assett carelessly.

"We voted on House Bill Ninety-five in committee to-night: the majority
report will be against it."

"So? What was the matter with it?"

"It's crooked, that's all. I wouldn't stand for it; two members were
willing to support it, and there will be a minority report. It's that
same bill that was jumped on so hard at the last session, only it's been
given a fresh coat of paint."

"It seems to have taken you several weeks to find that out. There's
nothing wrong with that bill. It merely frames a natural and reasonable
right into a statute. Those labor cranks at the State House have been
trying to scare you."

"No, sir; that thing's dead wrong! You not only know it's wrong, but you
misled me about it. That public benefit clause is put in there to throw
dust in the eyes of the people; it makes possible the very combination
and absorption of industries that the party is pledged to fight. I have
bawled against those things in every county in Indiana!"

Bassett nodded, but showed no irritation. His manner irritated Harwood.
The younger man's lips twitched slightly as he continued.

"And the fact that you were behind it has leaked out; the 'Advertiser'
is on to it and is going to go after it to-morrow. House Bill
Ninety-five is an outrage on the party honor and an affront to the
intelligence of the people. And moreover your interest in having me made
chairman of the committee that had to pass on it doesn't look good."

"Well, sir, what are you going to do about it? I'm not particularly
interested in that bill; but a lot of our friends are behind it, and
we've got to take care of our friends," said Bassett, without raising
his voice.

Their relations were practically at an end; and Bassett did not care.
But Dan felt the wrench; he felt it the more keenly because of Bassett's
impassiveness at this moment of parting.

"You've been a kind friend to me, sir; you've--"

Bassett laid his hand with an abrupt gesture upon Harwood's arm, and
smiled a curious, mirthless smile.

"None of that! I told you, when the time came for you to go, you need
shed no tears at the parting. Remember, you don't owe me anything; we're
quits."

"I hoped you wouldn't see it just this way; that you would realize the
danger of that bill--to the party, to yourself!"

"You can score heavily by showing up the bill for what you think it is.
Go ahead; it's your chance. I haven't a word to say to you."

He folded his white glove