amicable understanding, will you allow me to
express the hope that the Consolidated will meet us half-way in regard
to the legislation that is inevitable? I have no desire to use any of my
powers as the governor of this state to embarrass your interests; let
us trust that we can get to a prompt adjustment in the matter of the
water-plants. As a lawyer of some experience, I have to inform you,
Colonel Dodd, that the cities and towns of this state are going to own
their own systems. The city of Marion proposes to fight the first test
case through. You are a heavy taxpayer--I trust you will not help to run
your city into debt which is needless."

"I will confer with you," admitted the colonel, his manner subdued.

"I will ask you to confer with Mr. Bristol, my partner. He will
have full charge of the litigation. I am assured that the next city
government meeting will attend to the matter of choosing him as counsel,
with a suitable retaining fee," said Mr. Converse, with pride. "I will
appreciate it personally and as chief executive if your interests will
favor the matter. It will be better all around."

Colonel Dodd did not reply. But there was much significance in his bow
as they retired.

"I trust I did not intimate that I was employing any sort of threats,"
said Mr. Converse, when he and Bristol were on their way down-stairs.

"I think he understood, sir."

"His suggestion that we have a gentlemen's campaign was very
significant, coming from Colonel Symonds Dodd. The outlook is very
hopeful," stated the nominee. "We'll see the state committee
chairman to-morrow, Thornton. I feel quite sure that he will
have our speechmaking routes laid out. Mr. Breed is very
convincing--sometimes--when he discusses the political situation."

When they were at the foot of the steps of the Mellicite Club, the young
man begged permission to go about some affairs of his own.

"But your own affairs must wait, my boy," insisted Converse. "The party
claims you from now on."

"I will do my duty, sir," said Bristol, smiling; "but this evening I
must have for myself."

"I have invited some gentlemen to dine with us. It's an important
conference."

"The conference I hope to have, Mr. Converse, will be the most important
one of my life."

The lawyer blinked, trying to understand.

"I will tell you to-morrow--I trust it will be the happiest news I ever
told to any person--I will tell you first." He hesitated. "You have
always given