re getting tired of the old boss system; I'll tell
you that a lot of the old fellows too are beginning to get restless. The
absurdity of the whole game on both sides is beginning to get into the
inner consciousness of the people. You know if I had stayed regular when
the free-silver business came on I might have been in a position now to
play for the governorship--which is the only thing I ever wanted; rather
nice to be governor of your own state, and have your name scratched on a
slab at the State House door; it's even conceivable, Daniel, that a man
might do a little good--barely possible," he concluded dryly. "I'm out
of it now for good; but anything I can do to help you, don't wait to
write, just telephone me. Now--"

"I'm not so sure you can't make it yet; I'd like to see you there."

"Thanks, Daniel; but like you I'm in the ranks of the patriots and not
looking for the pie counter. Here's another matter. Do you mind telling
me what you're up to in this White River Canneries business? I notice
that you've been sticking the can-opener into it."

"Yes; that protest of the original stockholders against the
reorganization is still pending. As administrator of the estate of
Professor Kelton--you remember him--Madison College--I filed a petition
to be let into the case. It's been sleeping along for a couple of
years--stockholders too poor to put up a fight. I've undertaken to probe
clear into the mire. I've got lots of time and there's lots of mire!"

"Good. They say the succotash and peaches were all cooked in the same
pot, and that our Uncle Mort did the skimming."

"So they say; but believe me, I can attack him without doing violence to
my professional conscience. White River Canneries was never in the
Boordman office to my knowledge. This isn't vengeance on my part; it's
my duty to get what I can for the estate."

"Well, some of our farmers down my way got soaked in that deal, but it
never seemed worth while to waste their money in litigation. I'll be
glad to turn the claims I have in my office over to you; the more you
have, the stronger fight you can make."

"Good. I welcome business. I'm going to see if I can't get to the bottom
of the can."

As a _revolte_ Dan had attracted more attention than he liked, in all
the circumstances. Now that the legislature had adjourned, he was
anxious to give his energy to the law, and he did not encourage
political pilgrims to visit his office. He felt that he had behaved