going to the legislature. You might
just as well not be there if you don't stand clever with the
administration. I haven't put you in just as I intended. But get into
line now, quick. I can smooth it all right for you. I've squared myself
with Everett--he needed me!"

Harlan listened patiently, keeping his eyes on his food.

"Right after breakfast Luke is going to have a talk with you and
Linton."

"It will do Mr. Presson no good to talk to me. I'm with General
Waymouth."

"But General Waymouth has been eliminated, you young idiot. It was the
combination of circumstances that made him a candidate. But those
circumstances have been changed. I can't explain to you how, Harlan--not
here and now. But a brand-new trump has been turned. It had to be done.
You stay behind here with Linton and talk with Luke."

The ladies were rising from the table.

Harlan did not reply. He did not remain. He stepped aside and allowed
the ladies to pass, and followed them from the alcove. Presson stared
after him angrily. Linton, obeying his request, sat down after Mrs.
Presson and her party had retired.

"You've got a fool, there, for a grandson, Thelismer," stated the
chairman with decision.

"He doesn't seem to be a politician," returned the old man, gazing after
him. "There are a few joints in a man that he ought to be able to bend
in politics, but Harlan seems to be afflicted with a sort of righteous
ossification. He'll have to have his lesson, that's all!"

The young man was not in the mood to accept Miss Presson's invitation to
accompany them to the hotel parlor. In the corridor he refused so
brusquely that she stood and gazed at him, allowing the others to go on
without her.

"You seem to be taking politics very seriously, Mr. Harlan Thornton."

"I'm taking honesty and my pledges seriously, that's all."

"Then your honesty puts you in opposition to my father, does it, sir?"
It was said with a spark of resentment. "Do you realize how that
sounds?"

"I do not say so, Miss Presson."

"But I have heard queer rumors this morning. Take a woman's advice once,
Mr. Thornton: it may be worth something, because I have seen more of
this game than you have. Don't kill your career at the outset by trying
to realize an impossible ideal. It's bad enough in love, but it's much
worse in politics!" She hurried away, joining the others.

Harlan paced the corridor impatiently, waiting for Linton to come out.
Few men of the hundreds thr