction fromthe expression on his victim's face. 

"Can't you tell me what this means, Mr. Kavanagh? I beg of you humbly, and in all sincerity. "

"The Kavanaghs are never backward in politeness, Mr. Harlan Thornton. Itmeans that my girl is done playing child and riding cock-horse. She's offto learn to be the finest and knowingest lady in all the land--she's offbecause she wanted to go, and she's got all of Dennis Kavanagh's fatwallet behind her!" He slapped his breast-pocket. 

"Off where?"

"Where they know things and teach things better than they do over inyour Yankeeland of airs and frills. And now good-day to ye!"

He climbed the porch steps, and relighted his pipe, gazing with muchrelish past the flame of the match, studying Harlan's dismay. 

The young man suddenly came to himself, struck his horse, and gallopedwildly away. 

The next morning he departed to offer political hand and sword in thecause of General Waymouth. 

CHAPTER XXI

STARTING A MULE TEAM

Some men are extremely good and loyal politicians so long as the machineruns smoothly, and they are not called upon to sacrifice their interestsand their opinions. Luke Presson and his associates on the StateCommittee were of that sort. But Thelismer Thornton was a betterpolitician than they. 

The Duke had saved the chairman and his committeemen from themselves atthat critical moment in the little room off the convention stage, whenthey were ready to invite ruin by defying General Waymouth. It had beenas bitter for Thornton as it had been for the others. Beyond question, he would have gone down fighting were the question a private or apersonal one. But when the interests of his party were at stake he knewhow to compromise, taking what he could get instead of what he haddetermined to get. After the convention he gave fatherly advice to thecommittee, and then Presson went up to Burnside village with theolive-branch. But while he extended that in one hand, he held out hislittle political porringer in the other. He couldn't help doing it. Thechairman was no altruist in politics. He didn't propose to cultivate thespirit. 

He put it plainly to General Waymouth--that while he sympathized to someextent with the latter's desires for general reform, there were certaininterests that propped the party and must be handled with discretion inthe clean-up. He had already drawn some consolation from the fact thatGeneral Waymouth had modified in a measure the planks that he submittedfor the party platform. He followed up this as a step that hinted ageneral compromise, and at last frankly presented his requests. He askedthat tax reform be smoothed over, that the corporations be allowed anopportunity to "turn around, " and finally that the prohibitory lawshould be let alone. He argued warmly that General Waymouth could not becriticised by either side if he left the law as he found it. Theradicals were satisfied with the various enactments as they stood, andif there were infractions it became a matter of the police and sheriffs, and the Governor could not be held accountable. And he laid stress onthe fact that the people did not want a Governor to tarnish the dignityof his office by fighting bar-rooms. 

But Chairman Presson found an inflexible old man who listened to all hesaid, and at the end declared his platform broadly and without details. Those details of proposed activity he kept to himself. The platform was:That it behooved all men in the State to be prompt and honest in obeyingthe law. That the man who did not obey the law would find himself introuble. Moreover, position, personality, or purse could purchase noexceptions. 

That was a platform which Mr. Presson could not attack, of course. 

He listened to it sullenly, however. He was angry because common decencyprevented him from expressing his opinion. He had heard other candidatespompously declare the same thing, but he had not been worried by fearthat saints had come on earth. 

This calm old man from whose fibre of ambition the years had burned outselfishness, greed, graft, and chicanery was a different proposition. His words sounded as though he meant what he said. And when he askedthe chairman if he had any objection to offer to a system ofadministration that carried out exactly what the party had put in itspledges to the people, Presson glowered at him with hatred in his souland malice twinkling in his eyes, and could find no language that wouldnot brand him as a conspirator against the honor of his State. 

But he went back to headquarters swearing and sulking. 

In this spirit did candidate and managers face the campaign. 

It is not easy to hide family squabbles of that magnitude. The menconcerned in the principal secret of the State Convention kept theirmouths shut for the sake of self-preservation. But unquiet suspicion wasabroad. The Democrats nosed, figured, guessed, and acted with moreduplicity than had characterized their usual campaigns against thedominant party. Their leaders gave their party a platform that invitedevery one to get aboard. Every question was straddled. It was a documentof craft expressed in terms of apparent candor. It elevated a demagogueas candidate for Governor, and promised every reform on the calendar. These were the rash pledges of the minority, more reckless than usual. 

An united dominant party could have met the issues boldly and franklywithout fear as to results. 

But General Waymouth promptly discovered that he had a loyal army withrebel officers. He was soldier enough to understand the peril. He hadmore faith in the inherent, unorganized honesty of "The People" thanThelismer Thornton had. But, with just as shrewd political knowledge asthe Duke, he held with him that the "The People" amount to mighty littleas a force in politics unless well and loyally officered. 

A campaign will not run itself. Left to run itself, the issues are notbrought out to stir up the voting spirit. "The People" have to be pokedinto the fighting mood--their ears have to be scruffed--they needspeakers, literature, marshals, inciters--hurrah of partisanship. It wasthe off year for the national campaign. No money came into the Statefrom the Big Fellows. 

The State Committee was looked to by the county and town committees tostart the ball rolling and guarantee the purse to push it. "The People"were, as usual, too busy getting daily bread to be spontaneous inpolitical movements. 

General Waymouth sat in the old brick house in Burnside village, and didthe best he could during the long hot days of July and the sultry firstfortnight of August. Harlan Thornton worked with him. The libraryresounded with the click of typewriters, and men came and men went. Butthere was no up-and-moving spirit to the campaign. 

An old man writing letters--even such an old man as General VardenWaymouth was in the estimation of his State--is a small voice in thewilderness of politics. 

The Democrats had vociferous orators. Those orators had for text Stateextravagance, unjust taxation, and all the other charges "the unders"may bring against the reigning rulers. They were not answered on thestump. Even the Republican newspapers were listless and halfhearted. 

At last came Thelismer Thornton. It was one afternoon in middle August, barely three weeks before the day of the State election in September. Itwas his first visit to the brick house in Burnside. He had beensojourning at the State capitol. Men had told Harlan, from time to time, that he was spending his days sitting on the broad veranda of LukePresson's hotel, apparently enjoying the summer with the same leisurelyease that the State chairman was displaying. Men were sometimesinquisitive when they mentioned this matter to Harlan. They did notpresume to ask questions of the General. But the young man had nothingto say. It must be confessed that he did not know anything about it. 

He obeyed the instructions the General gave him and toiled as best heknew, but that the main campaign was hanging fire he did not realize. For the General, who knew politics, did not complain to him. The veteranwas a little whiter, a bit more dignified, and directed the movements ofhis modest force of office assistants with a curtness he had not shownat first; but no other sign betrayed that he knew his State Committeehad "lain down on him. "

The Duke sauntered up the walk, whipping off his hat and swinging it inhis hand as soon as he arrived under the trees of the old garden. Hecame into the house without knocking. The front door was swung inward, and only a screen door, on the latch, closed the portal. 

"I'm making myself at home as usual, Vard, " he said, walking to theGeneral and stroking his shoulder as the veteran leaned over his tableabove his figures. "I've been waiting for an invitation to come up here. But I didn't dare to wait any longer. It's getting too near election. "

General Waymouth looked up at his old friend, studying his face. Hefound only the bland cordiality of the ancient days. 

"I've been waiting, myself, Thelismer, " he returned. "And I'll add thatI don't intend to wait much longer. I'm not referring to you, now. Irefer to Presson and his gang. I presume you are still close to them. Will you inform them that I don't intend to wait much longer?"

Thornton did not lose his smile. He sat down. He nodded across the roomto Harlan with as much nonchalance as though he had been seeing himevery day. 

"I would have run in before this, Varden, but somehow I got theimpression from you and the boy that you were fully capable of operatingthings yourself. But with election only three weeks off I'm gettingready to change my mind. What are you going to do with that steerteam--no, mule team--that's better?"

"Meaning?"

"Meaning Luke Presson and the members of the State Committee. I'm apolitician, Varden. I'm out of a job just now. Both crowds of you seemto think you can get along all right without me. Probably you can. Lukeknows _he_ can, so he says. He doesn't seem to like my management or myadvice--not after that convention! But I can't help being a politician. I can't sit on that hotel piazza any longer and see this mess scorch. I'm too good a cook to stand it. " He hitched forward in his chair andspoke low. "Varden, it sounds like the devil making a presentation copyof the Ten Commandments on asbestos, but I can't help that! I'm givingit to you straight. We've got body-snatchers for a State Committee. They'd rather see the Democrat the next Governor than you. That's howmad they are. That's how sure they are that you propose to put theirnoses to the grindstone. That's how rotten politics is in this State. The Democrat won't give us reform. They know it. They'd rather see theState officers go by the board than have the kind of reform you'vepromised 'em. They can get rid of their Democrat after two years. Yourreform may hang on a good while, once get the laws chained. Now what areyou going to do?"

"I know exactly what I'm going to do. "

"Yes; but, grinning Jehosaphat, how much time have you got to do it in?Three weeks to election now!"

"This campaign, Thelismer, will be started, as it ought to be started, within the next twenty-four hours. As to how it will be started I'llhave you present as a witness, if you'll accept an invitation. "

The Duke was obliged to be contented with only that much assurance andinformation. 

"There's a train back to the State capital in half an hour, Thelismer, "the General stated. "I'll be pleased to have you go along with Harlanand myself. If you'll excuse me now, I'll finish signing these letters. "

The old man was not disturbed by this abruptness. He rose. 

"I reckon you know how to play the game, Vard, " he said. "I'm perfectlysatisfied, now that I know you are playing it. But you'll excuse me forbeing a little uneasy about your starting in. "

He did not interrupt Harlan, who was busy at his desk. He picked up oneof the newspapers that covered the General's table, and marched out intothe garden. 

He joined them when they came out. The General's old-fashioned carryallconveyed them to the railroad station. They made the journey to thecapital without a word of reference to the purpose of their trip. Unobtrusively chatting about the old times, the Duke and his friend madetheir way back to their old footing. It was mutual forbearance andforgiveness, for they were old enough to be philosophers, and especiallydid they understand the philosophy of politics. 

Chairman Presson was in his office at his hotel when they entered. Hecame out to greet General Waymouth, suave but circumspect, and furtivelystudied word and aspect of his visitor. 

"Mr. Presson, " said the General, breaking in upon the chairman's vaguegossip regarding the political situation, "this is short notice, but Ipresume you can reach a few members of the State Committee by telephone. I wish to meet them and you at my rooms in the hotel at nine thisevening. It is important. "

They came. There were half a dozen of them--men who hurried in from suchnear points as the chairman could reach; and at the appointed hourPresson ushered them into the General's room. Harlan Thornton waswaiting there with his chief. The Duke arrived in a few moments, alone. He sat down at one side of the room, bearing himself with an air ofjudicial impartiality. The chairman scowled at him. Judged by recentexperience, Thelismer Thornton was a questionable quantity in aconference between the machine and General Waymouth. 

The committeemen took their cue from the chairman. They were sullen. They bristled with an obstinacy that betrayed itself in advance. 

The General got down to business promptly. It was not a gathering thatinvited any preamble of cheerful chat. He understood perfectly that themen were there only because they did not dare to stay away. 

"Chairman Presson, it is now close upon the election. I have canvassedthe State as best I could through the mails. With Mr. Harlan Thornton'sassistance and through my friends in various towns, I have secured apretty complete list of doubtful voters. I will say in passing that Ihave tried to enlist the help of your town committeemen, but they seemto be asleep. I have thanked God daily that I have personal friendswilling to help me. I have the names at last. I have accomplished alonethe work that is usually attended to by the State Committee. "

Presson started to say something, but the General stopped him. 

"One moment, Mr. Chairman. Let me tell you what _I_ have done. One of usat a time! When I've told you what I've done, you can tell me what_you've_ attended to. I have those names, I have pledges of support, Ihave plans for getting out the vote. But I have no literature fordistribution to those doubtful voters, I have no speakers assigned bythe State Committee to help the men who are trying to get the vote out, I have no fund provided for the usual expenses. Now I will listen toyou, Mr. Chairman. Will you tell me what you have done?"

"It's an off year, General Waymouth, " said Presson. "I asked theCongressional Committee for money, but I couldn't interest 'em. And I'lltell you frankly that the regular sources in this State are dry. Thereisn't the usual feeling. You're a good politician. Perhaps you know whyit's so. "

"You haven't answered my question, sir. I asked you what your StateCommittee has done. "

"What is there we can do when every interest in this State sits back onits wallet like a hen squatting on the roost, and won't stand up and letgo until some assurances are given out? It isn't my fault! I went toyou! I laid the case down! You didn't give me anything to carry back to'em. "

"I'm here to talk business, Mr. Chairman. You are too vague. "

"Well, I'll talk business, too. " Presson snapped out of his chair. Hestood up and wagged his finger. He was too angry to choose words orgloss brutal facts. 

"You want to be Governor, don't you? You're asking men to support youand back you with money? That's what it amounts to. Campaign funds don'tcome down like manna--there's nothing heavenly about 'em--and you knowit as well as I do, General. You've scared Senator Pownal's crowd withthat anti-water-power-trust talk; they've got money to put into thelegislature, but none for you. The corporations won't do anything; yourtax commission talk has given them cold feet as far's you're concerned. Even the office-holders are sore; you've been talking about abolishingfees, and if that's the case they'd just as soon give up the offices. And where's your party, then? You say you're going to enforce theprohibitory law! I can get a little money out of the express companies, the jobbers in gallon lots, and the fellows that get the promise of theState liquor agency contracts. But the big wholesalers, the liquor men'sassociations, the retailers--the whole bunch that's got the real moneyand is willing to spend it haven't a cent for you--they'll even back theDemocrat against you! You wanted business talk. There it is. "

He strode up and down the centre of the room in agitation, and then satdown. 

The other committeemen sighed with relief. Their chairman had said whatthey wanted to say, said it bluntly and boldly, and they were glad itwas over. 

"That is, " drawled Thelismer Thornton, "the State Committee says, as thefork says to the cook: 'I'm willing to be used for all reasonablepurposes, but not to pick your teeth with or pull out carpet tacks. '"

The pleasantry did not relieve the gloom. 

"The State Committee can't do anything without money, General Waymouth, "added the chairman, getting bolder as he allowed his rancor full play. "You've fixed it so that we can't get the money. "

"Then the State Committee would be able to go ahead and do what it oughtto do if I should assure Senator Pownal that he and his crowd may helpthemselves to the water-powers of this State--if I let the rumsellerssell and the office-holders filch? It's on those terms, is it, that I'mto get the help of the men the Republican party has selected as itsexecutives?"

"That isn't a square way to put it, " objected Mr. Presson, with heat. "Isimply say it was all right to open this campaign with prayer, as we didat the State Convention, but as to carrying it through on the plane ofa revival meeting, that's a different proposition! You've asked forbusiness talk, General. I've given you straight business. You're askingsomething from some one else, just now. In politics it's nothing fornothing, and d--n-d little for a dollar! You know it just as well as Ido. Now suppose we have some business talk from you!" There was a sneerin the last sentence. 

General Waymouth swung one thin leg over the knee of the other. Heleaned back in his chair. His elbow rested on the chair-arm, his fingerswere set, tips on his chin, and over them he surveyed his listeners withcalmness. He did not raise his voice. It was his mild manner that madewhat he said sound so balefully savage. Bluster would have weakened it. 

"The legitimate expenses of a campaign are considerable, even when theparty organization, from you, Mr. Presson, down to the humblest towncommitteeman, does full duty in time and effort. But if one has to buyit all, it needs a deep purse. From what you say, it is plain to me thatI am now left to run my own campaign. I tell you very frankly, gentlemen, my means are limited. I have not made money out of politics. One course only is left open to me. I notify you that I shall issue astatement to the people of this State. I shall inform them that I havebeen abandoned by the State Committee and the party machine. I shallstate the reasons very plainly. I shall say I am left to defeat becauseI refused to betray the people's interests. Then I shall appeal to thepeople as a whole--to Republicans and Democrats alike--for support atthe polls. If there are enough honest men to elect me, very well. If themajority wants to hand the thing over to the looters and trickstersafter the fair warning I give them, they will do so with their eyesopen, and I'll accept the result and leave this State to itself. "

Chairman Presson pushed himself slowly up out of his chair, his armspropping him, his face shoved forward. 

"You mean to say, General Waymouth, that, being a Republican, a man whohas had honors from our hands, you'll advertise your party management ascrooks simply because we don't cut our own throats, politically andfinancially?"

"I say, I shall state the facts. "

"Let me inform you that I've got a little publicity bureau of my own. I'll post you as a deserter and a sorehead. I'll fix it so you can'teven throw your hat into the Republican party and follow in to get it. I'll--"

"One moment, Luke, " broke in the elder Thornton. "For some weeks now, when things have come to a crisis, you have set yourself up as the wholeRepublican party of this State. But when you get to talking that way yourepresent it about as much as Parson Prouty represents the realtemperance sentiment. There's quite a bunch of us who are not in theramrodding business. General Waymouth is the nominee of our convention. No one has delegated to you the job of deciding on his qualifications. It's your job to go ahead and elect him. If you don't propose to do it, then resign. "

"No, sir!" shouted Presson. 

"Then get busy--collect a campaign fund and make these last three weekshum! This is largely a matter between friends, right here now. I've toldVard what I think of him, and I haven't minced words. It's bad enoughfor a man to try to be absolutely honest in politics. That's where he'smaking his mistake. But he can get past with the people--they'll thinkit more or less bluff, anyway, even it's Varden Waymouth talking. Butthe kind of dishonesty you're standing for, Luke, won't get past. They'll ride you out of this State on a rail--and I'll furnish therail. "

"I'll furnish something more!" cried Harlan, unable to restrain himselfany longer. "To-morrow morning I shall put ten thousand dollars intoGeneral Waymouth's campaign fund--my own money. "

"You see, Luke, " drawled the Duke, "it really looks as though Vard wouldbe elected anyway. I might subscribe a little myself if only I had arich grandfather, the same as Harlan has. "

The unhappy chairman sat down in his chair again and struggled with hisanger. He could not give it rein--he realized that. Party and personalinterests were all jeopardized. But he knew he could not afford to haveutter personal disgrace accompany his defeat. Desertion of the partycandidate, if advertised in the fashion the General threatened, meantruin of his name as well as his fortune. He could have sulked andexcused himself, but there was no excuse for inaction after demand hadbeen made upon him in this fashion. 

There was silence in the room. 

"Fellow up our way used to be a mighty good mule teamster, " saidThelismer Thornton, tipping his great head back into clasped hands, andgazing meditatively at the ceiling. "Had a gad for the wheel mules, whipfor the swing team, and a pocketful of rocks for the leaders. One daythe rocks gave out just as the wagon sunk into a honey-pot on a Marchroad. But being a good teamster, he yanked out his pipe and threw it atthe nigh leader just at the critical second. Sparks skated from crupperto mane along the mule's back, and he gave a snort and a heave, and awaythey went. "

Chairman Presson, deep in his trouble, was disgusted by this levity, andgrowled under his breath. 

"If a fellow had been off ahead of the team with a bag of oats perhapsthe pipe wouldn't have been needed, " pursued the Duke, meditatively. "Anyway, gentlemen, I'll tell you what I'll do. I've been waiting to becalled on for my contribution for the fund, but for some reason businesshasn't been started in this campaign as soon as I hoped. Harlan was alittle excited just now. I think, seeing that the State Committee is nowgoing to take hold of the campaign, he'll be able to get out of it alittle cheaper. A lot of the other boys will chip when they're asked. For the Thornton family I lead off subscriptions with a pledge of fivethousand dollars. I'm that much interested in seeing my--my originalchoice for Governor elected by a good majority. "

Presson got up, and stamped down his trousers legs. 

"I know when I'm licked, " he admitted. "And I've been licked in thewhole seventeen rounds of this campaign. Look here, General Waymouth, I'm done fighting. I simply throw myself on your mercy. I know how youfeel toward me. But I've got just this to say: it's a poor tool of a manthat won't fight for his own interests and his friends. I've done it. And I'm no more of a renegade than the usual run of the men who have toplay politics for results. I don't believe you are going to get results, General. But that's neither here nor there. There's no more squirm leftin me. I'll take hold of this campaign and elect you. If there's anycrumbs coming to me after that, all right! I'm at your mercy. "

"I tell you again I've no time or inclination for petty revenge. That isnot my nature. " General Waymouth was as cold and calm as inexorable Fateitself. "I accept your pledge, Chairman Presson. Not one interest ofyours that is right will suffer at my hands. On the other hand, not oneinterest that is wrong will be protected. It's simply up to you!"

"I don't suppose you care to go over the plans with me to night?"

"I shall ask you to confer with Mr. Harlan Thornton on all matters. Heknows my wishes and plans. He will remain here at headquarters as myrepresentative. "

If the chairman felt that he was being put under guard and espionage, his face did not betray it. He took leave of the General, and escortedout his associate committeemen. 

"Reminds me of the time Uncle Stote Breed went with the boys on afishing-trip, " remarked the Duke, after they were gone. "They ate thesardines out of the tin before Uncle Stote got in off the pond, and putin raw chubs they'd been using for live bait. Uncle Stote ate 'em all. 'Boys, your ile is all right, ' said he, when he cleaned 'em out, 'but itseems to me your leetle fish is a mite underdone. ' But Luke will eatanything you hand him after this, Vard. "

He took his grandson by the arm, and started him toward the door. 

"Let the General get to bed, " he advised, jocosely. "He ought to havepleasant dreams to-night. "

Harlan expected that his grandfather would have some rather serious talkfor his ear. But he merely remarked, leaving him at the door of hisroom: "If you keep on, son, I'll be passed down to posterity simply as'Harlan Thornton's grandfather. '"

CHAPTER XXII

FROM THE MOUTH OF A MAID

Under a sudden stimulus of rallies, red fire, and band-music, thecampaign blossomed promisingly. Democracy's dark hints that the dominantparty had been rent by factional strife were suddenly answered by anoutrush of spellbinders from Republican headquarters, a flood ofliterature, and an astonishing display of active harmony. Chairman LukePresson received compliments for the manner in which he had held hisfire until he "had seen the whites of the enemy's eyes. " He replied tosuch compliments with fine display of modest reserve, and in privategritted his teeth and swore over the statement that General Waymouthissued to the voters of the State--a document that bound the party to aprofessed programme of honest reorganization. The treasurer of the StateCommittee drew checks amounting to more than fifteen thousand dollars topay for the printing, postage, and mailing of those statements--a bitterexpense, indeed, considering the nature of the promises. Presson sawonly gratuitous stirring of trouble in the hateful declarations theGeneral made. It was his theory that in politics voters never arose anddemanded reforms until some disturber shook them up and reminded themthat reforms were needed. 

General Waymouth did not take the stump. His age forbade. He remainedaway from headquarters. But Harlan Thornton was posted there, hisvigilant representative and executive. In his attitude toward Harlan theState chairman ran the gamut of cajolery, spleen, wrath, andresentment--and final disgust. It was a situation almost intolerable forPresson. But a chain of circumstances--events unescapable and unique inpolitics--bound him to the wheel of the victor. 

Harlan understood the chairman's state of mind. Day by day he made hisdiscourse with that gentleman as brief as possible, and he kept awayfrom the Presson home. His action was dictated by a feeling of delicacy, in view of the father's sentiments. Presson treated him in businesshours as a prisoner would treat his ball and chain. And Presson showedno desire to take that badge of his servitude home with him. EnduringHarlan in the committee headquarters strained his self-possession daily. 

So the young man lied brazenly in reply to the blandly courteous notesof invitation from Mrs. Presson, who continued alert to the promisingsocial qualifications of General Waymouth's chief lieutenant. He pleadedwork. It was true in a measure. The day was filled with duties to whichhe applied himself unflaggingly. 

But from the supper-table he hurried out each evening into the country, escaping from the city by the side streets, tramping miles of lane andhighway and field. His muscles craved the exertion. The city oppressedhim. His unwonted toil within four walls sapped his energy. 

One evening he stepped aside from the highway. A horse, trottingsmartly, was overtaking him. But the horse did not pass him. It sloweddown to his stride, and Madeleine Presson called him from her trap. Shewas alone. 

"As this is the campaign of 'honesty, ' I'll be honest with you, " shesaid. "This is not an accidental meeting. I have been guessing at theroads you might take, and have been on your trail for days. That's abold confession for a girl to make; but I've got even a bolder request:please climb up here and ride. "

He climbed up. He went up with alacrity. From the first of theiracquaintance the girl had interested him--and yet it was more than mereinterest or feminine attraction. Her culture, her keen analysis ofevents and men, her knowledge of conditions informed and instructed him. Her subtle humor and droll insight into the characters of those whoattempted to pose in the public eye entertained him, for he lackedhumor. But, most of all, her satire gave him a truer perspective. Freshfrom the north country, where his knowledge of public men had beenlimited to the information which newspapers had given him, he hadclassed them wrongly. His own gravity had given them too eminentqualities. The girl, knowing them, had pricked their assumptions withgood-humored satire, and he looked at them again and found them as shesaid. As he sat beside her and the horse walked on, he was consciousthat in avoiding her he had been depriving himself both of entertainmentand valuable instruction. It was a rather selfish reflection, but hecould not help it. 

"Now, Mr. Harlan Thornton, from what my father says about the house, when he's so angry that he really doesn't know what it is he's saying, Iunderstand you're playing hob with all the traditions of politics. Inorder to be honest, do you find it necessary to oppose all the things myfather wants to do? If you dare to say so you'll be called on to havesome very serious conversation with my father's daughter!"

"I don't want any differences with your father--or with you, MissPresson, " he declared, earnestly. "I honestly don't! It all seems to bea mighty mixed-up mess. I sometimes wish I'd stayed back home in thewoods. I'm too little a fellow to be in such a big game. I'm afraid I'mso small I can only see one side of it. "

"You admit there are two sides?"

"My grandfather and your father have impressed that on me prettystrongly. "

"Isn't there any good in the other side? Do you mean to tell me that allthe men in politics in this State are wrong except you and old GeneralWaymouth?"

"No, but it's the way of doing things. I guess it's that. "

She drew her horse to a stop. The country road was quiet. The hush ofthe starry August night was over all. 

"Mr. Thornton, " she said, looking him squarely in the eyes, "with alldue respect to the mighty masculine, I believe you are in need of a fewsuggestions from a woman's standpoint. You haven't acquired the art offlattery. If so, you'd be gallant and say I have just as much acumen asyou have honesty. "

"I'll say it! It's so!" he protested. 

"No, you're too late. I very unmodestly gave myself the compliment. NowI'm going to tell you where you are wrong in this whole matter, Mr. Thornton. You are reckoning without the human instruments that you mustemploy. I'll wait just a moment and let that remark sink into your mind. You are a bit slow about grasping the full purport of remarks, Mr. Harlan Thornton. " There was a touch of her satiric humor in her tone. "Now, you don't fully understand, even yet. I think I'll have toillustrate. I've already told you that I've watched matters prettyclosely at the capital. I like to see young men come here with idealsand succeed, but, alas, they do not. "

"They let themselves be bought or bribed or bossed, probably, " blurtedHarlan. 

"I'm not talking about that kind. They are too obvious and too common. I complimented my own self. Now you are insulting yourself by jumping atconclusions. You should have a better opinion of yourself, sir. I have. I do not believe you could be bought or bossed or even coaxed from whatyou considered your honest duty. You do not need to assure me. But youmight be _convinced_, Mr. Thornton--convinced by good reasons--that itis not a young man's duty to ruin his own prospects and his owninfluence by undertaking something as impracticable as though he triedto be a meteor by holding a candle in his hand and jumping off a roof. Icould praise his imagination, but not his judgment. "

She waited a moment. She gazed at him with sudden sympathy. 

"You are a straightforward young man, used to winning your way by directmeans--axe to the tree, cant-dog to the rolling log, but that isn't theway in politics. I know this preachment from me sounds strange. It mayoffend you, but you mustn't allow yourself to be offended. You havesimply quarrelled with the men who have tried to tell you--it's no usefor your grandfather or my father to talk with you. Men do quarrel tooeasily. I am taking a woman's advantage of you, sir. I said I wouldillustrate. I will. One of the finest young men I ever knew came down tothe legislature and started in to expose and hold up every appropriationmeasure that had the least appearance of being padded. Just straight-outand blunt honesty, you understand. A little affectation, too. A bit ofself-advertising as well. But we all excuse a little self-consciousnessin youth. Well, he simply became a red rag to the House. They sneeredand hissed when he stood up. Just in blind rage they voted for everyappropriation he opposed. He did much more harm than he did good. Hedidn't get his own appropriations for the district he represented. Andit killed him in politics and in his law business. The happy people didnot acclaim him as their faithful watchdog of the treasury. They merelypronounced him a bore with a swelled head. You see, I can talk politicaltalk with all the phrases, Mr. Thornton. "

"But he was right, wasn't he--fundamentally right?"

"He _meant_ to be right--that's the term to use. But he forgot that hemust use human instruments in order to accomplish anything. And he justfailed miserably. "

"What would you expect him to do--join in, and be just like the others?Where would any good come out of anything?"

"Now, you are insisting again that there is good only on one side of thequestion. That's bigotry. It's what I'm trying to warn you against. Someone has said that life is compromise. It's true of politics, if you'regoing to get the most out of it. I know what you are undertaking. General Waymouth hasn't left much to the imagination in his letter. AndI've talked with others. And so I know how visionary you are. "

"You've talked with Linton--that's the one you've talked with!" declaredHarlan, indignantly. "And if he's told you what I have told him inconfidence he's more of a sneak than I've already found him out to be. "

"Mr. Linton did not consider that you were making any secret of yourprinciples. And you'll excuse me, but I think his principles are exactlyas good as yours. You are talking now like the ramrodders. Their firstretort to any one who differs with them is to call names. "

"But he deserted General Waymouth under fire. He promised, and went backon that promise. "

"According to all political good sense and in any other times but these, when men seem to be running wild, General Waymouth was politically outof the game. It's all fine and grand in story-books, Mr. Thornton, forthe hero to sacrifice everything for his ideals, but in these verypractical days he's only classed as a fool and kicked to one side. "

"You defend Linton, then? Is that the kind of a man you hold up as asuccess, Miss Presson?" His grudge showed in his tone. 

"You will please understand, sir, that we are not discussing theoriesjust now. This isn't a question of what the world ought to be. It's theplain fact about what a man must be if he's to get results. You and Iboth have heard your grandfather say many times that he'd like to playpolitics with angels--if only he could find the angels. It's hard to ownup, when you're young, that human nature is just as it is. I understandhow you feel. I know you feel it's a very strange thing for me todo--talk to you like this. But I want you to understand that my fatherhas had nothing to do with it. "

He turned to her accusingly. 

"But I know perfectly well, " he said, bitterly, "that it isn't anypersonal interest you take in me that makes you say it. You don't thinkenough of me for that. " It was resentment so naively boyish that herastonishment checked her remonstrance. He rushed on. "You hold up Lintonfor me to follow. That's the kind of a man you admire. He's an orator, and he's smart, and he wins. I'm only an accident. You meant that whenyou said that General Waymouth won out only because matters were mixedup in politics. You don't care anything about me, personally. But you'retalking to me because my grandfather asked you to. That's it. " Heguessed shrewdly. 

That outburst betrayed him. This young man from the north country wasvery human after all, she decided. 

"I have said before, this is a campaign of honesty. Your grandfather didask me to talk to you. I didn't have the heart to refuse him, for I'mvery fond of him. "

It was an acknowledgment that stung his pride. But more than all, itstirred that vague rancor he had felt the first time he had seen Lintonappropriate her. 

He did not choose gallant words for reply. 

"He has set you on me, has he, to pull me away from what I think isright? He wants me to be like the rest of 'em, eh? I can be anunderstudy for Herbert Linton and an errand boy for the State machine! Ididn't think, Miss Presson, that you--"

"You'd better not go any further, Mr. Harlan Thornton. My affection foran old man who has set his heart on your success has brought me intothis affair, and I assure you I don't enjoy the situation. You are notasked to betray any one, or desert any high moral pinnacle, or doanything else that the moralists say all these fine things about withoutknowing what they mean half the time. You are reminded of this: thatthere's only one General Waymouth. There's a sudden big call for himbecause factions have got into a row with each other. Folks will rallyaround him for a little while--it's a sort of revival sentiment. But youare not a General Waymouth. He'll be excused by sentiment, you'll simplybe branded as one of the common run of ramrodders who try to achieve theimpossible with human nature--a disturbing element in Statepolitics--and your career will be spoiled. Now I've delivered mymessage, and done what I promised your grandfather I'd do. "

She turned her horse, and started him back toward town. 

There was silence between them for a time. 

"So, if I weren't Thelismer Thornton's grandson you wouldn't take anyinterest in me at all?" he inquired, sourly. 

"A very impudent and unnecessary question, Mr. Harlan Thornton. I'mafraid your grandfather is right--you have stayed in the woods toolong. "

Longer silence. 

He was more humble when he spoke again. "I don't want you to think I'mwhat I may seem to be, Miss Presson. But what is there I can do inpolitics, just now, different from what I'm doing? I have taken my sidewith the General. I propose to stay there, of course. But I do not wantto have people think I'm a fool. And I haven't heard much else from anyone since I started out. " There was wistfulness in his voice. Hesuddenly felt drawn to her. He craved her counsel. It was the mastery ofthe woman, more worldly-wise. He was bewildered and ashamed. The imageof Clare Kavanagh was not dimmed in his soul. She had been with himdaily in his thoughts. He knew that he felt affection for her. It wastenderness, desire to protect, the real impulse of the man toward hismate. But the feeling was all unexpressed and incoherent. 

And yet Madeleine Presson, more than ever before, attracted himpowerfully. She had the elements that he had never seen and experiencedin womankind. Just at that moment she dominated, for his passion hadbetrayed him into a rather puerile outbreak. 

Subtle analysis of the emotions was beyond him. He did not understand. His life had trained him along more primitive lines of selection. But herealized now that he was trying to probe something in his soul thatdefied his rather limited powers of judging. He had not given his heartunreservedly, he had not pledged himself. Clare Kavanagh had repented ofa child's weakness and had run away from him, vaguely hinting that shewould forget him. This masterful young woman, driving him back to town, her determined profile outlined against the gloom as he gazed shyly ather, did not appear to be interested in him, except as a rebel toauthority and needing chastisement. 

The child of the woods, as he thought of her, stirred all histenderness, his sympathy, and the soft ties of long intimacy andunderstanding bound him. 

But this girl, with beauty and brains, on his own level of independenceof thought, stirred new desires and ambitions in him. She was helpmateand counsellor. He wondered if newer times and conditions did not demandstronger qualities than mere womanhood in the wife who was to accompanya man into the vicissitudes of public life. Not that he felt that he wasmore than an humble instrument of the real power. But he fell toconsidering the subject from the general viewpoint. His own experienceshad awakened new ideas that he pondered, having a very provocativesuggestion at his side. 

Still more humbly he asked her: "If you have been thinking the matterover, Miss Presson, what advice do you give me?"

"I advise you to have a serious talk with your grandfather. He has hadmuch experience. Use your own judgment, too, but be ready to hear theevidence. You have not shown that willingness, yet, so far as I candetermine. I haven't any advice of my own to offer. I'll not presume. Only this: be as honest as you can, but don't be so impractically honestthat you chop down all your bridges behind you and neglect to gathertimber for the bridges ahead of you. "

Even in the gloom she understood that he was puzzled. 

"Really, you know, I haven't written any handbook on practical politics, Mr. Thornton, " she said, her humor coming to the rescue. "I have talkedto you as though I had. But I've only talked to you with a woman'sintuition in such matters--and you remember, too, I've seen much oflegislative life. You can be good in politics--but, oh, don't beimpractical! I want you to succeed. "

"You do?"

"I most certainly do. " She said it heartily. 

No other word passed between them until they arrived in front of thehotel. 

He reached up, after he had alighted, and grasped her hand. She hadimpulsively put out her own to meet his. 

"I'll try to be--" he began, and then hesitated. He had been pondering. But his thoughts were still so confused that he could not think of theword that expressed exactly what he desired to make himself. 

"Be human, " she said, smiling down on him. "You won't find yourself ofmuch use in the world unless you cultivate the faculty of personalcontact, and you musn't try to leap into politics in this State rightfrom the pedestal of a demigod. You may be able to elevate yourselflater, but just now, my dear young friend, you should be _reasonable_. That's a word that means much in handling men and affairs. Now I hopeI've softened you so that you will listen to your good grandfather whenhe has advice for you. "

She did not allow herself to be too serious. There was the deliciousdrawl in her tone that had attracted him at first. 

He went to his room and sat down to digest that political philosophy. Ifsome one beside Madeleine Presson had said it, it would have seemed tohim like the voice of the temptress. But she had already won hisconfidence in her sincerity. He wished that he could feel that herinterest in him had more of a personal quality than she had admitted. Hedid not like to remember that it was simply affection for hisgrandfather that prompted her. He did not understand very well what hewas to do to obey her suggestions. He did not understand himself exactlyat that moment. But along with his loyalty to General Waymouth a newdesire sprang into life within him. He wanted to show Luke Presson'sdaughter that Harlan Thornton could play the game of practical politicsas well as Herbert Linton, and in the end would be more deserving of herrespect. 

CHAPTER XXIII

A TRUCE

Gen. Varden Waymouth was elected Governor. In spite of the sullen torporof his party managers and the snarls of the Reverend Prouty and hisradical ilk, he surmounted by mere momentum of his party a certain blandand trustful and destructive indifference of the general public, and wonat the polls. The narrow margin by which he won would have scared areally loyal and conscientious State Committee. But the before-and-aftergloom of Chairman Presson and his intimates was not caused by anyworriment over the size of the plurality. They were languid spectators. They felt like dispossessed tenants. They took little interest in thetemple of the party faith. 

"When they buried old Zenas Bellew up our way (Zenas weighed threehundred and fifty, and lived in a cottage about the size of a wood-box)the undertaker found he couldn't get the coffin into the house or getZenas out--not through doors or windows. A half-witted fellow we call'Simpson's Rooster' spoke up, and said they'd better bury the old man inthe house and move the family out into the coffin. " That was ThelismerThornton's comment on the political situation in the Republican party onthe morning after the election. The chairman heard it with the gloom ofa mourner. He could see nothing bright in the jest or the prospects. 

There was a frigid truce during the four months that elapsed betweenthe election and the assembling of the legislature. 

General Waymouth retired to the brick house in Burnside, and gave ear tothose who promptly made his home the Mecca of the State. There wereoffice-holders who wanted to hold to their jobs, office-seekers whosuspected that there would be a break in the plans of party patronage;there were officious gentlemen suggesting new legislation for the nextadministration to consider; there were crafty gentlemen trying todiscover what the administration would recommend. The day was full ofcares, duties, annoyances, and the nagging pleadings of persistentpetitioners. 

Harlan Thornton, now representative-elect from the Fort Canibasdistrict, became still more indispensable in General Waymouth's dailylife. Duties at a desk had worn upon him. This everlasting mingling withmen was more to his taste. He had natural adaptability. He was a goodjudge of human nature. He had serene good nature. Physique and mannermade him master of many situations at the old brick house that otherwisewould have sadly tried the General's strength and temper. Therefore, hischief placed greater dependence upon his lieutenant with every day thatpassed, solicited his opinions as his knowledge of men increased and hisjudgment became worth more, relied upon his instinctive estimates ofcharacter, and shifted many burdens to the broad shoulders that seemedso well fitted to carry them. 

Harlan Thornton was slow to realize what a tremendous power, aschamberlain, he really exercised in the State. 

He awoke to that fact more slowly than did the men who came to solicit. He did not try to use his power for his own ends. He promptly noted thedeference that men paid him; as promptly he penetrated certain plansmen made to corrupt him, if they could. These attempts were made slyly, and did not proceed very far. Something in his demeanor prevented theplotters from openly broaching their desires and their willingness tomake their interests worth his while. They knew that one of theThorntons could not be won by money, but they were rather surprised tofind out that he could not be beguiled by other inducements. He was sobig and manly, and he had rapidly become so self-poised, that they didnot realize that in experience he was only a boy, with the ingenuousfaith and simple aims and candor of boyhood. He perceived what he mightwin. But the pride of serving General Waymouth loyally was worth more tohim than anything they could offer. 

His duties took him often to the State capital. The chairman of theState Committee was coolly courteous, often gloomily deferential, sometimes frankly cordial--uneasily trying to find the proper level tostand on in his intercourse with one who was the grandson of ThelismerThornton, and also the chosen confidant of the man who had wrested fromhim control of State affairs. 

In the case of Madeleine Presson, there was none of this embarrassment. He saw her often. She met him half-way with a frank interest in his workand a sympathy which, in those days of truce, did not question hisideals. 

He became a welcome intimate of the Presson household. When he was therethe master himself put aside all the brusqueness he displayed in theirdown-town discourse on politics. The girl welcomed him. There were manyhours when they were alone together, in the home or on long drives intothe country. She did not refer to their talk on that evening when sheread to him his lesson on practical politics. He avoided that subject. He did not want to risk any further disagreement between them on thematter of ideals--or, for that matter, on any other subject. Associationwith her had become too delightful to be put to the test of discussionsof political methods. He was still drawing upon her fund of worldlywisdom. There was a little touch of the cynic in her. He became secretlyashamed of some of his ingenuous beliefs, after she had deftly shown himthe other side of things. She did show him the other side, quite in amatter-of-fact way. It was not that she was trying to break down hisfaith. There was nothing sly nor crafty in her methods of improving hisviews. But by informing him, she made him wiser, and, at the same time, more distrustful of motives, more searching in his investigations ofmethods. He began to doubt some of his earlier ideas of what a publicman should be. He felt that his views were broadening. That was acomfortable way of excusing certain surrenderings to her ideas. 

The more he drew from her the more he was drawn to her. 

It was not the love that comes with a rush of the emotions and sweeps aman away. 

Through the intellect, through his hunger for information and widerviews, she was making herself indispensable to his welfare and hisambitions. 

And yet Madeleine Presson was not trying to make this young man of thenorth country fall in love with her. Her interest in him was first ofall based upon his winning earnestness and the elements of success thatshe divined in him, were they properly cultivated. She had studied menat the capital from childhood. The development of men in public life andservice had been the one theme that she had heard most discussed. Herimpulse of assistance had been directed toward this grandson ofThelismer Thornton. 

But as the days went by, and opportunity gave them their hours together, they were drawn more closely, each insisting in secret meditation thatit was not love. He found himself gradually rebuilding his creed ofliving on the foundation she had laid in that first long talk oftheirs. He had arrived at such a point of belief in her that he was gladthat she had opened his eyes. He was finding men--meeting them by thehundred--even as she had pictured them to him: selfish, scheming, crafty, and not understanding in the least his occasional attempts tomeet them on the upper level of perfect candor. For her part, she foundmore in this young man than she had expected to find. 

Harlan considered Herbert Linton the single jarring note in this newsymphony of mutual interests. 

Linton came to the capital with more or less regularity, and called onthe Pressons with fully as much appearance of being entirely at home ashis newer rival. When they were together the girl treated both withimpartial interest and attention. She listened to each in turn, and ifthey chose to sit and scowl at each other she did the talking for allthree. Deftly she arranged that they should leave together, and theyalways promptly separated as soon as they reached the sidewalk, asthough they were afraid to trust themselves in each other's company. 

So the new year came in, and the hordes of lawmakers, lobbyists, lookers-on, and laymen descended on the State capital. 

The first few days of a legislative session, though packed full ofpolitics and business, rush, and routine, are festival days, after all. There are the old friends to greet and the new friends to meet. Thereare ten spectators to every legislator, and the spectators are on handfor a good time. Outside of the factional clinches of the House andSenate caucuses the early days have little serious business. 

Presson's great hotel and the lesser lights of the capital's houses ofentertainment were packed to their roofs. The State House on the hillsent sparkling radiance at night from all its hundreds of windows outacross the snow which loaded the broad lawns. Senator Pownal, renominated in joint caucus, spoke to crowded floor and galleries on thesecond evening. Harlan Thornton, in his seat in the House, listened andwondered if that convention had not been a dream. 

This later convocation seemed so entirely harmonious. 

The Republicans ruled House and Senate by safe majorities. Presson, sauntering about hotel or State House lobby, seemed bland and contentedagain. The wounds in the party seemed to have been healed. 

On inauguration day Governor Waymouth added to the general spirit ofharmony. 

He came unobtrusively to the State House from the modest mansion he hadleased in the capital city for the legislative winter and took his oathof office before an admiring throng. He had made a confidant of no oneregarding his inaugural speech. There were vague rumors that theGovernor would follow his hand, as he had shown it in his letter ofacceptance, and deliver an inaugural address which would blister theears of the politically unregenerate. 

In that ancient State House, its accommodations for spectators limited, there were no hard-and-fast rules regulating admission to the floor. Harlan Thornton had a chair placed in the aisle beside his seat, andentertained Madeleine Presson there. He had anticipated Linton, who camewith a similar invitation. Harlan was still enough of a boy to feeldelight in the discomfiture of his rival, and to be gratified by theopen admiration his fellow-members showed for the girl at his side. Herelished the sour looks which Linton sent in that direction. 

Under cover of the general buzz and bustle that accompanied theconvening of the joint session of House and Senate for the purpose ofthe inauguration the girl rallied him a bit. 

"The beginning of the righteous reign seems to be sane and sweet, afterall, " she said. "Even my father is complacent and purring this morning. Which has he eaten, do you know--the raven of contention or the dove ofpeace?"

"I think every one understands that Governor Waymouth has straightenedmatters out for all of us, " he replied. 

"How? By simply talking about it? As one who should say, 'Let it bedone, ' and it was done, and just what was done nobody, nobody knew--butit was done--something was--and all the folks felt better and went on inthe same old way! Is that it?"

He smiled at her while she teased him; the nature of the armistice thatprevailed, according to outward appearances, was not understood by him. For several weeks his intimacy with General Waymouth had not been asclose as at the first. Not that there was distrust or even coolnessbetween them. The veteran still depended on the young man for theservices a trusted lieutenant could render. His plans, however, hisfuture programme of reorganization--if he had any definite plans--theGeneral kept to himself. It was not mere reticence. But there was anatmosphere about the old statesman as though he had withdrawn himself toa higher altitude to think his thoughts and formulate his plans alone. If he had heard of the intimacy of Harlan Thornton with the family ofLuke Presson he made no comment on that fact. 

"Now what is he going to say in his address?" she asked. "Every one willknow in a few moments. Tell me ahead--tell me the big utterance thatwill make the people sit up. I want to be ready to watch their faces!"

"Why, I haven't a single idea what he will say, " he blurted. 

"Oh, safe repository, I salute you!"

"But I haven't! The Governor hasn't opened his mouth to me!"

"Have a care! One very easily steps from polite diplomacy into veryimpolite falsehood. You must always be truthful with me, Harlan. "

His eyes grew brighter and his tanned cheeks warm. It was the first timeshe had addressed him without hateful formality. 

"I propose to tell you the truth, always, " he assured her. "But I meanwhat I say--the Governor has kept his address to himself. "

"I should resent that. It would have been a delicate compliment, and heowed that much to you. I'm afraid he has been a politician long enoughto be like all the rest--to walk up to power on men as one uses a flightof stairs, and then to put the stairs behind his back; for one doesn'twalk up-stairs backward. "

He flushed more deeply. 

"I'm not that kind of a fellow--jealous, or petty, or expecting a greatdeal for what little service I can render. "

"Put a value on yourself, though, " she advised him. "It really isn'thuman nature, you know, to pick up the things that are thrown away bythe owners--to pick them up and keep them and value them, I mean. Thatapplies to purses and all other possessions, including hearts andloyalty. "

He started to say something to her--even though the throng pressed aboutthem he would have said it; but the voice of the crier at the doorannounced what all were waiting for. 

"His Excellency the Governor, the Honorable Council, and his Excellencythe Governor-elect and party!"

They filed along in dignified procession down the centre aisle, theuniforms of the officers of the staff giving a touch of color andbrightness to the formal frock-coats. 

The Secretary of State announced the official figures of the voteelecting Varden Waymouth as Governor, and after his sonorous finalphrase, "God save the State of ------, " Governor Waymouth repeated theoath of office administered by a gaunt, sallow lawyer who was thepresident of the Senate. 

The clerk of the House set a reading-desk on the Speaker's table andarranged the Governor's manuscript. As the old man read he made astriking picture. He stood very erect. His snowy hair, the empty sleeveacross his breast, the lines the years had etched on cheeks and browgave those who looked on him a little thrill of sympathetic regret thatone so old should be called from the repose of his later years to takeup such public burdens as he had assumed. But his voice was resonant, his eye was clear. Nature seemed to have given him new strength to meetwhat he was now facing. And yet, thought some of those who listened, itmight be that he did not propose to make a martyr of himself, after all. His address did not threaten or complain. The radicals who sat therewith set teeth and bent brows, hoping to hear denunciation after theirown heart, were disappointed. The politicians who had feared now tooknew grip on their hope--it probably was not to be as bad as they hadanticipated. 

Harlan Thornton listened to the calm, moderate statement of the State'sgeneral financial and political situation with growing sense of mingleddisappointment and relief. His fighting spirit and his knowledge ofconditions, as they had been revealed to him, made him hope that at lastan honest man proposed to clean the temple--entering upon his task withbared arms and a clarion call. This mild old man, confining himself tothe details of the State's progress and needs, was not exactly theleader he had expected him to be. And yet Harlan was relieved. He lookedat the girl beside him, and that relief smoothed away hisdisappointment. As matters were shaping themselves he no longeranticipated that he would be driven into pitched battle, forced to fightintrenched enemies of reform--Luke Presson's face most conspicuous ofall those behind the party wall of privilege. As he listened to theaddress he comforted himself with the thought that probably politicaldisagreements loomed more blackly as a cloud on the horizon than theirreal consistency warranted. He was not in retreat--he would not admitthat to himself as he listened. But he felt that compromise and a betterunderstanding were in the air. There would be no more occasion fortroubled arguments between himself and the girl at his side. He did notunderstand exactly in what way it would be done, but he felt thatGovernor Waymouth knew how to win his reforms without such partyslaughter as the first engagements hinted at. He put himself into a verycomfortable frame of mind, and the girl at his side, by her merepresence, added to his belief that this was a pretty good old world, after all. 

He had lost some of his respect for "reform. " It had been exemplifiedfor him mostly by such men as Prouty and his intolerant kind--by Spinneyand his dupes. He felt that he might call decency by some other name, and arrive at results by the calm and dignified course which GovernorWaymouth now seemed to be pointing out. He suddenly felt a warmappreciation of the wisdom of Madeleine Presson as she had made thatgood sense known to him in their talks. 

"For it is by my works, not my words, that I would be judged, " concludedthe Governor, solemnly, and bowed to the applause which greeted the end. 

Neither Harlan Thornton nor any other listener in the great assemblyhall took those words as signifying anything more than the usual pledgeof faithful performance. 

After the dissolving of the joint caucus he escorted Madeleine to thecouncil-chamber, where the new Governor was holding his impromptureception. There were no shadows on the faces which pressed closelyaround him. All the politicians of the State were there, eager to be thefirst to congratulate him. Their fears had been somewhat allayed. Inpolitical circles it was well understood that Waymouth stood for aclean-up. It had been hinted that his programme would be drastic. Themembers of the machine, more intimately in the secrets of theconvention, had expected that the old Roman would sound the first blastof the charge in his inaugural address. His moderateness cheered them. Harlan found congratulation sweetening every comment. 

The General received the young couple with marked graciousness. 

"Governor Waymouth, you have convinced me to-day that you are theapostle of universal salvation for the wicked--in politics, " said thegirl. "I hope the doctrine will be accepted. "

"In that belief you are safe companion for my first disciple, " hereturned, humoring her jest. The crowd carried them on. 

"I believe that, too, " Harlan murmured. 

"Universal salvation according to the new political creed?"

"I'm not thinking about politics. I'm not thinking much about anythingelse just now except you. During the Governor's address it came over mesuddenly what wise counsel you gave me. If I had you for an adviser allthe rest of my life I could amount to more in the world than I ever canwithout you. "

She glanced at him sharply. 

"I mean that, " he insisted. "Will you be my adviser for the rest of mylife?"

It was crude, blunt, and sudden proposal. The throngs were eddying aboutthem. They were jostled at the moment by the Toms, Dicks, and Harrys ofthe legislative concourse. Curious eyes surveyed them. Ears were nearby. 

"I can't help saying it here and now, " he rushed on. "I--"

"My dear Harlan, you don't mean to say that you are proposing to me herein the face and eyes of this crowd?" She said it with sudden amazedmirth dancing in her eyes, but with a note of satire in her tone. 

"I do mean it!" He cried it so loudly that men turned their heads tostare at this earnest young man who was protesting his faith to thehandsome daughter of Luke Presson. 

"Hush!" she cried, sharply, and then pulled him along. She spoke low. "Idon't think you have enough humor in you to realize just what you havedone, Harlan. I have found humor lacking in you. You have picked out thelobby of the State House, in the middle of the biggest crowd of all theyear, as the 'love's bower' for an offer of marriage. You say you meanit as an offer of marriage. But what you really did was to ask me toattach myself to you as general adviser. You can hire a clairvoyant whowill do that much for you, and I doubt if you would engage theclairvoyant as publicly as you have just tried to engage me. "

"I understand just what a fool I made of myself, " he muttered, huskily. "But I couldn't wait--and I mean it. "

"No, you don't realize just how much of a fool you are where women areconcerned, " she returned, judicially. "A woman--a young woman--isgenerally interested in hearing first of all a little about love anddevotion and loyalty, all unselfish and uncalculating. Now be patient!Listen to me! A woman can detect real love. And real love seeks itsopportunity sweetly and shyly. It doesn't preface itself with remarksabout a woman's brain and advisory ability. I believe it has a lot tosay about eyes and hair and lips and such things. However, since youadmire me in my capacity as adviser, I'll advise you to be sure that youlove a woman before you propose to her, and then when you propose pickout some place that's suitable for convincing her that you do love her. I see mother yonder. Take me to her. "

Turning away, flushed and angry, from her demure smile, he becamebitterly conscious that even had they been alone, under most favorablecircumstances, he would have lacked speech for real love-making. He feltthat conviction inwardly. He wondered whether he had the capacity forloving as he had read of men loving. It made him a bit ashamed to thinkof himself as violently protesting, hungrily pleading. A moment beforehe had been angry because she doubted his love. He knew that he admiredher, respected, desired her. Now he argued with himself, and convincedhis soul that his emotions constituted love. And having convincedhimself, he determined to seek further opportunity of convincing her. Itwas truly an academic way of settling matters so riotously impatient ofcalculation as affairs of the heart, and his determination would haveappealed to Miss Presson's sense of the humorous more acutely still hadhe undertaken to explain his emotions of that moment. 

Thelismer Thornton, strolling amiably through the lobby throng, came andput his hand on Harlan's shoulder. 

"The best way to make good sugar is to simmer the sap slowly, my boy. "Harlan glanced sharply at him, but the Duke was not discussing love. "Vard has got into the simmering stage at last. I reckoned he would. He's too good a politician to boil the kettle over as he started indoing. What's the matter with you? You look as though you'd beenlistening to a funeral oration instead of an address that has put theparty back on Easy Street. "

His grandson was careful not to explain the cause of his gloom. He waswilling to let politics be answerable. 

Chairman Presson, more cheerful than he had been for weeks, came andcrowded between them in a cosey, confidential manner. 

"Say, the old fellow is getting smoothed down, " he chuckled. "Thataddress was milk for babes. He's got good sense. The thin edge of thatplurality made him think twice. I reckon he's going to play a safe gameafter this. I don't know what he wanted to throw such a scare into usearly in the game for! But as we get old we get cranky, I suppose. I maybe that way myself when I grow older. "

"Vard preached the theory to us for all it was worth, " commented theDuke, "but I reckon he's up against the practice end of the propositionnow--and he was a politician before he was a preacher. "

"Hope he'll stay a politician after this. He got onto my nerves. Itwasn't necessary to be so almighty emphatic about things going wrong inthis State. "

"Old Pinkney up our way is always careful to keep an eye out for thedrovers, " said the Duke. "When he sees one coming he hustles out intothe pasture and shifts the poker off'n the breachy critter onto the bestone in the bunch. And that's the way he unloads the breachy one. Vardhas been wearing the poker the last few weeks, but I don't believe heintends to hook down any fences. "

In the eyes of the politicians, therefore, Governor Waymouth had becomesafe and sane. They construed his earlier declarations as the ambitionsof an old man dreaming a dream of perfection. The legislature swung intothe routine of its first weeks in the usual fashion. The businessconsisted of the presentation of bills, acts, and resolves. The dailysessions lasted barely half an hour. The committee hearings had notbegun, and the legislators found time hanging heavy on their hands. 

Harlan Thornton continued to be a frequent caller at the Presson home. But he did not seem to find an opportunity for a tête-à-tête withMadeleine. She did not show constraint in his presence. She did notavoid him. She treated him with the same frank familiarity. But he didnot find himself alone with her. He did not try to force such asituation, in spite of the provocation she had given him once. He wasnot yet sure that he could command the words that real love might demandfor expression. That was his vague excuse to his own heart fordelaying--for his heart insisted that he did love her. He had to admitto himself that this was not the headlong passion the poets described, but he consoled himself with the reflection that he was not a poet. Sohe made the most of her cordial acceptance of him as he was, and feltsure that Herbert Linton had won no more from her. 

CHAPTER XXIV

A GOVERNOR AND A MAID

The Honorable Arba Spinney was in the lobby as usual that winter. TheDuke's sarcastic prediction was fulfilled. He appeared promptly at thesession's opening, and was the most insistent and persistent member ofthe "Third House, " as the paid legislative agents were called. Most ofthe men who wormed their way here and there operated craftily and triedto be diplomatic. Spinney strove by effrontery. As usual, he made thecountry members his especial prey. The story of his knavery at the StateConvention had been smothered in the interests of the party. Hereappeared among men with as much assurance as ever. He even approachedHarlan Thornton to solicit his support of one bill. It was a measure togrant State subsidy, through exemption of taxation, to assist a railroadto extend its lines into the timber-land country. 

Harlan checked him promptly. "I don't propose to discuss that questionor any other with you, Mr. Spinney. "

"If that road is built it will double the value of half your lands, "insisted the lobbyist. "It's business for you and it's business for us, and there's no reason why you shouldn't talk business, is there?"

"It doesn't interest me, Mr. Spinney. " He went on, hotly: "I know justas much about the matter as you do. It's an attempt to evade the Stateconstitution, which forbids subsidizing railroads. Governor Waymouth hasexplained it to me. I don't propose to profit by any such methods. AndI'll inform you, further, that it's just about the sort of a scheme I'dexpect to find you working for. Do you understand me?"

"I know what you're referring to. But that matter is over with. I gotthe worst end of it. You helped to pass it to me. You can't afford tocarry on any quarrel with me, Thornton. Holding grudges is bad business;so is making a fool of yourself by playing little tin saint in publicmatters. "

"I hold no grudge against you. That would be getting down on your level. I'm simply disgusted with you as a man, Mr. Spinney. That's all. Youknow why. Now leave me alone. "

But Spinney boldly intercepted him. Harlan had started to leave. Thelobbyist realized what a powerful foe young Thornton could be to hisproject, and he was desperate. 

"I've been up through your country, Mr. Thornton. I've been spendingsome time at Fort Canibas. I've been posting myself generally onrailroad and other matters--_other_ matters! I don't want to say toomuch, but I'd like to have you run over in your mind what those othermatters might be. Now, you and I can't afford to be enemies. I got thetough end, and I'm willing to overlook and forget. You owe me a littlesomething. I hope you're going to square it. Let me remind you that I'ma bad man with my tongue. I'm free to say it, I depend on my tongue forwhat I get out of life. "

It occurred to Harlan that this brazen threat referred to the scandal ofthe Fort Canibas caucus. 

"Bring them on, " he sneered: "Ivus Niles and his buck sheep and EnochDudley and the rest of the petty rogues that you hired with yourcorporation money to defeat me. "

"You're on the wrong trail, " replied Spinney. "I can hit you harder thanthat, and in a tenderer spot. "

He returned Harlan's amazed stare. 

"I've been keeping my eyes open down here, Mr. Thornton, and I kept myears open up in Fort Canibas. " His face grew hard. "D--n you, I'll neverforget what you did to me! I'm coming right out open with you. I'd liketo do you in return. I can do it. But I'll give you a chance; it's formy interest to do so, providing you buy the let-off. If you don't standby me in that tax rebate, I'll launch the story. What I lose in supportI'll more than make up in seeing you squirm. I'm pretty frank, ain't I?Well, I play strong when I've got enough trumps under my thumb. "

"Spinney, I've had enough of that kind of talk. What do you mean?"

"Don't you have the least idea?"

"Not the slightest. "

"A good bluff! Well, I know about the girl up country! See? It's a badstory to be passed up to another girl. And I know how to get the detailsto my friend Presson's daughter in time to spoil your ambition in thatquarter. Now, how about that?"

They were in one corner of the State-House lobby, and the presence of ahundred men about them probably saved Spinney from a beating there andthen. Harlan quivered with rage. He did not grasp the full purport ofSpinney's hints. He only understood that the man had grossly intruded onhis private affairs. He could not speak. He dared not trust his voice. 

"Now do you want to let it go further?" inquired the lobbyist. He feltthat the proximity of others protected him. 

"I'll meet you alone--I'll hunt you out, and I'll mash that face ofyours into pulp!" choked the young man, and hurried away before he lostcontrol of himself. The most he could make out of the episode was thatSpinney was seeking cheap revenge by offering insult to his face undercircumstances that prevented him from retaliating. He did not understandthe reference to Clare Kavanagh. His friendship for the girl was nosecret in the north country. That Spinney had made so much account of itby his insinuations was the astonishing feature, in Harlan's estimation. 

Fortunately for his peace of mind at that moment, he was not allowed todwell upon the matter. The Governor's messenger came seeking him. Hefollowed the man into the presence of his Excellency. 

Harlan had not recovered his self-possession, and the Governor surveyedhim with some interest. 

"Cares of State, young man?" he asked. "And the session still as calm asa millpond?"

"That cur of a Spinney has just insulted me--no politics, sir, but justplain, personal insult. Why, he went out of his way to do it!"

"You make much out of nothing if you allow that blatherskite to disturbyou, " said the Governor, with mild reproof. "Pay no attention to him. Now to my business with you! I'd like to have you dine with me thisevening. I have some serious matters to talk over with you alone--andthe executive chamber, here, is no place for a quiet talk. "

Harlan hesitated a moment. 

"Have you another engagement?"

"I was to dine with the Pressons. "

"I am sorry to ask you to do it, my boy, but if it is merely a socialengagement, will you not beg to be excused? I assure you that mybusiness is such that it cannot well wait another twenty-four hours. Iam ready to leave the State House now. We'll ride past the Pressondoor, and I'll wait while you present your regrets. Tell the fairMadeleine that duty calls. " He smiled. "I hear interesting reports, young man. Again I say I'm sorry to keep you from your engagement, butMiss Presson has been near enough to politics to understand what aduty-call means. Come!"

The young man flushed. Reply failed him. He followed the Governor to hiscarriage. It was late afternoon, and the State House was emptying. 

As Harlan ran up the steps of the Presson house, Spinney's ugly threatcame to him. The man dealt in gossip. It was an incredible form ofattack. It was slander of the innocent. He could not forewarn MadeleinePresson. That would be caddish. 

But he felt a sudden panic. The impulse of admiration; covetous desireto win her away from Linton, a desire pricked by his increasing dislikeof that young rival in love and politics; the charm she possessed forhim who had met in her his first woman of intellect and culture--alldrove him to her. The other love was a vague something that troubledhim. Madeleine Presson was near and visible, and he did not dissect theemotion which prompted him to seek her. 

She came down to the reception-room. He had sent up an urgent request. 

"No, " she said, with a smile, after she had listened, "I think I'll putyour loyalty to the test! If I'm always to be the minority report inyour estimation, Mr. Legislator, it's time now to find it out. You putGovernor Waymouth and your politics first, do you?"

"But you haven't given me the right to put you first, " he returned, boldly. 

"Just how was I to go about giving you that right?" she inquired, withdemure sarcasm. "Memorialize you, Mr. Representative, or throw it at youfrom the House gallery, concealed in a bouquet?"

In spite of the waiting Governor outside he started toward her, hisarms outstretched, his heart rushing to his lips. Her taunt--it seemedlike that--made him desperate. 

"Madeleine, I tried to tell you--I know it seemed a strange place, but Icouldn't wait--I want to tell you now--"

She eluded him, and stopped him with a word. He was not impetuous enoughto persist. 

"Oh, you master of the art of love-making!" she cried. Pique mingledwith mirth in her tone. "First, you propose to me in the midst of themob; then you propose to me, bursting in like a messenger-boy, andyonder the Governor of this State, with anxious head out of his carriagewindow, scowling because you don't come along! Admirable occasions forpledging passion and life-long devotion! Dear Harlan, your ingenuitymust be puzzled by this time. I'll make a suggestion: fly over our housein a balloon and shout your declaration down the chimney. I'll sit inthe fireplace from two to four, afternoons. "

"I'll not be put off!" he cried. 

"You shall be put out, and I'll do it!" Laughing, she took him by hisarm and led him out into the hall. Protesting, he went. "I have somerespect for the feelings of our Governor on a chilly afternoon, even ifyou haven't. You are excused from our little dinner. Go, now, Harlan. I'm serious. "

"There's one thing you have given me, " he said, red, half-angry, andthoroughly subdued, "and that's the promise that I may take you to thelegislative ball. That's to-morrow night--and we'll see!" He bolted outupon the steps. 

"Delightful!" she cried after him. "What an opportunity the stage ofCity Hall will afford for another!" She shut the door before he couldreply. 

The Governor rallied him a bit on his disturbed looks as they rode on, but Harlan was in no mood to relish jokes on that subject. 

Governor Waymouth had no other guests at dinner. He did not broach hisbusiness until they were seated in the little parlor of the modestmansion. The room had been converted into a study. 

"To date the session has hardly been what you hoped--perhaps that's toostrong a word--what you expected it would be, has it?" inquired theGovernor, his earnestness showing that he was ready to begin. He did notwait for a reply. 

"Matters have run in the old rut. Every one seems to be satisfied, eh--even the radicals in the prohibition movement? Isn't that so? Theirmen have introduced some new legislation, adding on more penalties thatno officer will ever enforce--but the mere legislation satisfies 'em. Everybody satisfied, apparently. " The Governor uttered that lastsentence in meditative manner. Then he straightened, and slapped hishand upon his chair-arm so suddenly that Harlan started. "But I am notsatisfied!" he shouted. "I have let them run along. I have let themintroduce their bills. I have waited for the lawmakers of this State andfor the people to take some initiative. I gave them their call last fallin my letter. I hoped that some part of this State was awake. But thosefew who have shown some signs of civic interest have only pecked aroundthe edges of reform. Nothing has been done, Harlan Thornton. Not onesweeping bill has been introduced. I have waited, hoping. I hoped thepeople would arise and help me with this burden. But I've waited invain. There are only two more days in this session allowed for theintroduction of new business. 

"My boy, I talked first with you about my becoming Governor of thisState. That's why I'm talking first with you about this matter. I shallcall every man of this legislature to me and talk with him privately, and in that work I want your assistance. I want you to bring them to me. I called you here to-night because to-morrow night folly and fashionwill rule all in this city, and I must be there with the rest. Let metell you, my boy, that when the men of this legislature awake, afterthat night of frivolity, it will be to open their eyes on some seriousbusiness. Not one word about what I intend to do until then. The sessionhas been a very sweet cake till now--let the ball sugar-coat it!There'll be bitter eating provided day after to-morrow!"

He waited a moment, recovering from sudden passion. 

"Ah, " he said, gentle once more, "that sounds like senile raving. Pardonme. But while I've waited for the politicians of this State to show somesigns of decency, waiting in vain, I've been swallowing back a lot ofbitterness. No more of it! To our business now. I want you to know whatis coming. I depend on you, as I have depended before, to be my masterof ceremonies--and rather grim ceremonies they will be. For I haveprepared several bills. You will introduce the House measures. I candepend on Senator Borden, from my county, for what I choose to haveoriginate in the Senate. They are bills that will put our party and thisState to the test of honesty. It's strange, isn't it, that what soundsso innocent should be so bitter?"

He opened a drawer in his desk. He took out papers and spread thembefore him. He selected one. 

"Abolishment of fees (a blow at every grafting officeholder); no morerailroad passes for public officials; a bipartisan tax commission thatshall haul the rich dodger out into the open--all these matters arecovered here. But into your hands, young man, I put the one measure thatis to be the most savage test of our honesty. I have put the mostthought on it. Every lawyer in this State will try to find a flaw init. But if I know anything about constitutional law it is framed to beatthem all. I'll not bother to read it to you. Carry it away, and guard itand study it. "

He held it up, waving it. His heart was plainly full. He talked as oneaddressing the careless multitude--and talking, at the same time, tohimself. 

"You may divine what it is. It handles the great topic in our State. Thesource of dishonor, corruption, perjury, and hypocrisy! The prohibitorylaw! Let me tell what it will do when it has been enacted into law. Itwill make the Governor of this State the grand high sheriff to enforcepersonally and actively this one law; it's in our constitution, and theState should enforce its own. He will have all the resources of theState treasury behind him. He shall have for the first time PROHIBITION. Prohibition enforced, prohibition as the statutes have ordered it, prohibition in actuality instead of its pretence. The pretence hassatisfied the rumsellers who sold, the rum-drinkers who drank, and theradicals who have boasted of the law, for all have got out of it whatresults were desired: appetite was catered to, vanity was satisfied, andgraft engendered for the benefit of the office-holding class. 

"I'm not going to predict what I think will be the result of thisenforcement--not now. What I propose to do as an honest man is to putthe prohibitory profession of this State to the test. When this is law, Luke Presson cannot pose as an honest man and continue to sell liquor toall-comers, he cannot bribe sheriff and police; I'll send my own men tosmash every bottle in his place, and I'll put him into just as dark acell as any Cheap John who peddles poison from his boot-leg. The richman must stand on the level of the poor man. It's the test of ourState's honesty--that bill is--and it shall be called 'The ThorntonLaw. '"

He arose, and placed the document in Harlan's hand. 

The young man received it rather gingerly. He held it with somewhat theappearance of one who has the custody of a loaded weapon. His faceexpressed consternation rather than appreciation. 

"Study the measure. I think you'll find it interesting. Introduce it inthe House day after to-morrow. Our gallant lawmakers will be sleepyafter the ball. That will wake 'em up. " The old man's nostrils dilated. He had the air of one who saw battle ahead and yearned for it. 

"Move that it be referred to the Committee on Temperance, " the Governorwent on. "The fight will be on then and there, just as soon as they gettheir breath. They'll want to get it before a _safer_ gang! Let 'emrefer it to the Judiciary Committee if they've got the votes to do so. I'm not afraid they'll find any constitutional flaws. And that firstvote will give me a line on the general situation. I'll find out justwhat men need to have the gospel put to 'em straight!"

"Governor, " stammered the young man, still holding the document atarm's-length, "wouldn't it be--don't you think a--a--some representativewho has had more experience than I should be the one to see this billthrough?"

"I want that bill sponsored by a man that I can trust absolutely. I'msure of you, Harlan! When once it is introduced I'll see that you haveplenty of help before the committee and on the floor. "

It had come like a thunderclap on a moonlit night. It was sudden tempestprefaced by the lull of perfect calm. It was the signal to combatsounded when peace seemed assured. The young man perceived now how muchof his early zeal had deserted him. He shrank from the task the Governorhad assigned to him. It was a blow that was aimed at the tenderest pointof his own party; it was obliging the party, as the dominant power, tothrust upon the mass of the people the radical execution of a law whichpublic opinion secretly opposed--that opinion even slyly welcoming thebreach of it. And Governor Waymouth had emphasized what that new measuremeant by citing the name of Luke Presson. It set the situation beforeHarlan in a flash. He was summoned to carry out his pledge of loyalty toGovernor Waymouth by attacking the pet policy of nullification that kepthis own party off the shoals to which extreme radicalism would surelydrive it. The first man who would be hit--both as chairman of the partyState Committee and in his personal interests--would be the man whosedaughter he was seeking. Harlan wondered how that marriage proposalwould sound, either on the heels or on the eve of the introduction of"the Thornton bill. "

His uncertainty showed so plainly in his face that the Governor walkedaround his table and scrutinized him closely. 

"My boy, " he asked, "has the enemy captured you while you've beenresting on your arms? Remember, there are slick and specious ways ofmaking the wrong seem right in politics! I hope you haven't beentampered with!"

For a guilty moment Harlan remembered the admonitions of MadeleinePresson. He was promptly ashamed that they had come to his mind when theGovernor spoke his fears. 

"I'm going to tell you just why I'm a bit slow in this matter, " he said, manfully. "It may seem a trivial reason to you, Governor Waymouth. Istopped to wonder how it would affect my friendship with the Pressonfamily if I should introduce that bill. "

"Oh, I see how the land lies! You can understand now how old I am--oldand cold with all the romance burned out of me! I'd forgotten thatthere's anything except politics left in the world. So--" He paused, beaming kindly on the young man, and pursing his lips ready for thejocose supposition that Harlan foresaw and anticipated. 

"No, " he declared, flushing, "it isn't that way. It hasn't gone thatfar, Governor. I ask your pardon for mentioning my personal affairs, especially an affair of this sort. But I should be very sorry to breakoff my friendship with the Pressons. "

The Governor went back to his chair, and sat down in it. He wrinkled hisbrows and took a long survey of his embarrassed caller. 

"I'm afraid I spoke of the case of our mutual friend Presson in ratherharsh terms. It would not work like that. Of course, he would bow to theinevitable if such a law were passed. But if it becomes a personalmatter in any respect, Mr. Thornton, do you believe that any member ofPresson's family would be offended if Presson were made to obey thelaw?"

"Well, if he persisted against the new law, it would be a pretty hardposition for any fair person to defend, " admitted the young man. 

"I think we may depend on it that this young person, admittedly'fair'--at my age I can be allowed to bestow that compliment--willrespect your integrity. I do not command you to do the service--I cannotdo that. But I shall be disappointed if you allow personal reasons tointerfere with your public duties. I have depended on you to do it. Ihave only a few that I can trust. "

At that instant, in the presence of this man who had sacrificed so much, Harlan felt that his own interests were too petty for consideration. 

He put the document into his pocket. 

"Forgive me for hesitating, Governor Waymouth. I'm afraid I'll nevermake a very good public servant. But I'll try to hold my eyes straightahead after this. "

"Keep the paper in your pocket. Think it all over. You're at the placeevery man reaches. What you want to do and what you ought to do splitvery sharply sometimes. I'll let you decide. I have no more to say. "

Harlan walked back to the hotel, trying to adjust himself to this newphase of the question. Once more he had been called upon to lead thecharge of the forlorn hope. He had not the same thrill of zealousloyalty as before. He was a little hurt because the Governor had madethe affairs of his heart of so small importance. An old man's austeritycould not understand, perhaps, but nevertheless Harlan felt that he wasentitled to some consideration. He had not acquired an old man's calmpoise--he was not entirely willing to put politics ahead of everythingelse, now that he found there were so many other things in life. Was itnot true that the mass preferred to pay court to high ideals in theabstract, and bitterly resented any attempt by sincere individuals toenforce the actual? He understood rather vaguely that he would beapplauded by the radicals--he had met their leaders and did not likethem--he would get the applause the mob gives to "a well-meaningfellow, " but more than all he would be sneered at behind his back as "acrank trying to reorganize human nature, " and therefore to be shunned. He had been mingling intimately with the chief men of the State; he knewwhat kind of comment they had for others. Most of all, he knew that themild applause of the mob would not be loud enough to drown out thosefamiliar voices nearest him--he had heard those voices many timesbefore: there was his grandfather, there was Luke Presson, there werethe political associates with whom he had already begun to train on thebasis of compromise. 

There was Luke Presson's daughter!

He strode into the lobby of the hotel, his face gloomy and his thoughtsdark. Linton stepped forward to meet him, hat and overcoat on. It wasevident that he had been waiting. The sight of him did not improveHarlan's temper. From the first day of the session they had eyed eachother malevolently. They had bristled at every possible point ofcontact. Linton's last exploit had been a speech favoring the railroadtax rebate, a speech in which he scored those who opposed it as enemiesto the development of the State. The fervor of his eloquence had madeeven Harlan Thornton doubt, sourly, whether a constitution that wasframed before the exigencies of progress were dreamed of should be toorigidly construed. That was still another point where he and hisgrandfather disagreed, and the cogent speech of Linton had been thecause of further dispute between them. The Duke was disgusted becausehis grandson could be so scrupulous that he could not be progressive. For Harlan the straight path of rectitude was fringed with signs setthere by friends, every sign inscribed "Fool. " From the first, Lintonhad seemed to aggravate his difficulties, politically and personally. 

"Can you give me a few minutes of your time?" he asked, stiffly. 

"If it's business, and important, yes, " returned Harlan, scowling. 

"I should not bother you with anything except business. And as this isof a private nature, I must ask you to invite me to your room. "

Harlan led the way to the elevator. 

Linton did not remove his overcoat when they were closeted together. Hestood with hat in his hand. 

"It may surprise you to learn that my business concerns Miss Presson andthe legislative ball to-morrow evening, " began Linton, but Harlanindignantly broke in. 

"You can have no possible business with me, sir, in which MissPresson's name may be mentioned. Don't you use her name--not in any way. Do you understand?"

"I understand this: I know what I'm talking about and exactly why I'vecome here, and you're going to listen. Miss Presson has accepted yourescort to the ball to-morrow evening. Don't you know, Thornton, why youcan't take Madeleine Presson into public, this whole State looking on? Ihate to say any more than that. I don't think it's necessary for me tosay any more than that!" His face was hard, his tone accusing. 

"I tell you, you have no right to mention Miss Presson to me!" cried theother. 

"I'm taking it on myself, and I'm giving you a chance by doing it, "retorted Linton. "The story is bad enough now. But you'll be drummed outof this State if you insult an innocent girl in the way you plan to do. "

In his indignation Thornton had been slow to grasp the fact that hisrival was making hints that both affronted and threatened. Hisconscience accused him of nothing. He felt the crackle of paper in hisbreast-pocket. He promptly suspected that Linton had gleaned a hint ofthe proposed legislation which would involve Madeleine's father. 

He tried to control his anger. 

"Will you kindly explain to me by just what right you say this, " hesneered--"except, possibly, that you're jealous because Miss Pressonchose me as her escort. "

"I have a right as a friend of her mother, if nothing else! I am keepingthis thing as still as I can for your sake, for in this case protectingyou means protecting her. I don't want to say any more! But suddenillness must prevent you from accompanying Miss Presson into public atthat ball. "

Harlan beat a palm upon his own breast. 

"I've had enough of this, Linton. You tell me what you're driving at. "

It was plain that Linton hated to be more explicit. This culprit did notseem to quail before vague accusation, as he had expected him to do. Hewas faced by a young man whose face was lighted by wrath, curiosity, andkindred emotions that were obviously not those of guilt. 

"Let me say this in my own defence, " pleaded Linton. "Spinney was goingright to Mr. And Mrs. Presson with the story. I got it from him almostby accident. We were talking over our railroad bill this evening, and hementioned your stand. Then he out with the story that he picked up whenhe was in Fort Canibas. I do not listen to gossip, Mr. Thornton, but itis plain that Spinney has facts. I have inquired in a prudent way ofother men from your section. He has the story, but what they sayconfirms it. "

Harlan listened, his blank amazement depriving him of speech. 

"I've said enough now, haven't I?" asked Linton, significantly. 

"No, by God, you haven't!" shouted the other, coming out of his lethargyof astonishment. The recollection of Spinney's sinister hints came tohim. "What do you mean?"

"I mean that a man who will fool and throw over a girl in a way thatdrives her away from home and friends is no fit escort--"

He got no further. He knew a thoroughly maddened and dangerous man whenhe saw one. He stepped back when Harlan dashed at him, and Thorntonhalted of his own accord. After a time he calmed himself enough tospeak. 

"I'll not begin with you, Linton. I'll begin with the man who startedthat damnable lie. Oh, that--that--!" He flailed his arms about hishead, unable to express himself. "You've been lied to. You don't knowany better than to say that. If you hadn't been jealous you'd never havebrought the story to me. I'll make allowances, " he raved on; "but theman who started that story will swallow it with teeth and blood mixed. "He stamped about the room. It was so horrible that he could not graspthe enormity of the lie all at once. 

Linton was impressed but not routed. He waited till Harlan was quieter. 

"I hope you'll get it straightened out, " he said, coldly. "But with astory like that extant, of course you'll see the wisdom of the courseI've suggested. You cannot afford to drag Miss Presson's name into youraffair. "

"Into my affair! You dirty pup, do you dare to intimate--are you lunaticenough to take stock in any such story about me?"

The epithets sent the color into Linton's face. But he restrainedhimself. 

"Your own grandfather had to take you in hand about the matter beforeyou left Fort Canibas, Thornton. I heard him say that much myself. Hegave no details. I don't care for any. I merely came to you to bring ahint as to what you ought to do. You don't seem to take the hint. If youhaven't got manliness enough yourself to keep away from Miss Pressonuntil this story--well, put it mildly, and say until this story is rundown--then I propose to insist that you do so. "

"Look here, Linton, I've usually got pretty good control of myself. I'mtrying to hold myself in now--trying as hard as I can. What you havetold me is a lie--a damnable lie. See? I say it calmly. " He wasquivering. "You don't know what you're talking about. I haven't thepatience to explain to you. It's none of your business. You keep awayfrom me. Now don't put any more strain on my self-control--in God'sname, don't do it, Linton!"

"I am making no secret of my hopes in regard to Miss Presson, " statedLinton, firmly. "I have been waiting until I could offer her what shehas been accustomed to. You have the advantage of me in money, Thornton. But you're welcome to that! My hopes give me the right to guard her fromscandal. I insist that you relieve her of your presence to-morrowevening!"

Harlan, shaken, gray with passion, his teeth set over his lower lip, rushed to the door and threw it open. 

"D--n you, you get on the outside!" he panted. "I'm in the mood to killyou!"

Linton went. By his visit and his warning he had thrown a sop to hisconscience. He had approached Harlan Thornton with something likedesperation. Under his calmness he had long-hidden, consuming passionfor Madeleine Presson--a love that had grown through the years, and nowwaited a fitting time of expression and the endorsement of assuredposition. If he had any doubts of the truth of the shameful story he hadbrought he concealed those doubts--he would not admit them to himself. He proposed to win the girl. He chose any weapons that would rout theinterloper. 

"I warn you that I shall protect her, " he said, from the corridor. 

"Take a warning from me, too: you get into my affairs, and you'll findhell fires cooler!"

"Your affairs do seem to have that flavor, " declared Linton, walkingaway. 

Thornton hurried to the headquarters that the corporations maintained inthe hotel for Spinney. Spinney was not there. He ran back to his roomand telephoned to the clerk of the hotel. He was informed that Mr. Spinney had gone away for a few days. 

It was late, but he threw on his coat and hastened up street to thePresson home. The windows were dark. He did not have the assurance toarouse the family at that time of night. 

By that time, walking in the crisp air of the winter night, he hadsoothed, somewhat, his fever of anger, sorrow, and shame. 

Calmer, he had thoughts only for the bitter wrong that had been doneClare Kavanagh. Somehow it seemed that all were leagued against her--andhim! Memory of her unselfishness, her simple faith in him, herabnegation, her true, little-woman trust in his career--it all rushedupon him. For a time he was almost ashamed to face what memory broughtto him. Then manfully he set himself to read his heart--at least, hetried to. In the end, hidden in his room, he wept--honest tears of astrong man conscious that he was unable by his strength to hold disasterfrom an innocent. Even his attempt to find the rogue, Spinney, wasfutile. He wept, thinking of Clare Kavanagh--exiled from her home, bravely solving her problem of life alone. He went to sleep thinking ofClare Kavanagh. 

It was fortunate for his self-respect that she filled his mind socompletely at that moment. Otherwise the reflection that he had ledhimself by degrees to covet the brains and beauty of Madeleine Pressonwould have convinced him that in his relations with women he was eitherfool or knave. 

Youth, untried in the ways of women and the wiles of loving and theeverlasting problem of what the heart most truly desires, has wonderedand wept the long ages through!

CHAPTER XXV

WOMEN, AND ONE WOMAN

The next day brought the reign of woman. That festal day in mid-sessionwhich preceded the legislative ball had been made woman's field-day bylong custom. The politicians arranged the programme in order to bunchevents: for the women demanded that they be heard each session on thesuffrage question; and the women pleaded for one opportunity to showtheir best gowns in parade for fashion's sake. So the politicians madeone bite at the cherry; "took a double dose and had it over with, " asThelismer Thornton ungraciously expressed it. Frivolity was combinedwith feminine fervor on the suffrage question. One element was invitedto neutralize the other. The politicians could endure the combinationbetter than they could face each faction separately. The advocates ofsuffrage made their plea while their sisters promenaded the State Housecorridors to the music of the band. The festival spirit dominated. 

The members of the Judiciary Committee wore fresh waistcoats, pinks intheir buttonholes, and a genial air--and had not the least idea ofgranting the suffragists anything except a benignant hearing. The reportof "ought not to pass" was a foregone conclusion. 

But there were potted palms in the lobbies, decorations in the rotunda, and masses of flowers in the House chamber which was given over to thehearing. And sweet music softened legislative asperities. The womenasked, smiling. The men refused, smiling. 

The federated women's clubs of the State had the suffrage matter intheir keeping. The delegates were not hard-faced women clutchingumbrellas. They were the strictly modern suffragists--radiant matrons, fresh-complexioned girls, women who led in culture and fashion in theirrespective communities. 

At the previous session the Legislative Committee had asked that thedelegation of women be restricted to the usual number of persons thatappeared at legislative hearings. When a dozen came with their petitionsand arguments the Committee blandly stated that there seemed to be nogeneral demand in the State for woman's suffrage--witness the attendanceof women interested!

This year the women proposed to disprove that assumption. Every woman'sliterary, social, art, and economic club in the State sent twodelegates. The State was raked for women, even the schools wereransacked. At ten o'clock in the forenoon the State House was packed andwomen were still crowding in. The galleries, aisles, and standing-roomof House and Senate were choked with silks, furs, and feathers whichdecorated the beauty and brains of the State. 

The routine was hurried through. Callous man, gasping for breath, wantedto escape. 

The few in the lobby who dared to smoke soon hid their cigars undertheir coat-tails and departed to the hotels. The cuspidors were hidden. Gay frocks swept cigar stubs out of sight. 

When the members of the Judiciary Committee attempted to enter the Housechamber to conduct the hearing on suffrage, it required full ten minutesof persuasive eloquence and courteous pushing on the part of themessengers to break the jam of women that filled the door and packed thelobby floor adjacent. The fair lobbyists did not want to give up eventhat vantage-point in order to admit the men who were to listen. Andafter the committee had managed to wriggle its way in single file to theplatform they had not the heart to expel the women who were occupyingtheir chairs. They gallantly stood in a row against the rear wall of theSpeaker's alcove and listened to the petitioners--each woman allowed twominutes! Not one member of the legislature, outside the committee, heard. It would have been an ungallant man, indeed, who did notsurrender his place in the chamber to a woman who had come to presenther cause. So the women amiably listened to themselves, and thecommittee listened to them in all politeness, and both sides understoodthat it was only a genial social diversion out of which nothing wouldcome. In that gathering a suffragette would have been squelched by herown sex. 

Harlan Thornton came to the State House early. 

Morning had brought him wiser counsel. He felt no impulse to rush to thePresson house. He wondered now what he would have said if he had gainedaccess to Madeleine Presson the night before. The astounding insult byHerbert Linton troubled him less. It had been a jealousoutburst--Linton's confession of his love for the girl had revealed hisanimus. Probably Linton regretted it--in Harlan's calmer mood he trustedthat such was the case. Conscious of his innocence, it did not seem toHarlan that any man would dare to deal further in such outrageousslander after what had been said in their interview. 

Harlan was one of the first to escape from the House through the pressof women. There were too many of them. Officious gentlemen had begun tointroduce him to wives and daughters and friends. He was not shy, butthe presence of so many women--chattering, vivacious, exchangingrepartee, challenging retort from him, was disquieting. He made his wayto his committee-room. It was in a far corner of the building and wasquiet. He had not been able to inspect the bill that Governor Waymouthhad placed in his hands. He determined to put behind himself for a timethe presence of women and the thoughts of women--even those thoughtswhich had so occupied him the night before. 

There was no one in the committee-room. The State House holiday hadattracted his associates. He examined the measure that he was expectedto sponsor. 

It provided for a commission of three men to be appointed by theGovernor and to remain under his direct control--a bipartisan board. These men were to appoint special deputies to any number desired. To anycounty, city, or town these deputies were to be dispatched when itbecame apparent that police or sheriffs were lax or dishonest inenforcing the prohibitory law. No limits were placed on the number ofthese men empowered to kill saloons and put liquor-peddlers out ofbusiness. No special amount of money was to be asked of thelegislature--the bill provided that the State treasury should standbehind the movement. 

The young man was quick to understand the tremendous power granted tothe Governor by that bill. Under it no party management, no group ofpoliticians, could club or coax the liquor interests into line at thepolls by manipulation of the traffic. No sheriff could enrich himself byselling privileges. No city could govern itself in thatrespect--declaring that public opinion favored the saloons and makinglocal law superior to the constitutional law of the State. The billprovided that a judge must impose both fines and imprisonment whenconvictions were secured, and, therefore, no judge could carry on anylonger a practical system of low license by imposing fines alone. 

It was the principle of _enforced_ prohibition put on trial. 

In the past the Luke Pressons of the State had laughed at interferenceby a Governor. Local politics, easily handled, had controlled theactions of cities, and police had kept their hands off the traffic foryears. 

Authority in liquor matters had been vested in the county high sheriffs, and these men were controlled from State headquarters wholly in theinterests of politics. 

Harlan was sufficiently familiar with the old plan to know how this newsystem would upset the entire political machine of his State. That folioof document was a bombshell. 

He was holding it outspread in his hands when the door opened sosuddenly that it startled him. Thelismer Thornton came in, shaking hisshoulders disgustedly. 

"Feathers and cackle!" he muttered. "This State House turned into apoultry yard! And half of 'em braced back trying to crow! When a hencrows and a woman votes--well, it's all the same thing!"

He relighted the cigar that he had brought through the press hidden inhis big palm. He eyed his grandson keenly and with some disfavor as hepuffed the cigar alight. 

"Look here, bub, " he burst out, "there are enough women around hereto-day to remind me that I want to have a word with you on the womanquestion. You intend to marry Madeleine Presson, don't you?"

"_Intend_ to marry her!" blazed his grandson. "You talk as though it wasthe fashion to grab a girl and carry her off as they did in the StoneAge. "

"You know what I mean very well, sir. I take it you are still decent, and if you're decent you'll marry the girl you've beaued around for sixmonths--providing she'll have you. That was the style in my day--anddecency doesn't change much--at least, it ought not to. "

Had it been the day before, Harlan Thornton would have declared to hisgrandfather what his intentions were toward Madeleine Presson. Thethoughts of the past night's vigil came upon him now--he hesitated. Hewas angry with himself--angry with this blunt and persistent old man. Hedid not know whether resentment held him back from acknowledging that hehad been a suitor for the hand of Luke Presson's daughter or whether itwas the strange, new feeling toward Clare Kavanagh since he had learnedthat her good name was in such piteous need of his protection anddefence. 

"Have you asked her to marry you?" demanded the Duke. 

"Yes, I have--that is--" he paused. His air irritated still more thetesty humor of the old man, plainly provoked by earlier matters. 

"'That is'!" he sneered. "'I have. ' 'Perhaps I have!' 'Maybe Ihave--let's see what my notes say!' What in the devil is the matter withthe young men nowadays, anyway? Blood in your veins about as thick asPorty Reek molasses! You say you have asked her to marry you? Well, ifyou've asked her and mean it, have you got anything to do with thatKavanagh girl being around this State House to-day?"

Harlan sprang to his feet. He threw the document upon the table. Hisheart leaped within him. Even while his emotions bewildered him he foundhimself asking his conscience why he had not searched for her in spiteof Dennis Kavanagh and her own plain desire to avoid him. The bareknowledge that she was near sent the blood into his face. Her coming tohim seemed reproach for his acceptance of her flight. 

"Do you mean that?"

"You are certainly giving me a fine imitation of a man who issurprised, " stated his grandfather. "Maybe you are! I hope so. But she'shere. She's with a bunch of girls from some school or other, paradedaround by a hatchet-faced woman--another crowing hen that's trying toteach parliamentary law, I suppose. Harlan, I hope you've been squarewith me about that girl! Now, if you're honest, and don't know she'shere, keep out of sight. I've given you the tip. She'll be speaking toyou--and it will mix matters for you. She'd like nothing better than todo it!"

"I'm sick of that kind of talk from you, " protested the grandson, angrily. "Can't you mention the name of that innocent girl without aslur or an insult? And there's no reason why I cannot meet ClareKavanagh any time and at any place. "

"Your political rule of out-and-open, as you've been tutored by VardWaymouth, may work with men, but I'm telling you that it won't operatewith girls, " replied the Duke. "You may mean all right, but I'msuspicious of you. You sneaked back to Fort Canibas last summer to seeher--now didn't you?"

"I saw her. "

"You don't pay much attention to my wishes, do you, Harlan?"

"I claim the right, in a few matters, to be my own master. "

"Even to making a devilish fool of yourself! You want Madeleine Presson. I can see that you want her. I've been watching. And I'm coming out nowand say that I want you to have her. She's my idea of a wife. Now youneedn't go to talking about that Kavanagh girl and _friendship!_ There'sno such thing as that kind of friendship. "

Harlan had no time then to vent the anger that was seething in him. Itseemed that every one who willed took the liberty to intrude upon theaffairs which he tried to keep sacred. While that thought was uppermostin his troubled emotions, Linton, the other chief offender, came in, Presson with him. 

The chairman began briskly. He was serious, but he spoke kindly. 

"I don't usually interfere in these matters, but we'd better have thisthing straightened out for the good of all of us. I'm glad you're here, Thelismer. I want you to stand by and listen. Here are two mighty goodboys, these two--and now we'll leave out all political differences. Wecan afford to. We're all better friends than we were when the sessionopened. " In spite of his absorption in his own affairs Harlan thought ofthe legislative morrow and its possibilities. "Now, this isn't politics!As I say, I don't usually meddle in my wife's or my daughter's--"

"Just one moment, Mr. Presson!" Harlan strode forward. "Has this lyingscoundrel dared to bring his dirty scandal to you?"

He looked over the head of the chairman into the defiant face of hisrival. The little man threw up his hands, standing between them. 

"Hold on! Hold on! You haven't come to me in the usual way, but as nearas I can find out both of you are after my daughter. I know of my ownknowledge, Harlan, that you have been interested up-country. I simplywant to have a general understanding. I brought Linton here with me. Nouse in running between! Let's have our say face to face. "

Harlan controlled himself. 

"I think I understand just what prompts you, Mr. Presson, " he said. "Irespect your motives. You've been imposed upon. But you're not to blame. I know what you're going to ask me. I'll save you the trouble. I admireyour daughter greatly. I have intended to ask her hand in marriage. " Hewas suddenly conscious that the determination to persist in that suitwas not acute. 

"That wasn't what I was going to ask you, " said Presson with decision. "It's about the girl whom I saw--"

"The name of no other person belongs in this discussion, " broke inHarlan, firmly. "I refuse to permit that name to be dragged in, for it'sinsult and scandal. "

There was silence in the room. The chairman looked at Harlan, impressedby his demeanor. He knew the young man well enough to think twice beforehe persisted. Thelismer Thornton smoked hard, scowling. He was a littlecautious about thrusting himself further into a matter that he knewwould test the Thornton spirit in his grandson. 

But Linton was determined to win his point. He thought he saw hisopportunity. He hoped he could force a break between Presson and theother suitor. 

"I'm interested in this matter as much as any one, " he declared. "I havenot told you the full story, Mr. Presson. But I'm here to see thismatter straightened out for good and all, and unless you get an answerfrom this man, as a father ought to, I'll see that you have the facts toput you right. "

"Linton, didn't I tell you last night that you were circulating a lie?"Harlan's face was gray. 

"If it's a lie why are you afraid of telling Mr. Presson the whole truthand explaining the matter?" insisted Lintonwith a lawyer's pertinacityin extracting evidence. He realized that if young Thornton talked, evento admit the facts that information from the north country seemed toprove, a bit of impromptu cross-examination might yield results thatwould help the Linton cause. 

"I refuse because every word that is said on the subject is a grossinsult to an innocent girl, " declared Harlan, passionately. "And I warnyou that if you open your mouth again you'll get the only thing a mancan give you and remain a man!"

"You'd better take the hint, Linton, " advised the Duke. "I don't knowexactly what you're driving at, but you're heading toward trouble. Theydon't do things up our way as they do in a city court-room. "

Linton was angry, desperate, and he was as stalwart as the other. He wasnot inclined to let that opportunity pass. 

Defiantly he plunged into the story that Spinney had reported. To hisastonishment Harlan rushed for the door. He went out and slammed itbehind him. 

A project had come to him, prompted by his furious rage which mockedcommon-sense. A man more accustomed to the conventions would not haveattempted it. But all his north-country passion rioted in him at thatmoment. 

The night before he had wept because the peace and good name of ClareKavanagh were threatened and he could only beat the ugly phantom ofscandal helplessly. 

Now suddenly he found work for his hands--and his hands had always beenhis means of expressing his soul in toil, achievement, and in passion. 

He hurried down the stairs into the State House rotunda where thethrongs were. The hearing before the committee was adjourned. The bandwas playing. He thrust himself through the press of the women. Maids andmatrons stared after him. His face was pale, his lips made astraight-edge and his eyes swept every group with eagerness that wasalmost wild. It was search that was distracting. There were women, women. There were so many faces to scan! Chance led him to her--goodfortune and the sudden thought that she would probably be found nearsome object of interest, were she escorted by a teacher. He saw thegroup near the great case that held the State's battle-flags. He caughther arm and her startled face was turned up to his. 

"Come, " he whispered, hoarsely. "Come! Do not ask me why. Only come. Hurry!"

With the trustfulness she had always shown in him she did not hesitate. She did not even offer excuses to the tall woman who stepped forward toinquire the intentions of this abrupt young man. She went, as she wentin the north country when he called to her. Clinging to his arm shehurried up the broad marble stairway. 

She did not ask why. Her faith was complete. But his demeanor frightenedher. 

"I was sorry after I got here, " she gasped, as they hurried on. "But theothers came from the school, and I thought it would be such a greatplace here that no one would notice me. I thought you would not see me, Harlan. But I wanted to learn about--about what you did--what thelawmakers did, so that--so that--"

"Hurry, " he urged her. He feared that they would be gone. 

This brusqueness, his haste, his sternness troubled her more and more. They were alone in the corridor that led to the committee-room. Shestopped, holding him back with her strong young arms. He had hardlylooked at her till then. She had changed in the months since he had seenher. Womanly dignity was mingled with the high spirit that had inspiredthe child. Her garb, her new mien made her beauty brilliant. 

"I never lied to you yet, Big Boy, " she cried. "I came here because Iwas hungry for a sight of you. Then I would go back to my workcomforted. Now my conscience is clear. Take me where you will. "

In that moment his heart was revealed to him. In the stress of newemotions he understood himself at last. He understood that the lovewhich mates, which sweeps away all calculation, which welds, trusts, andnever pauses to analyze or compute, is love that disdains mereadmiration of intellect or lure of beauty. 

His quiet nature had depths. They had never been stirred till then. Thechild-love had been budding there ready for blossom. It had been fed byfaith and ripened by association. Passion now brought it to fruition. Madeleine Presson had appealed only to one side of him. This girlrounded out the whole philosophy of love. She was not a divinity. Hisnature did not crave divinity. In his strength, sincerity, ingenuousness, his man's soul, primitive as the free woods, required themate--one to be cherished and protected. And so, now, when all his soulwas stirred, this girl, so bitterly in need of protection--the girl whomthe years had endeared to him--came into his heart to reign there. 

Words, emotion choked him. But he could not wait, then. She sawsomething in his eyes she had never seen there till that moment. Butbefore she could understand he carried her along with him. 

"Come! I can't wait!" he cried. 

When he flung open the door of the committee-room the men in it werestanding in silence. Presson had picked up the "Thornton Bill" and wasreading it, scowling. Whatever Linton had said, it was plain that thefather of Madeleine Presson had just found something which diverted hisattention from family matters. 

Harlan shut the door behind. He locked it. He stepped away from thegirl, leaving her standing there. She was a picture to confute slander. 

The chairman gazed at her in astonishment. He had not expected suchprompt incarnation of the topic. 

"I know what foul lies have just been uttered in this room by thatfellow!" Harlan leaned forward and drove an accusatory finger at Linton. "Now here stands the woman you have insulted. Look at her, you lyinghound! There's only one thing you can do! Acknowledge yourself a liarand apologize!"

Linton did not speak. He raised his eyebrows; it was unspoken comment onthe peculiar actions of this young savage from the woods. 

"Presson, get out of here and bring help, " muttered the Duke. "Hell isgoing to break loose!"

The chairman slipped the document into his pocket and tiptoed around theside of the room. Harlan paid no attention to him. His eyes were forLinton. 

"Are you going to apologize?"

"I'll wait until--" began the lawyer, but he got no further. 

The Thornton temper had been strained beyond the breaking-point. Harlanwas upon him. 

"Bring a dozen!" yelled the Duke after the chairman who had been tuggingat the door, and now escaped. 

Linton was tall and muscular, but law-practice is not lumbering. Hestruck viciously at Harlan, ducking to and fro with the briskness of thetrained boxer. But the woodsman merely leaped upon him, heedless of hisblows. He bore him down. He drove resistless knees into his shoulders. He thrust Linton's face against the floor and ground it against theboards. Then he dragged the limp figure past the cursing Duke toward thegirl. She had fled to a corner, covering her eyes and sobbing in terror. 

"D--n you, you'll apologize to the girl who's going to be my wife, "raved Harlan. 

When Presson returned at the head of volunteers the victor was grindingthe bleeding face on the floor once more and Linton was screamingappeals. 

There were enough of them to separate the men. They dragged Harlan awayout of the room in spite of his struggles. The mere sight of the lawyerseemed to infuriate him more. 

The Duke hurried the girl out and away while the peacemakers werestruggling with the young combatants. 

"Stop that blubbering, " he commanded, roughly. "If you've got any gritleft in you, brace up. Don't let people here notice!"

He was trying to hide as much of the true reason for the affray as hecould. He wanted to get the girl out of sight. 

"I didn't know--I did nothing--if it was about me I didn't--" He stoppedher brutally. 

"About you, you little fool? Of course it wasn't about you! My grandsonis going to marry Luke Presson's daughter. "

She stiffened in the hook of his arm. They were in the corridor and hadnot come into the view of the people. 

"Every one knows it, " he hurried on. He saw an opportunity to get in acruel blow at the romance he suspected and hated. "They have been goingtogether for months. She'll be the right kind of a wife for him. Theywere fighting about her--those two young hyenas. "

She pulled away from him. The tears were on her cheeks, but she heldherself straight and looked him in the eye. 

"That's a lie, Mr. Thornton!"

"It's the truth. He'll marry her if you haven't spoiled it all forhim--spoiled his good name and stirred up all this scandal for him justas he was getting ready to amount to something in the world, with a wifethat could help him! You get away from here as quickly as you can. Youhear me? If his career is spoiled you've done it. Don't stay around hereand disgrace him any more. It's bad enough, as it is, for him and MissPresson!"

She stared at him, stricken and puzzled. Then she left him. 

"I don't need any further escort, " she informed him, turning after shehad gone a few steps. It was Dennis Kavanagh's girl speaking now. "Ihave been escorted by the Thorntons quite enough during the past tenminutes. I tell you again, I believe you lie. But I propose tounderstand something more about this--and I'll not disgrace you nor yourgrandson!"

"Go ask some questions!" he called after her. He felt sure that gossipwould confirm him. But to make sure that Harlan did not follow her andfind her and discredit gossip he turned back down the corridor purposingto keep that belligerent young man under watch and ward for a time. 

CHAPTER XXVI

THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAID

The Duke found his grandson in an anteroom where the half dozen excited, wondering men had conveyed him. 

The old man and the young man stood for a few moments and gazed at eachother. Harlan was breathless, disheveled, his knuckles were bleeding. 

"Where is she?"

The Duke came close to him. "She went away. Now keep your mouth closed. You talk about disgracing a girl, " he muttered in his grandson's ear;"if you haven't disgraced her and yourself and all of us here to-day itisn't because you haven't done your best! God only knows why I didn'tleave you in the woods where you belong!"

"I'm going out to find her, " insisted his grandson. "This is my ownbusiness from now on. "

"You try to leave this room in the shape you're in and I'll have youcommitted to the insane asylum across the river. The girl has more sensethan you've got. "

While he was speaking Presson came in. He pulled the House bill from hispocket. 

"Thornton, " he said, walking up to Harlan, "I didn't think there couldbe anything more important just now than the damnable performance you'vejust been through and the part my family plays in it. But here'ssomething I propose to take while it's hot!" He shook the document atthe young man. Harlan swept it out of his grasp before he could prevent, and buttoned it in his breast-pocket. 

"That is mine, " he stated, not flinching under the indignant protest. 

"If it's yours will you inform me what you intend to do with it?"

"I intend to introduce it in the House at to-morrow's session and workfor its passage. "

"He's got a bill there, " roared the chairman, turning to the Duke, "that's written by the Devil himself! It makes old Waymouth archfiend ofall the ramrodders in this State! Our sheriffs are made his deputies andthe Russian Tsar becomes a hog-reeve beside him. " He blurted out thepurport of the measure, garnishing the recital with good, round oaths. 

"So you're loaded with that, are you?" inquired the elder Thornton. Hewas as careless of the presence of the listeners as the chairman hadbeen. He began invective, but the young man broke in. 

"Grandfather, " he said, firmly, "I've listened long enough to that kindof talk from you and Mr. Presson--I've listened to all kinds of reasonswhy a man should come here and sell his soul for the sake of gettingahead in politics. " He was thinking of the temptation that had come tohim in the form of Madeleine Presson. "I don't want any more of it. Idon't know of any reason why this State shouldn't obey its laws so longas they remain laws. As to my private business, I suggest that the twoof you keep still. "

They had no appetite for further discourse with this young madman justthen. 

The Duke turned on his heel and walked out. Presson followed. 

"Gentlemen, " said the young man to those who remained, "I have noquarrel with you. I do not want any. Do you understand?" He wiped hishands with his handkerchief, smoothed his hair, and walked past them. 

As calmly as he could he hurried through the lobbies and the rotunda ofthe State House. The crowds were thinning. The band had gone. The womenhad scattered to prepare for the ball of the evening. Among the few thatwere left he could not find her. 

He went back to his committee-room and pondered until dusk fell. 

One matter presented itself to his mood as a duty. He called a carriageand was driven to the Presson home. 

Madeleine came down in answer to his card. But as she entered thereception-room her father followed at her heels, beginning threats as hecame in. 

"Father, " she said, quietly, "I have just listened to you. You need notfear that I do not understand myself and my duty. I ask you to retire. "

He stood there a moment, still muttering his wrathful protest, but inthe end her dignity mastered him. He went away. 

What she did next amazed the young man who stood there waiting. She cameto him and patted his cheek. 

"My poor boy, " she said, softly, and drew him down beside her on acouch. 

For a moment the words he had come prepared to say deserted him. Hecould not speak. He found sincere compassion in her eyes--sympathy andsomething else which he did not fathom. 

"I can do at least one decent thing to-day, " he burst out. "I can cometo you man-fashion and ask you to release me from our engagement of thisevening. I know, of course, you wouldn't go to the ball with me afterwhat has happened. But there's a deeper reason. I am going to tell it toyou. Don't misunderstand me. I don't know the right words to use. Anyway I put it may sound as though I were a cad. But understand me, Madeleine--as my friend, understand me--for God's sake, do! You havebeen wise. You have counselled me. I need a friend now!" His voicebroke, and she waited. "I've come to my senses. Oh, it's no discredit toyou that I thought I loved you. I thought so. "

"Your love would honor any woman, Harlan. "

He looked at her piteously. He understood how his confession wouldsound. Only his resolve to be honest with her availed to drive him tothe confession he intended to make. 

"I couldn't say it to some girls, " he cried. "They would not see how itwas. But I can only tell you the truth!"

"Wait a moment, " she said, interrupting. "You are not just yourself. Letme talk to you. Only a little while ago a girl came to me. "

He started up, but she restrained him. 

"Listen! She had heard. There were plenty to tell her when she asked. Wehave given occasion for gossip. Gossip has eyes and ears and goodimagination. It has even been reported that our engagement would beannounced after the legislative ball. Wait! She heard all that from thefirst one she asked. She has told me so. She believes it!"

"Believes it! What did you tell her?"

"Wait, I say! I have shown patience this afternoon. I waited for her tospeak. Let me tell you what she said while I waited. She said she wantedyou to be a great man. She knew, so she told me, that she only broughttrouble and distress to you. She wanted to see me so that she might knowif I were the one who could help you in your career. I'll not tell youwhat she said to me about myself. She is a sweet and gracious girl, thatlittle Clare, Harlan! She said she knew I could help you in your work inlife. And she wanted to tell me the little story of you two--she wantedto forestall gossip that might hurt you in my eyes. And she gave you tome. Harlan, I have heard of that kind of love--but I didn't believe itexisted. Did you?"

Tears were on his cheeks. 

"I know her!" he choked. 

She understood his answer. She waited a little while. 

"And I love her above all the honors and treasures of this world!"

She stood up. 

"I'm going to find her, " he went on. "You understand me, don't you, Madeleine?"

"I understand. But you shall not go to find her"--she smiled into hisstartled eyes--"for she is hidden in my room, waiting to tell memore--waiting until I tell her something that will take the burden fromher heart. I had been listening to her when my father came in with hisstory; I had not made my confession. It would have comforted her--itwill comfort her, for I can tell her truthfully I have not yet met theman I can love, Harlan--you were not the one!" She left with him theconsolation of a smile and hastened away. She did not even reproach himbecause of his affair with Linton. 

He stood waiting at the door. He heard the steps on the stairs. He wasready to clasp her. 

But Madeleine Presson came in alone. "The girl has gone, Harlan. Themaid said she ran away after I left her. I was a fool. I dropped yourcard!"

He stood dumb and motionless. 

"Gone, believing that!" he gasped. 

She shook him. "But you can find her. Remember that she is young. Shebelieved gossip too quickly. You must find her. Hurry! She will onlyhave to see your eyes to know that they all lied. "

He rushed to the door. 

"Bring her to me, " cried the girl. "I'll know how to help you. "

At the railroad station he was told that the special trains had gonewith the visitors who were not in town for the ball. 

He did not even know the name of the school from which she had come. 

At the State House he at last found some one who had seen and known thegroup--an attaché of the State educational department. There was notrain that way until midnight. He took it. How he passed the time ofwaiting he never knew. He was at the doors of the institution as earlyas decency permitted. He did not wish to compromise her. 

He was assured in a manner that left no room for doubt that MissKavanagh had not returned with the others. They were much worried andhad notified her father. 

Harlan sent an appealing telegram to him, daring even to solicit thatogre of the North. But no word came to him. 

He wired orders to his caretaker at "The Barracks" to investigate atthat end, and returned to the State capital, distracted, baffled, notknowing what step to take next. The session had not closed for the daywhen he arrived at the State House. 

Men in the lobby stared at him as he passed. It was evident that tongueshad been busy with his affairs. His grandfather, striding up and down, tried to intercept him, but he kept on to his seat. All the eyes of theHouse were on him. Word of the "Thornton Bill" had gone abroad. Now, inspite of his mental distress, he remembered his duty. 

When he rose to ask the privilege of introducing a bill, interruptingthe order of business, he anticipated objection. 

No objection was made. 

The opposition did not propose to waste effort on pettifoggingpreliminaries. 

The bill went in and on its way--and that night the capital buzzed withthe discussion of it. 

Harlan Thornton spent half the night at the telegraph-office, his mindintent on something far from prospective legislation. 

But no word came to comfort him--no clew that he could pursue. 

Days grew into weeks. He did not attempt search in person. It would havebeen vague wandering about the country. He remained to hold up the handsof Governor Waymouth, finding relish for fight in the rancor thatsettled within him. 

He and Linton silently faced the gossip that beat about them in regardto their encounter--and kept away from each other. Theirs was a balancedaccount. 

And Madeleine Presson somewhat ostentatiously permitted the attentionsof the young Secretary of State!

CHAPTER XXVII

THE EVERLASTING PROBLEM

Day after day, during that session, an old man sat in the executivechamber of the State House. His face grew as white as his hair. Therewere deeper lines in his countenance than mere old age had tooled acrossthe skin. One after the other the men of the two branches of thelegislature came before him at his summons. He did not entreat of them. There was no more of that suave political diplomacy in the executivechamber, after the fashion of the old days of easy rule. This Governordeclared himself to be the mouthpiece of the people of his State. Heshowed to the legislators their path toward absolute honesty. He orderedthem to follow it. One or two of the first ones who were called upon thecarpet dared to refuse--attempted to evade. He promptly issuedstatements to the press, holding those men up to the people of theirState as traders and tricksters. Voters had always understood thattrades and tricks were in progress in the legislature, and had neverbothered their heads much about the matter. But this incisive showing upof individuals was new and startling and effective. It afforded noopportunity for the specious reasoning along mere political lines whichhad excused dishonesty in the past. 

Protests poured in on the would-be rebels. Their experience warned theothers. The State was in a mood to try reform. The reform was promisedon the usual broad lines. Individuals did not stop to reflect whateffect the suggested legislation would have on their own interests. Every man was after "the other fellow. "

"I'll keep you here until you pass these laws, " stated the grim old manin the executive chamber, "even if you stay here till snow flies again. "

Legislators are paid by the session, not by the week. The prospect ofspending the summer fighting an obstinate old man, with the peoplebehind him, was not alluring when personal expenses were considered. Even lobbyists and corporations and political considerations fail tohold sway under such conditions. 

The Governor's bills went through. 

"They've abolished fees, " drawled Thelismer Thornton, one day in thelobby, "to get square with Constable Emerson Pike up my way. Em wentdown to replevin some hens, and after he'd chased each hen a dozen timesaround the barn he sat down and charged up mileage to the county. Therest of this legislation is on the same basis. Here's a legislaturethat's like Dave Darrington's hogs. After old Dave lost his voice andcouldn't holler to the hogs, he used to rap on the trough with his caneat feeding-time. Then a woodpecker made his home in the pig-pen and thehogs went crazy. Vard Waymouth is all bill! I'd reckoned I'd go home. But I guess I'll stay and see just how far dam foolishness can go!"

So he patrolled the lobby, puffing everlastingly at his cigar, watchingthe activity of Harlan with a disgust that he did not try to conceal andoccasionally flinging a sour remark at that devoted young man. 

"A calf leaving the cow to chase a steer, " he growled. "He'll knowbetter when it comes supper-time!"

One day a man halted him. "You may be interested in what's going on inthe House, just now, Mr. Thornton. Your grandson is making a speech. "

"Then he _has_ lost his mind!" snapped the Duke. "I'd only suspected itup to now!"

But when he edged in at the door he discovered that his grandson was notmaking the usual spectacle which the untried orator affords. The zealwhich had driven him into the fight was supporting him as he faced themen who were his associates. He stood at his desk, pale--butunfaltering. He was talking to them, man to man. 

"It has met me to my face, it has followed at my back through all theseweeks, " he was saying. "I'm accused of helping to wreck my party. Youknow better than that, gentlemen. You know who did the wrecking. It hasbeen going on for years. And we have been asked to hide the retreat ofthe wreckers. I refuse to allow those men who have wrecked our party tocall themselves the true prophets and summon us to follow them. Ourparty is not simply the men who hold office for their personal gain. Ifmaking them honest or putting them out is destroying the party, thenlet's destroy and rebuild. 

"We need to rebuild. 

"Up in our woods it's dangerous to leave slash on the ground after awinter's cutting. The politicians have left a lot of slash in thisState. The fire has got into it. It is burning up the old dead branchesand tops, but it is hurting the standing timber, too--I understand that. Why not see to it after this that the men who leave political slashshall not be allowed to operate!

"It's a bad litter, gentlemen, that has been left around the roots ofour prohibitory law. I have introduced the bill that's now underconsideration. It has nothing to do with the principle ofprohibition--the theory of that was threshed out in these chambersbefore I was born. But isn't it time, gentlemen, to have a test of the_practice_ of prohibition?

"I know little about politics. I am merely one of the hundreds of youngmen in this State who stand on the outside of politics and want theopportunity to be honest when we vote. We appeal to the older men ofthis State to drop the game for a little while and give us a chance tostart fair. The biggest corporation in this State is the State itself, and I like to think that all of us, young or old, are partners orstockholders. I've been brought up in business. We know what we'd all doin straight business. Why can't we do it in State affairs? Too manyinfluences surround a legislature to make its work really deliberative. After the heat and arguments of this session have died away we ought tohave a meeting on a real business basis. 

"Let the churches, the grange, the radicals, the liberals, the hotelmen, the liquor men, all send their delegates. Let that assemblage takethought on a plan which will lift out of politics a question thatdoesn't belong there. Let's end civil war on this question. Give theyoung men some other picture as their eyes open on the politics of thisState. "

It was the earnest, ingenuous appeal of one crying out of the wildernessof human uncertainty--of one who saw the evils in those attempts of mento curb greed and appetite--of one earnestly seeking a remedy, but notclearly understanding that so long as the world shall endure, with menand women weak and human, some problems must remain unsettled. 

"I'll suggest a place for that convention, " muttered Thelismer Thorntonto those who stood about him. "Hold it in Purity Park in Paradise!Settle the rum question!" he sneered. "Noah hadn't been stamping aroundon dry ground long enough to get his quilts aired out before he wasdrunk on Noah's Three Star! And Japheth probably got mad and passed aprohibitory law and thought he had the trouble fixed forever. "

When the legislature finally adjourned the protestations that had beenwrung out of it promised much in the way of honest reorganization. 

Harlan Thornton remained with Governor Waymouth for a time. HisExcellency found him indispensable. 

The commissions were at work. 

Office-holders whined, taxpayers squirmed. Honesty was greetedeverywhere by wry faces. 

But the "Thornton law, " its deputies superseding county and cityauthority, was the bitterest political pill of all. The resultsdiscouraged the righteous--Governor Waymouth predicted them accuratelywith the old-age cynicism of one who understood human nature. Theflagrantly open places were closed. But innumerable dives therebysecured the business which had gone to the open places in the days oftoleration. An army could not have closed the dives--the proprietors ofwhich, in most cases, carried their villanous concoctions on theirpersons. Express companies were organized for the sole purpose ofdealing in liquors by the parcel system, and the State's liquoragencies, established under the protection of the prohibitory lawitself, were besieged by patrons who stood in queues of humanity likebuyers at a theatre ticket-window. 

Reformation of human nature by mere statute was a failure!

But mere political disaster did not daunt the stern old man who held hiscommissioners to their task. The people themselves began to complain ofthe cost of the new system of enforcement--the money paid to make themobey their own laws. When their complaints were loudest the Governorallowed himself the luxury of a smile. 

Reform for the mass. Admirable!

Reform for the individual. Atrocious infringement of personal liberty!

"I cannot make them good, " he said to Harlan. "But I can give them sucha picture of their own iniquity that perhaps they'll realize it and makethemselves good. You can't reform folks in this world on much of anybasis except that!"

It was late summer and they were in the garden of the brick house atBurnside. 

Harlan had been at his chief's side day after day, shielding him as muchas possible from those who came to solicit, to threaten, to complain. Inthe opportunity given him to meet every man of importance in the Statehe had won respect, even regard. His personality removed him from theranks of the radicals and relieved him from the imputation that attachedto them. His sincerity was evident. He was frank to express hisdisappointment at the results of the legislation he had assisted inprocuring. He listened attentively to the suggestions of others. He madeit plain that he was not unalterably wedded to a law because he had beeninstrumental in adding it to the code. He made known to all hiswillingness to compromise on everything except honesty, and day by dayhe made men understand better the basis of the system advocated by hischief and himself. 

They had burnished the mirror of politics; they held its new andbrighter surface up to the people that they might gaze on themselves. And in time the people came to realize what service had been done. And, as they realized it, the name of young Thornton went abroad in the Statefrom mouth to mouth--men speaking of him as one who was entitled to thepraise that attaches to honesty unsmirched by bigotry. 

His optimism softened the asperities which men found in the character ofthe Governor. He attracted to the grim old man the loyalty of the youthof the State, and at the same time won that loyalty for himself. He hadcome forward at a time when men were ready to accept new ideals, evenif they were obliged to wade to them through such mire as now soiled theexecution of the new laws. 

That proposed convention for the unprejudiced consideration of theliquor laws was taking form. The intemperate radicals were the only onesdeclaiming against "compromise with the devil. " But the new conditionswere revealing the real colors of those impractical zealots, and it wasplain that their noisy minority would no longer be allowed to blusterdown the truer and more equable spirit of "the best for all the people. "The men and women of the State were taking time to analyze some of thosehigh-sounding phrases with which so-called temperance had disguisedvicious theories which left human nature out of the equation. 

The politicians of the old school remained aloof. 

They were pointing to "the wreck of the party. "

"And I'll be passed down to history as the wrecker, " said the Governor, talking to Harlan under the big elm. "But you've got strong arms, myboy. I can see that you'll have much to do in building anew out of thewreck, you and those who are beginning to appreciate you. I can see afuture of much promise for you, Harlan. "

"I'll be politely, but firmly, invited to go back to the woods, "protested the young man. 

"You'll not be allowed to do it, " replied the Governor, quietly. "Youhave been tested for your honesty. These newer times have eyes torecognize that quality. And the rogues are being smoked out. Butremember that even the end of time will not find all questions solved. That thought will have to serve you for consolation. "

That was hardly the consolation that would satisfy impetuous youth andzeal in accomplishment. 

But Harlan had been learning lessons in consolation. 

The thought of Clare Kavanagh was with him night and day. In spite ofall his searching she remained hidden. He did not confide his grief toany one. It brought pallor to his face and listlessness in the dailyduties that bore upon him. Governor Waymouth took note at last. And whenthe young man asked for permission to go home to the north country for atime he reluctantly sent him away. 

On the eve of his departure, which had been announced by a press thatnow followed his movements with the attention accorded to a man ofimportance in State affairs, he obeyed a summons from Madeleine Presson. She put a letter into his hands. It was addressed to Clare Kavanagh. 

"You will find her, Harlan, " she said, comfortingly. "Love will searchher out. And when you find her, give her this letter. There are wordsfrom woman to woman that woman understands. "

Harlan found his grandfather sitting on the broad porch of "TheBarracks, " smoking and looking out across the river valley. 

The spirit in which he had left that hateful legislature seemed to havedeparted from the Duke. The old quizzical glint was in his eyes as hegrasped Harlan's hand. After their greeting they sat together insilence. 

"It's a beautiful game, hey, my boy?" remarked the Duke, at last. "I seethat some of the country papers have already begun to talk of you forGovernor of the State. The editors haven't seen you, but from whatthey've heard they probably think you're a hundred years old and havegrown to enormous size!"

"Don't make game of me, grandfather, " said Harlan, coloring. 

"Oh, I'm only expressing a wicked hope. There are some men in this Statethat I'd like to see punished to that extent. " He chuckled. "Put me downfor fifty thousand dollars, first subscriber to your campaign fund. "

"I can appreciate the humor of that joke, " said Harlan. "For I've had aliberal education in the past year--I've found out just how little Iknow. " He added wearily, "And I've found out how hard it is to be whatyou want to be. "

His grandfather tipped his head back into his clasped hands, hischaracteristic attitude. He squinted out across the hills. 

"Bub, " he said, "I had the first real blow of my life the other day. Aman pointed me out on the train and told another man, loud enough sothat I overheard him, that I was Harlan Thornton's grandfather--'and Iforget his first name, ' he said, 'it begins with T. '"

They ate supper together in the old mess-hall, back on their formerfooting. Word by word it came out of the Duke--his admiration for thisboy who had made his own way. Every blow he had dealt his grandfather'spersonal pride had brought the reactionary glow of appreciation of thisscion who could hit so hard and so surely. 

He watched him saddle his horse after supper. He did not ask where hewas going. 

Harlan did not know. His longing drew him down the long street andacross the big bridge, his horse walking slowly. 

CHAPTER XXVIII

ONE PROBLEM SOLVED

The dusk was cool and soft. Below him the current gurgled against thepiers with sounds as though the river's fairies laughed there in thegloom. Doves nestled against the rafters of the bridge above, stirringwith tired murmurings. 

When he came out under the stars he saw the red eyes of DennisKavanagh's house. The sight of them put the peace of the sky and fieldsout of his heart. He spurred his horse and galloped up the hill. 

Even as Thelismer Thornton found true haven on his porch in the summerevening, so Dennis Kavanagh had his solace in his own domain, smokinghis pipe. He sat there when Harlan swung close to the steps. 

"Mr. Kavanagh, " said the young man, sternly, "I am Harlan Thornton. Doyou know any ill of me?"

"I know that you're old Land-Grabber Thornton's grandson! I also knowthat you have shaken him in politics until his old teeth rattled. AndI'm much obliged to you!"

"I'm not here to talk about politics or my grandfather. I'm here on myown account. You know where your own daughter is. I've come to ask youhonorably and fairly where she is. Will you tell me?"

Mr. Kavanagh was silent a long time. He seemed to be struggling withsome kind of surprise. 

"No, I'll not tell you, " he declared at last. 

"Then I want to tell _you_ something, sir. I love your daughter. I loveher so honestly--so devotedly that I propose to search for her throughthis world. And when I find her--" he hesitated. 

"If you find her?"

"I stopped because I do not want to threaten or boast. But I will say, Mr. Kavanagh, that when I find her I'll beg of her to be my wife, and ifshe consents I promise you that no two sour old men are going to spoilour happiness! I want a fair understanding with you. "

"Queer notions you have of a fair understanding, " retorted Mr. Kavanagh. "You'd call it a fair understanding, would you, to come here and tell meto get off my own doorstep because you claimed the place?"

"I mean that no man has the right to refuse happiness to his own or toothers simply to curry his own personal spite. That's all, sir. "

He whirled his horse and galloped away. He halted at the church, threwthe reins over the animal's head and went and sat on the steps. Hewanted to think. He wanted to calm himself. He hoped that the placewould console him with its memories, afford him some hope, somesuggestion. 

He wondered now why he had allowed anything to delay that search. Yet heunderstood vaguely that she had hidden herself from him by her ownchoice. She had fled with wounded heart. He had not dared to seek hertoo eagerly. 

The red eyes of Kavanagh's house mocked him. 

Suddenly he started up. A figure, flitting and wraith-like, was comingtoward him from those eyes. It was running. He could hear the swiftpatter of feet. She came straight to him where he stood; he had notdared to run toward her. 

"I heard--I followed!" she gasped, and the next moment was sobbing inhis arms. 

All his talk to her for a long time was incoherent babbling of love andremorse. Then he held her close. 

"Little girl, " he said, "I've learned in the world outside. I've learnedmany things. But this--this I've learned bitterly and forever! There'slove of fame and of power and of mere beauty--but there's only one loveafter all--that's the love that gives all, is all--that's my love foryou and the love I think you have for me. It is ours--that love. Oh, mysweetheart, how we will cherish it all the years through!"

After a time he drew her down on the steps and they sat in silencethrough long minutes, listening to the muted calling of the crickets inthe grasses, the rustle of the river current, all the soft noises of thesummer night. 

Then he bethought himself and drew Madeleine Presson's letter from hispocket. He gave it to her with a word of explanation. 

Looking into his eyes, her own eyes brilliant as stars, she slowly torethe letter to bits and scattered the snowy fragments upon the grass. 

"A woman does know, " she said; "knows without reading what some otherwoman writes. I do not need her words, Big Boy. I know of my own heart. I knew long ago. I listened too readily to others. I have listened to myown love since. I have been waiting for you to come. "

After another silence which needed no words to interpret it, he rose andlifted her to her feet. With his arm about her he walked to his horse. He mounted and drew her up, and she clung to him, as maid to knight. 

"So, to your father now, " he told her. 

"But not to speak to him harshly, " she said, a ripple of merriment inher voice, "for I'll tell you a secret. He did not try to stop me when Iran away--he even called after me, 'He's turned in at the church, youwild banshee!' They have told him things that have given him newrespect for Harlan Thornton. But your grandfather?"

"He has learned that my love is my own affair, along with my politics. "

"Let me do my part, Harlan, " she said, proudly. "Love will light thewaiting, and it will not seem waiting. When I take my place at your sidehe shall not be able to say that I am not the wife for you. "

"It's enough for me to-night that I love you and you love me. The yearsmust take care of themselves. Love will mark off the calendar for us, little sweetheart, not in months or in years, but in one dear summer ofwaiting that will make work worth while and life worth living. "

He patted the horse's neck and they went slowly up the road toward theKavanagh house, their arms about each other, the gracious dusk hidingthem. Life's future hid its problem. Love's present was enough. 

THE END