latter is the
better style, giving more and carrying further and tiring less.

Richard belonged by native gift to the Macaulay school. He tasted the
incense of his occupation when, having sent his first story, the night
manager wired:

"Great! Keep it up."

Richard read and re-read the four words, and it must be confessed felt
somewhat ashamed at the good they did him--being the first words of
encomium that had ever come his way. They confirmed his ambition; he had
found a pleasant, unexpected window from which to reconsider existence.

It was seven o'clock and Richard sat turning over a pile of papers which
related to the purchase of the _Daily Tory_; they had been left by Mr.
Gwynn. These he compared with a letter or two that had just come in.

"What a fool and old rogue it is!" cried Richard disgustedly. Then he
pushed the button that summoned Mr. Gwynn.

That severe Briton appeared in flawless evening dress. It was the
occasion of the Harley dinner, and Mr. Gwynn had ordered his carriage
for half after seven.

"Mr. Gwynn," said Richard, "the Harley purpose is the Presidential hopes
of Senator Hanway. You will offer aid in all of Senator Hanway's plans.
Particularly, you are to let him know that the _Daily Tory_ is at his
service. Say that I, as its correspondent, shall make it my first duty
to wait upon him."

"Very good, sir," said Mr. Gwynn.

"Another moment, Mr. Gwynn," said Richard, as the other was about to go.
"Give me your personal check for eleven thousand six hundred and forty
dollars."

Mr. Gywnn's face twitched; he hesitated, rocking a little on his feet.
Richard had turned to scribble something; with that, repressing whatever
had been upon his lips, Mr. Gwynn withdrew. He was instantly back with a
strip of paper fluttering in his fingers. Richard placed it in his desk.
Taking a similar strip from his writing pad he gave it to Mr. Gwynn.

"My own check for eleven thousand six hundred and forty dollars, Mr.
Gwynn," said Richard. "I make you a present of it. That is to save your
credit. Hereafter, when you see a chance to play the scoundrel, before
you embrace it, please measure the probable pillage and let me know. I
will then give you the amount. In that way you will have the profits of
every act of villainy you might commit, while missing the mud and mire
of its accomplishment. Remember, Mr. Gwynn; I will not tolerate a
rascal."

"You are extremely good, sir," said the frozen Mr. Gwynn.