said the chairman on the way to
the carriage. "And I want to tell you that the State Committee will
swing into line behind you for the campaign. You'll find us loyal.
There's a good deal more I'd like to say, but there'll be time enough
for that later. I'll merely say this: both of us have been in politics
years enough, I believe, to be able to wash a convention slate clean,
when it's a question of a State campaign against the opposite party."

"I'll meet you frankly on that plane, Mr. Presson. I have too much ahead
of me to waste time in quarrels. It isn't my nature to retaliate. I have
understood the situation better than some men would."

Harlan, hoping that the chairman appreciated that magnanimity, gave
Presson a look that expressed much. But in his new humility the latter
was getting rid of ancient grudges as fast as he could. While the
General was entering the carriage, the chairman offered rather
embarrassed apology. "But you introduced some original specialties in
politics that took me off my feet, young man!" he added, with a sickly
smile.

Harlan was still a little stiff. It was not easy for him to get into the
state of political pliability that he saw others assume so readily.

"I'm a countryman, and pretty awkward in most everything I undertake,"
he said. "I have no business meddling in the big affairs of this State.
I'll take my place where I belong, after this, Mr. Presson. If I don't,
I'll not have a friend left--not even my own grandfather."

The chairman glanced at him curiously, scenting something like duplicity
under this bitter frankness. He was not used to seeing men throw aside
such advantages as this young man had gained.

The three entered the hotel through the side door, and at the General's
request the chairman accompanied him and his young lieutenant to their
headquarters. It was near the luncheon hour, and Presson had suggested
that he conduct them to Mrs. Presson.

A party of men had taken possession of the General's suite. They rose
when he entered. They paid no attention to Harlan, but surveyed Chairman
Presson with disfavor that was very noticeable.

Several of the men were clergymen, advertised as such by their white
ties and frock-coats. Those who attended them had the unmistakable air
of zealots. Their demeanor showed that they had come on business that
they considered serious.

General Waymouth knew them. He addressed one or two by name, and was
gracious in his greeting of