takes care of that pretty well; I've had to
give less time to study. I don't know enough to be able to command a
position as law clerk,--there aren't many pay jobs of that sort in a
town like this."

"I suppose that's true," assented Bassett. "I suppose I shall always
regret I didn't hang on at the law, but I had other interests that
conflicted. But I'm a member of the bar, as I probably told you at
Fraserville, and I have a considerable library stored away."

"That," laughed Dan, "is susceptible of two interpretations."

"Oh, I don't mean it's in my head; it's in a warehouse in Fraserville."

The grimness of Bassett's face in repose was an effect of his
close-trimmed mustache. He was by no means humorless and his smile was
pleasant. Dan felt drawn to him again as at Fraserville. Here was a man
who stood four square to the winds, undisturbed by the cyclonic
outbursts of unfriendly newspapers. In spite of the clashing winter at
the state house and all he had heard and read of the senate leader since
the Fraserville visit, Dan's opinion of Bassett stood. His sturdy
figure, those firm, masterful hands, and his deep, serious voice all
spoke for strength.

"It has occurred to me, Mr. Harwood, that we might be of service to each
other. I have a good many interests. You may have gathered that I am a
very practical person. That is wholly true. In business I aim at
success; I didn't start out in life to be a failure."

Bassett paused a moment and Dan nodded. It was at the tip of his tongue
to say that such should be every man's hope and aim, but Bassett
continued.

"I'm talking to you frankly. I'm not often mistaken in my judgments of
men and I've taken a liking to you. I want to open an office here
chiefly to have a quiet place from which to keep track of things that
interest me. Fraserville is no longer quite central enough and I'm down
here a good deal. I need somebody to keep an office open for me. I've
been looking about and there are some rooms in the Boordman Building
that I think would be about right. You might call the position I'm
suggesting a private secretaryship, as I should want you to take charge
of correspondence, make appointments, scan the papers, and keep me
advised of the trend of things. I'm going to move my law library down
here to give the rooms a substantial look, and if you feel like joining
me you'll have a good deal of leisure for study. Then when you're ready
for practice I may be in a positio