s on the pale-green walls there were several of
historic subjects--Washington among his generals and Lee mounted upon
Traveller. Over the mantel hung an engraving of the United States Senate
with Clay for the central figure. Beside the desk a cracker box was
filled with unanswered letters.

"Yes, I dropped in about that," repeated Galt, his gaze returning to the
rugged features of the man at the desk. "You're not looking well, by the
way."

The other laughed. "The office seekers have been at me," he replied;
"but I'm all right. What were you going to say?"

His large, muscular hand lay upon the desk, and as he spoke he fingered
an open pamphlet. His penetrating eyes were on Galt's face.

Galt lifted the list of names and read it in silence.

"A-ahem!" he said at last and laid it down; then he took it up again.

"I have given a good deal of attention to the educational boards,"
continued the governor slowly.

"I do not think it is sufficiently realised that only men of the
highest ability should be placed in control of institutions of
learning."

"Ah, I see," was Galt's comment. In a moment he spoke abruptly:

"I say, Nick, has it occurred to you to ascertain the direction in which
the influence of these men will go in the next senatorial election?"

The other hesitated an instant. "Frankly, I have done my best to put
such questions aside," he answered.

Galt squared round suddenly and faced him; there was a decisive ring in
his voice.

"The next election comes in two years," he said quietly. "I have it on
excellent authority that Withers will not seek to succeed himself. His
health has given out and he is going to the country. Now, remove
Withers, and there are two men who might take his place in the Senate.
You know whom I mean?"

"Yes, I know."

Galt went on quickly:

"You want the senatorship?"

"Yes, I want it."

"Very good. Now, Webb and yourself will run that race, and one of you
will lose it. It's going to be a hot race and a hard winning. There'll
be some pretty unpleasant work to be done by somebody. You've been in
the business long enough to know that the methods aren't exactly such as
you can see your face in."

"All the more need for clean men," broke in Nicholas shortly.

"Just so. But the man who spends his days in the bathtub doesn't walk
about where mud is flinging. I'm an honest man, please God. You're an
honest man, and that's why a lot of us are running you with might and
mai