d save the situation for yourselves and all
California or you can leave it and rot on your own ranches. Buck, I know
you. I know you're not afraid of anything that wears skin. I know you've
got sand all through you, and I know if I showed you how we could put
our deal through and seat a Commission of our own, you wouldn't hang
back. Governor, you're a brave man. You know the advantage of prompt and
fearless action. You are not the sort to shrink from taking chances. To
play for big stakes is just your game--to stake a fortune on the turn
of a card. You didn't get the reputation of being the strongest poker
player in El Dorado County for nothing. Now, here's the biggest gamble
that ever came your way. If we stand up to it like men with guts in us,
we'll win out. If we hesitate, we're lost."

"I don't suppose you can help playing the goat, Osterman," remarked
Annixter, "but what's your idea? What do you think we can do? I'm not
saying," he hastened to interpose, "that you've anyways convinced me by
all this cackling. I know as well as you that we are in a hole. But I
knew that before I came here to-night. YOU'VE not done anything to make
me change my mind. But just what do you propose? Let's hear it."

"Well, I say the first thing to do is to see Disbrow. He's the political
boss of the Denver, Pueblo, and Mojave road. We will have to get in with
the machine some way and that's particularly why I want Magnus with us.
He knows politics better than any of us and if we don't want to get sold
again we will have to have some one that's in the know to steer us."

"The only politics I understand, Mr. Osterman," answered Magnus sternly,
"are honest politics. You must look elsewhere for your political
manager. I refuse to have any part in this matter. If the Railroad
Commission can be nominated legitimately, if your arrangements can be
made without bribery, I am with you to the last iota of my ability."

"Well, you can't get what you want without paying for it," contradicted
Annixter.

Broderson was about to speak when Osterman kicked his foot under the
table. He, himself, held his peace. He was quick to see that if he could
involve Magnus and Annixter in an argument, Annixter, for the mere love
of contention, would oppose the Governor and, without knowing it, would
commit himself to his--Osterman's--scheme.

This was precisely what happened. In a few moments Annixter was
declaring at top voice his readiness to mortgage the cr