the matter. Let
me--by--please." He crossed the swaying platform and disappeared into
the other car.

For a moment the professor and Magee gazed after him, and then without a
word moved down the car to join Cargan and Max. Magee's mind was dazed
by the tragedy he had witnessed. "A pleasant thing to think about--" He
did not envy Kendrick his thoughts.

The mayor of Reuton had pushed aside the cards and lighted a huge cigar.

"Well, Doc," he remarked jocosely, "how's trade? Sold any new schemes
for renovating the world to the up-state rubes? I should think this
would be sort of an off-season for the reform business. Peace on earth,
good will toward men--that ain't exactly a good advertisement for the
reformers, is it?"

"It's an excellent one," replied Professor Bolton. "The first essential
of good will toward men is not to rob and debauch them."

"Oh, well, Doc, don't let's argue the matter," replied Cargan easily. "I
ain't in the humor for it, anyhow. You got your beliefs, and I got my
beliefs. And that ain't no reason why we should not smoke a couple of
good cigars together. Have one?"

"Thanks. I--" reluctantly the old man took a gay-banded Havana from the
mayor's huge fist. "You're very kind."

"I suppose it's sort of a blow to you," the mayor went on, "that your
plans up there on the mountain went all to smash. It ought to teach you
a lesson, Doc. There ain't nothing to the reform gag."

The train slowed down at a small yellow station. Mr. Magee peered out
the window. "Hooperstown," he read, "Reuton--10 miles." He saw Mr. Max
get up and leave the car.

"Not a thing to it, Doc," Cargan repeated, "Your bunch has tried to get
me before. You've shouted from the housetops that you had the goods on
me. What's always happened?"

"Your own creatures have acquitted you," replied the professor, from a
cloud of Cargan cigar smoke.

"Fair-minded men decided that I hadn't done wrong. I tell you, Doc,
there's dishonest graft, and I'm against that always. And there's honest
graft--the rightful perquisites of a high office. That's the trouble
with you church politicians. You can't see the difference between the
two."

"I'm not a church politician," protested the professor. "I'm bitterly
opposed to the lily-white crowd who continually rant against the thing
they don't understand. I'm practical, as practical as you, and when--"

Noiselessly Mr. Max slid up to the group, and stood silent, his eyes
wide, his yellow f