unia knew about Luzanne; but if she
condemned him now, what would she think if she knew that Carnac was his
own son!

"A devilish clever girl that," he said to himself. "If he wins, it'll
be due to her, and if he wins--no, he can't marry her, for he's already
married; but he'll owe it all to her. If he wins!... No, he shall not
win; I've been in the game too long; I've served too many interests;
I've played too big a part."

It was then he met his agent, who said: "They're making strong play
against us--the strongest since you began politics."

"Strong enough to put us in danger?" inquired Barouche. "You've been
at the game here for thirty years, and I'd like to know what you
think--quite honestly."

His agent was disturbed. "I think you're in danger; he has all your
gifts, and he's as clever as Old Nick besides. He's a man that'll make
things hum, if he gets in."

"If he gets in--you think...?"

"He has as good a chance as you, m'sieu'. Here's a list of doubtful
ones, and you'll see they're of consequence."

"They are indeed," said Barouche, scanning the list. "I'd no idea these
would be doubtful."

"Luke Tarboe's working like the devil for Carnac. People believe in him.
Half the men on that list were affected by Tarboe's turning over. Tarboe
is a master-man; he has fought like hell."

"Nevertheless, I've been too long at it to miss it now," said the rueful
member with a forced smile. "I must win now, or my game is up."

The agent nodded, but there was no certainty in his eye. Feeling ran
higher and higher, but there was no indication that Barouche's hopes
were sure of fulfilment. His face became paler as the day wore on, and
his hands freer with those of his late constituents. Yet he noticed that
Carnac was still glib with his tongue and freer with his hands. Carnac
seemed everywhere, on every corner, in every street, at every polling
booth; he laid his trowel against every brick in the wall. Carnac was
not as confident as he seemed, but he was nearing the end of the trail;
and his feet were free and his head clear. One good thing had happened.
The girl who could do him great harm was not in evidence, and it was too
late to spoil his chances now, even if she came. What gave him greatest
hope was the look on Junia's face as he passed her. It was the sign of
the conqueror--something he could not under stand. It was knowledge and
victory.

Also, he had a new feeling towards Tarboe, who had given him such
p