_Gifford nods._)

I can't take any chances, you know. If Gherst changed his mind
after I gave my speech and refused to show the originals--such
things have happened.

{Gifford}

That's what I told him. He was firm on giving duplicates, and
for awhile it looked as if my trip to New York was wasted. But I
stuck to my guns. It was originals or nothing with you, I said,
and he finally gave in.

{Knox}

(_Holding up documents._) I can't tell you what they mean to me,
nor how grateful--

{Gifford}

(_Interrupting._) That's all right. Don't mention it. Gherst is
wild for the chance. It will do organized labor a heap of good.
And you are able to say your own say at the same time. How's that
compensation act coming on?

{Knox}

(_Wearily._) The same old story. It will never come before the
House. It is dying in committee. What can you expect of the
Committee of Judiciary?--composed as it is of ex-railroad judges
and ex-railroad lawyers.

{Gifford}

The railroad brotherhoods are keen on getting that bill through.

{Knox}

Well, they won't, and they never will until they learn to vote
right. When will your labor leaders quit the strike and boycott
and lead your men to political action?

{Gifford}

(_Holding out hand._) Well, so long. I've got to trot, and I
haven't time to tell you why I think political action would
destroy the trade union movement.

(_Knox tosses documents on top of low bookcase between fireplace
and bedroom door, and starts to shake hands._) You're damn
careless with those papers. You wouldn't be if you knew how much
Gherst paid for them.

{Gifford}

You don't appreciate that other crowd. It stops at nothing.

{Knox}

I won't take my eyes off of them. And I'll take them to bed with
me to-night for safety. Besides, there is no danger. Nobody but
you knows I have them.

{Gifford}

(_Proceeding toward door to right._) I'd hate to be in
Starkweather's office when he discovers what's happened. There'll
be some bad half hours for somebody. (_Pausing at door._) Give them
hell to-morrow, good and plenty. I'm going to be in a gallery. So
long. (_Makes exit._)

(_Knox crosses to windows, which he opens, returns to desk,
seats himself in revolving chair, and begins opening his
correspondence. _) (_A knock at door to right._)

{Knox}

Come in.

(_Hubbard enters, advances to desk, but does not shake hands.
They greet each other, and Hubbard sits down in chair to left of
desk._) (_K