he has
been a mighty good friend to the corporation that put him there. And it
has done well by him. He owns a fine house in San Francisco, entertains,
goes into the best society, has visited Europe several times, and,
although he is now rising sixty, continues to fool all but a few. He
might climb higher and become a United States Senator, but the
corporation finds him too useful here. He rather resents that, but they
make the sacrifice worth his while. I can well conceive they have
spotted you, and you may be sure there is little about you they don't
know. Of course they have made up their minds you are erratic, and have
not the least doubt that they can manipulate that loose screw. They have
bought thousands, these ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- (it was not often the judge swore, but
when he did he took some time). Grafters, that are debauching the
country and will soon make it impossible for an honest man to live; and
although they will no doubt have the grace to approach you with less
brutal directness than commonly, I knew that was what they were after
the moment that old rascal began to talk to me this morning. He never
fooled me. Well, we'll fool him. You go to Washington and get your
passport, and if you can't hasten matters don't let an outsider know
what you are after. Plunge into society and let them think you need a
change from California. Of course you will give your real name. Cat's
out, anyhow. Perhaps they will think you are on your way home to
England. Flirt with the girls and be a frivolous young blood. The judge
asked you to dinner, I suppose? I thought so. You would meet more than
the judge; if not the first time, then the second and third. Write him a
note, telling him you are obliged to go south to take a look at your
mother's ranch. Then obey a sudden impulse and go East by the southern
route. In Washington be seen as much with your ambassador as possible. I
don't think these rascals will suspect, for they take for granted that
you were duly 'discharged from your American indigenate'--I can hear
him! If they did there would be the devil to pay, but I don't think they
will. However, don't waste any time."

Gwynne was staring at the fire, his inner being chaos, but he replied in
a moment that he would start for Washington on the following day.

V

There had been no stormier night during the winter. Isabel's old house
creaked and ratt