much on speeches, but he's great
on cocktails. It was a glorious day!" Then he grew serious. "When he
was fairly wound up I got a good deal out of him," he said. "We came
down on the train together, and I found out that he was against Burr
simply because the Webb men had told him that he pledged himself to them
when he allowed them to send him to the Legislature. It's all rot, of
course; his constituents are strong for Burr, but he's a good deal of a
fool, and Rann has put it into his head that he must do the 'honest
thing' by coming out for Webb. He has a great idea of party honour, so
out he's come."

"Rann's a born organiser," commented Tom.

"Ah, there's where we aren't even with him. He and his assistants have
been drilling their forces ever since he had that clash with Burr, and
the discipline's so good they are beginning to convince the people that
the opinions of a dozen men represent the principles of the party. What
Burr aims at, of course, is to organise the mass of Democratic voters as
effectively as Rann has organised the ring."

"That's a tough job," said Tom, "but if it's to be done, Burr's the man
to do it. As it is, I haven't a doubt that the majority is with us."

"Well, I live in hope," returned Galt easily. "It seems to me there's a
clear chance of our having a good deal over half the votes in the
caucus. Now, grant that there'll be a hundred and twenty regular
Democratic votes--"

"Of which Webb already claims sixty-five."

"Claims!" growled Galt. "He may claim the whole confounded lot if he
wants to. The question is--will he get them?"

"He will if Rann can manage it. It isn't mere party bitterness that
actuates that man--there's a good deal of personal spite mixed with it.
He hates Burr."

"Oh, I dare say. But he overreached himself when he tried to get
control of the committee. They decided in favour of Saunders in the last
Southside contest, and Saunders is pledged to Burr."

Tom drew out his watch and moved towards the door, but having reached
it, he swung round with a question: "Seen Webb since your debate?" he
inquired.

Galt nodded. "I had a chat with him in the lobby at the 'Royal' last
night, and I must admit that, so far as Webb's concerned, this campaign
is a particularly decent one. He can't help being a gentleman any more
than he can help being a demagogue. Both instincts are in the blood."

"Yes, I rather think you're right. Well, good-bye. I'll see you
Tuesday."

He r