grinned at Jeff. "That's what Jim tells me.
Have you got the proof to hang the thing on Big Tim?"

"I've got a letter he wrote to Captain Green of the _Nancy Hanks_. It's
on city hall stationery of the last administration."

"Funny he used that paper."

"Someone usually makes a slip in putting a deal of this kind through."

"And the letter?"

"Just a line, signed with O'Brien's initials. 'The terms agreed on are
satisfactory.' I found the letter in Green's cabin. As I thought I might
make use of it I helped myself."

"Bully! We'll run a fac-simile of it on the front page."

"Dunn's story covers the whole affair. I don't like some features of it,
but our friends say it ought to be run as it stands. I've written three
columns of editorial stuff dealing with the situation. And here's a
story calling for a mass meeting in front of the State House to-morrow
morning."

"You'll speak to the people?"

"I'll say a few words. Hardy and Rawson will be the speakers."

"Pity we've lost your cousin. He'd stir them up."

The muscles stood out on Jeff's lean jaw. James was a subject he could
not yet discuss. "We're nailing the No Compromise flag to our masthead,
Jenkins. We've got to prevent them from forcing through Garman's
bill to-morrow. After that every day will be in our favor. Unless I'm
mistaken the state will waken up as it never has before. The people will
see how nearly they've been euchred out of what they want."

Jenkins came bluntly to another point. "This story would carry a lot
more weight if those charges made against your character by the other
papers had been answered."

"Then we'll answer them."

The night editor looked at him dubiously. "They've got four affidavits
to back their story."

"Only four?" A gay smile was dancing in Jeff's eyes.

"Both the _Herald_ and the _Advocate_ have been playing it strong. Every
day they rehash the story and challenge a denial."

"It will all be free advertising for us if we can make them eat crow."

"If we can!" Jenkins did not see how any effective answer was possible
and he knew that in the present state of public opinion an unsupported
bluff would be fatal.

"How would this do for a starter?"

Jeff handed him two typewritten sheets. The night editor read them
through. He looked straight at Jeff.

"Can you back this up?"

"I can."

"But--what about those affidavits?"

Farnum grinned. "We'll take care of them when we come to them."

"It's your fun