our side," said Peter warmly.

"That's only the generalization of a very young man," said the leader.

Peter liked him all the better for the snub. "I generalized, because it
would make clear the object of my particular endeavors. I want to have
the Health Board help me to draft a food-inspection bill, and I want the
legislature to pass it, without letting it be torn to pieces for the
benefit of special interests. I don't mind fair amendments, but they
must be honest ones."

"And if the Health Board helps you, and the bill is made a law?"

Peter looked Mr. Costell in the face, and spoke quietly: "I shall tell
my ward that you have done them a great service."

Two of the men moved uneasily in their seats, as if not comfortable, and
a third scowled.

"And if we can give you some tenement-house legislation?"

"I shall tell my ward that you have done them a great service." Peter
spoke in the same tone of voice, and still looked Mr. Costell in the
face.

"And if we don't do either?"

"What I shall do then will depend on whether you refuse for a good
reason or for none. In either case I shall tell them the facts."

"This is damned----" began one of the dinner-party, but the lifting of
Mr. Costell's hand stopped the speech there.

"Mr. Stirling," said Mr. Costell, rising as he spoke, "I hope when you
come to think it over, that you will vote with us for Catlin. But
whether you do or not, we want you to work with us. We can help you, and
you can help us. When you are ready to begin on your bills, come and see
me."

"Thank you," said Peter. "That is just what I want." He said good-night
to the company, and left the house.

"That fellow is going to be troublesome," said Green.

"There's no good trying to get anything out of him. Better split with
him at once," said the guest who had used the expletive.

"He can't have any very big hold," said a third. "It's only that trial
which has given him a temporary popularity."

"Wait and see if he goes back on Catlin, and if he does, lay for him,"
remarked Green.

A pause came, and they all looked at Costell, who was smiling a certain
deep smile that was almost habitual with him, and which no one had ever
yet been able to read. "No," he said slowly. "You might beat him, but he
isn't the kind that stays beat. I'll agree to outwit any man in
politics, except the man who knows how to fight and to tell the people
the truth. I've never yet seen a man beaten in the long run