politics. I'm always
optimistic--but naturally so. Don't need torching!"

"Look here, Breed, we've got enough dope on that ex-hobo who is doing
your errand-boy work--we know enough about him to kill your whole
sorehead proposition. But I don't believe my uncle will even use it. No
need of it."

"Probably not," said Mr. Breed, without resentment. "And I wouldn't if I
were he."

"We won't descend to it. Now that we have got rid of a lot of old
battle-axes of politicians--and I'm calling no names--we can conduct a
campaign with dignity."

"So do! So do! And it will save a lot of trouble, son; that's why the
newspapers wouldn't print that stuff about Mr. Farr after your uncle got
it ready. Libel cases make a lot of trouble."

Dodd grew red and scowled. "Look here, Breed, you're licked before the
start, and as a good politician you know you are. My uncle wants you
to drop in and see him. He told me to tell you so. This is no official
order, you understand. Just drop in informally, and he'll probably have
something interesting to say to you."

"I'm terribly rushed up--shall be till after convention," averred Mr.
Breed, piercing the end of a cigar with a peg he had whittled from a
match.

"What's the good of your being a fool any longer?"

"Always have been, so I've found out from that state committee who never
told a lie--and it's comfortable to keep on being one," he said, with
great serenity.

"You don't think for a minute that you are going to get control of the
next legislature, do you?"

"How much money have you got--your own money, I mean?" inquired Mr.
Breed, guilelessly, his eyes centered carefully on the lighted tip of
his cigar.

"Say--you--you--What do you mean by that?" rasped Dodd, putting the
cracker of a good round oath on the question.

"I meant that I wanted to bet something--and I wouldn't want you to go
out and borrow money--or--or--anything else." From the cavernous depths
where his eyes were set Mr. Breed turned a slow and solemn stare on the
enraged chief clerk of the state treasury.

"What do you want to bet?"

"Any amount in reason that after the first of next January there'll be
a fresh deal in the way of state officers in every department in the
Capitol. Arguing futures don't get you anywhere, son. If you've got
money to back that opinion you just gave me it will express your notions
without any more talk. But don't go borrow--or--or anything else."

Dodd stared at the shrewd ol