y-snatchers for a State Committee.
They'd rather see the Democrat the next Governor than you. That's how
mad they are. That's how sure they are that you propose to put their
noses to the grindstone. That's how rotten politics is in this State.
The Democrat won't give us reform. They know it. They'd rather see the
State officers go by the board than have the kind of reform you've
promised 'em. They can get rid of their Democrat after two years. Your
reform may hang on a good while, once get the laws chained. Now what are
you going to do?"

"I know exactly what I'm going to do."

"Yes; but, grinning Jehosaphat, how much time have you got to do it in?
Three weeks to election now!"

"This campaign, Thelismer, will be started, as it ought to be started,
within the next twenty-four hours. As to how it will be started I'll
have you present as a witness, if you'll accept an invitation."

The Duke was obliged to be contented with only that much assurance and
information.

"There's a train back to the State capital in half an hour, Thelismer,"
the General stated. "I'll be pleased to have you go along with Harlan
and myself. If you'll excuse me now, I'll finish signing these letters."

The old man was not disturbed by this abruptness. He rose.

"I reckon you know how to play the game, Vard," he said. "I'm perfectly
satisfied, now that I know you are playing it. But you'll excuse me for
being a little uneasy about your starting in."

He did not interrupt Harlan, who was busy at his desk. He picked up one
of the newspapers that covered the General's table, and marched out into
the garden.

He joined them when they came out. The General's old-fashioned carryall
conveyed them to the railroad station. They made the journey to the
capital without a word of reference to the purpose of their trip.
Unobtrusively chatting about the old times, the Duke and his friend made
their way back to their old footing. It was mutual forbearance and
forgiveness, for they were old enough to be philosophers, and especially
did they understand the philosophy of politics.

Chairman Presson was in his office at his hotel when they entered. He
came out to greet General Waymouth, suave but circumspect, and furtively
studied word and aspect of his visitor.

"Mr. Presson," said the General, breaking in upon the chairman's vague
gossip regarding the political situation, "this is short notice, but I
presume you can reach a few members of the State Com