Steve"--and the convention, with more or less show of independence, did
nothing but ratify his choice. When I spoke of canvassing some of the
chosen delegates of the convention, Gardener said: "What's the use of
talking to those small fry? If we can get the big fellows, we've got
the rest. They do what the big ones tell them--and won't do anything
they aren't told. You leave it to me." I had only hoped to see him in
the Lower House, but he, with his wiser audacity, soon proclaimed
himself a candidate for the Senate. "We can get the big thing as easy
as the little one," he said. "I'm going to tell Graham it's the Senate
or nothing for me." And he got his promise. And when we knew, at
last, that his name was really on "the slate" of candidates to be
presented to the convention, we were ready to throw up our hats and
cheer for ourselves--and for the Boss.

The convention met in September, 1898. There had been a fusion of
Silver Republicans, Democrats, and Populists, that year, and the
political offices had been apportioned out among the faithful
machine-men of these parties. Gardener was nominated by "Big Steve,"
in a eulogistic speech that was part of the farce; and the convention
ratified the nomination with the unanimity of a stage mob. We knew
that his election was as sure as sunrise, and I set to work looking up
models for my bills with all the enthusiasm of the first reformer.

Meanwhile there was the question of the campaign and of the campaign
expenses. Gardener had been assessed $500 by the committee as his
share of the legitimate costs of the election, and Boss Graham
generously offered to get the money for him "from friends." We were
rather inclined to let Graham do so, feeling a certain delicacy about
refusing his generosity and being aware, too, that we were not
millionaires. But Graham was not the only one who made the offer; for
example, Ed. Chase, since head of the gambler's syndicate in Denver,
made similar proposals of kindly aid; and we decided, at last, that
perhaps it would be well to be quite independent. Our law practice was
improving. Doubtless, it would continue to improve now that we were
"in right" with the political powers. We put up $250 each and paid the
assessment.

The usual business of political rallies, mass-meetings, and campaign
speeches followed in due course, and in November, 1898, Gardener was
elected a State Senator on the fusion ticket. I had been busy with my