were
pettifogging, but certainly no more so than any other shrewd rat or
animal that burrows its way onward--and shall we say upward? The
deepest controlling principle which animated these individuals was the
oldest and first, that of self-preservation. Picture, for example, a
common occurrence--that of Senator John H. Southack, conversing with,
perhaps, Senator George Mason Wade, of Gallatin County, behind a
legislative door in one of the senate conference chambers toward the
close of a session--Senator Southack, blinking, buttonholing his
well-dressed colleague and drawing very near; Senator Wade, curious,
confidential, expectant (a genial, solid, experienced, slightly paunchy
but well-built Senator Wade--and handsome, too).

"You know, George, I told you there would be something eventually in
the Quincy water-front improvement if it ever worked out. Well, here
it is. Ed Truesdale was in town yesterday." (This with a knowing eye,
as much as to say, "Mum's the word.") "Here's five hundred; count it."

A quick flashing out of some green and yellow bills from a vest pocket,
a light thumbing and counting on the part of Senator Wade. A flare of
comprehension, approval, gratitude, admiration, as though to signify,
"This is something like." "Thanks, John. I had pretty near forgot all
about it. Nice people, eh? If you see Ed again give him my regards.
When that Bellville contest comes up let me know."

Mr. Wade, being a good speaker, was frequently in request to stir up
the populace to a sense of pro or con in connection with some
legislative crisis impending, and it was to some such future
opportunity that he now pleasantly referred. O life, O politics, O
necessity, O hunger, O burning human appetite and desire on every hand!

Mr. Southack was an unobtrusive, pleasant, quiet man of the type that
would usually be patronized as rural and pettifogging by men high in
commercial affairs. He was none the less well fitted to his task, a
capable and diligent beneficiary and agent. He was well dressed,
middle-aged,--only forty-five--cool, courageous, genial, with eyes that
were material, but not cold or hard, and a light, springy, energetic
step and manner. A holder of some C. W. & I. R.R. shares, a director
of one of his local county banks, a silent partner in the Effingham
Herald, he was a personage in his district, one much revered by local
swains. Yet a more game and rascally type was not to be found in all
rural le