private I
admit all you say, but it ain't policy for me to advocate it just now."

"Policy! I'm sick of policy!" cried Bradley. "Let's try being right
awhile."

The Judge changed the subject. He told the members at the
boarding-house that it wouldn't hurt Bradley's chances. "People won't
down a man on that point any more."

"Perhaps not in your county, but I don't want to experiment down in my
county," said Major Root, of MacIntosh.

"I don't believe the people of Iowa will down any man for stating what
he believes is right."

"Don't bet too high on that," said the Major in final reply.

The Judge dined with Bradley at the dining-room in the little cottage,
and it gave Bradley great satisfaction to see that he used his fork
more gracefully than the Supreme judge, who sat beside him, and better
than the senator, who sat opposite. They had a most delightful time in
talking over old legal friends, and the Judge was beaming as he came to
pudding. He assured them all that the Honorable Talcott would be heard
on the floor of Congress.

"We're the winning party now," he said. "We're the party of the
future."

The others laughed good naturedly. "Don't be too certain of that." They
all rose. "You surprised us sleeping on our arms," the general said,
"but we're awake now, and we've got pickets out."

The Judge enjoyed his visit very much, and only once did he present
himself to Bradley with a suspicious heaviness in his speech. He had
reformed entirely since he had adopted a son, he explained to his old
cronies.

On the day when the Judge was to return, as they walked down to the
train together, he said, "Well, Brad, we'll go right into the
congressional campaign."

"I don't believe we'd better do that, Judge."

"Why not?"

"Well, I could not be elected--that's one thing."

The Judge allowed an impressive silence to intervene.

"Why not? I tell you, young man, they're on the run. We can put you
through. You've made a strong impression down here."

"I don't believe I want to be put through. I'm sick of it. I don't
believe I'm a politician. I'm sick all through with the whole cursed
business. I never'd be here only for you, pulling wires. I can't pull
wires."

"You needn't pull wires. I'll do that. You talk, and that's what put
you here, and it'll put you in Congress."

Bradley was in a bad mood.

"What's the good of my going there? I can't do anything. I've done
nothing here."

"Yes, y' have. You've be