dherents now conceded the superior strength of Senator
Hanway, and two or three States which held their conventions about this
time instructed their delegates to vote for him as a unit. Mr. Harley
and Senator Gruff, being nearest to Senator Hanway, were jubilant; they
complimented and extolled the acumen that substituted Canal for Finance
as a popular shout.

"You've got it," ejaculated Senator Gruff, slapping Senator Hanway on
the shoulder with a freedom cherished by statesmen among themselves;
"the ticket is as good as made, with Hanway at the head. Put Frost on
for Vice President, and it will be all over but the fireworks."

Senator Hanway was of one mind with Senator Gruff; he could discover no
gap in his fences through which defeat might crowd.

"It's as it should be, John," observed Senator Hanway, when one evening
he and Mr. Harley were alone in his study. Richard had just left,
bearing an elaborate interview with Senator Hanway in which the Georgian
Bay-Ontario Canal was displayed as the question paramount and
precedental to all others, the interview being intended for the next
issue of the _Daily Tory_. "It would be hard, indeed," continued Senator
Hanway, "to be wiped out in politics just as we were wiped out in
stocks. I can look on present pauperism calmly enough, if it is to be
followed by the White House for four years. It would be our turn then to
issue German defiances, and use Monroe to milk the Market."

"Yes," assented Mr. Harley, a greedy twinkle in his eye, "a White House
should place us on high ground."

Mr. Harley, being thus reminded of the osprey pool, remarked that he
received a line that afternoon saying the mysterious builder of the
corner in Northern Consolidated had been discovered in Robert Lance
Bayard. The old gray buccaneer would at once learn the terms upon which
they might ransom themselves.

"If it be so much as three millions for our share," said Senator Hanway,
"it will cut us both off at the roots. Three millions would take the
last bond and the last share of stock in our boxes."

"The offer will be made for a million a man," said Mr. Harley; "but
should Mr. Bayard refuse, there's no help. He holds us at his mercy."

"Absolutely!" assented Senator Hanway, with a sigh. Then in livelier
manner: "Still, as I observed, we must console ourselves with a
Presidency. That Georgian Bay-Ontario Canal was a fortunate thought. My
nomination is certain; and the success of the ticket wi