the line Barouche would take; again and again Barouche made a
gesture, or tossed his head, or swung upon his feet to right and left
in harmony with Carnac's own mind. Carnac would say to himself: "Why,
that's what I'd have done--that's what I'd have said, if I had his
policy." More than once, in some inspired moment of the speech, he
caught his mother's hand, and he did not notice that her hand trembled.

But as for one of Barouche's chapter of policy Carnac almost sprang to
his feet in protest when Barouche declared it. To Carnac it seemed fatal
to French Canada, though it was expounded with a taking air; yet as he
himself had said it was "wrong-headed and wrong-purposed."

When the speech had finished to great cheering, Carnac suddenly turned
to his mother:

"He's on the wrong track. I know the policy to down his. He's got no
opponent. I'm going to stand against him at the polls."

She clutched his arm. "Carnac--Carnac! You don't know what you're
doing."

"Well, I will pretty quick," he replied stoutly. "I'm out after him, if
they'll have me."

CHAPTER XIX. CARNAC BECOMES A CANDIDATE

That night Carnac mapped out his course, carefully framed the policy to
offset that of Barode Barouche, and wrote a letter to the Chairman of
the Opposition at Montreal offering to stand, and putting forward an
ingenious policy. He asked also for an interview; and the interview was
granted by telegram--almost to his surprise. He was aware, however, of
the discontent among the English members of the Opposition, and of the
wish of the French members to find a good compromise.

He had a hope that his singular position--the notoriety which his
father's death and his own financial disfranchisement had caused--would
be a fine card in his favour. He was not mistaken. His letter arrived
at Headquarters when there were difficulties concerning three candidates
who were pressing their claims. Carnac Grier, the disinherited son of
the great lumber-king, who had fame as an artist, spoke French as
though it were his native tongue, was an element of sensation which, if
adroitly used, could be of great service. It might even defeat
Barode Barouche. In the first place, Carnac was young, good-looking,
personable, and taking in his manner. Barouche was old, experienced,
with hosts of enemies and many friends, but with injurious egotism. An
interview was, therefore, arranged at Headquarters.

On the morning of the day it took place, Carnac's