methods with Bassett's own
tools was a subject for laughter. It seemed for the moment that
Harwood's decision might be struck on this note of mirth. Dan wondered
whether, in permitting Bassett thus to disclose his plans and purposes,
he had not already nailed his flag to the Bassett masthead.

"I don't want these fellows who are old-timers in state
conventions--particularly those known to be my old friends--to figure
much," Bassett continued. "I'm asking your aid because you're new and
clean-handed. The meanest thing they can say against you is that you're
in my camp. They tell me you're an effective speaker, a number of
county chairmen have said your speeches in the last campaign made a good
impression. I shall want you to prepare a speech about four minutes
long, clean-cut and vigorous,--we'll decide later what that speech shall
be about. I've got it in mind to spring something in that convention
just to show Thatcher that there are turns of the game he doesn't know
yet. I'm going to give you a part that will make 'em remember you for
some time, Dan."

Bassett's smile showed his strong sound teeth. He rarely laughed, but he
yielded now to the contagion of the humor he had aroused in Harwood.

"It's a big chance you're giving me to get into things," replied
Harwood. "I'll do my best." Then he added, in the glow of his complete
surrender: "You've never asked me to do a dishonorable thing in the four
years I've been with you. There's nothing I oughtn't to be glad to do
from any standpoint, and I'm grateful for this new mark of your
confidence."

"That's all right, Dan. There are things in store for young men in
politics in this state--Republicans and Democrats," said Bassett,
without elation or any show of feeling whatever. "Once the limelight
hits you, you can go far--very far. I must go over to the 'Courier'
office now and see Atwill."

CHAPTER XIX

THE THUNDER OF THE CAPTAINS

Marian had suggested to her mother that they visit Mrs. Owen in town
before settling at Waupegan for the summer, and it was Marian's planning
that made this excursion synchronize with the state convention. Mr.
Bassett was not consulted in the matter; in fact, since his wife's
return from Connecticut he had been unusually occupied, and almost
constantly away from Fraserville. Mrs. Bassett and her daughter arrived
at the capital the day after Mrs. Owen reached home from Wellesley with
Sylvia, and the Bassetts listened perforce to