e
supersedes reform for the people's sake. Candidates have been afraid of
those mouths. Such mouths as those outside there assert that they are
talking for the whole people in the name of morality, but there are only
a few mouths of that kind. It is time to test it out. I propose to see
whether the people will not follow the real thing in honesty instead of
the mere protestation of it."

On the way to the station the General preferred his request. It was that
Harlan become his executive officer in the approaching campaign--his
chief of staff, his companion, his buffer, protecting him from the
assaults of the politicians.

"Before the campaign really opens there will be three weeks or so in
which you may attend to your own affairs. You remember that it was you
that dragged me into this, young man!" It was the old jest, but it had
taken on meaning within twenty-four hours. "You have seen with your own
eyes, heard with your ears, how I stand alone between factions which are
willing to sacrifice the State in order to win for their own interests.
I have planted my standard between 'em! I'll try to rally an army to it
that will leave the extremists of both those sides hopelessly deserted
by the rank and file of the honest citizens. I need you with me, for you
have been with me from the start, and you have shown your fitness" (he
smiled), "even to securing an audience with the Honorable Spinney. Is it
yes, my young friend?"

"It is yes, General Waymouth. I question my ability--I know it is poor.
But of my loyalty there is no question."

The General grasped his hand. They were at the car steps. "It shall be
'Boots and saddles!' three weeks from to-day!"

Linton was in the parlors of the hotel with the Presson party when
Harlan arrived, glowing with his new enthusiasm, confident in his new
elevation in the affairs of men. In the affairs of women he was not
quite as sure of his desires or his standing, but his mood was new, and
he realized it. He went straight to Madeleine Presson. Twenty-four hours
before the presence of Linton at her side would have held him aloof.

He put out his hand to the young lawyer, and Linton took it.

"I extend my congratulations rather late, but they are sincere. It was a
noble speech. You put in words my own thoughts regarding a noble man."

"Perhaps you could have expressed those thoughts just as well as I did."
Linton was not cordial.

"No, sir, not with a woodsman's vocabulary, though wi