n portal with the intentness of one who was studying a problem on a printed page. Then, plainly, his thoughts went traveling beyon

mper. He ripped them from his hands. "What the mischief ails 'em, down here? They're all more or

lming himself by a

I can't see the forest on account of the trees! I don't know what tree to climb first, Daunt, I swear I don't! What with

There was a hint in that action; the Senator was showing his determination to handle matters without gloves for the rest of the evening. "There's one t

you going

m going to tell Stewart Morrison that I have business with him, and that I'll attend to it in

t trim just now to go against that bullhead. Let's estimate him squarely. That's always my plan in business." Mr. Daunt plucked a cigar from a box on the table and lighted up leisurely, soothi

s Morrison cut any figure-have any special

olitician. He doesn't know

e wield as an agitator, a

rting trouble isn't wielding influence, Daunt. He'll be going up against the political machine t

x has been doing good work, and practically all of 'em have come over to the Consolidated ca

wn capital. St. Ronan's is free and c

improving a radical's opinions. Then this friend, whom

go after things, ever since he was a boy. That storage-commission scheme i

e has no actual organizati

I'm afraid h

nership of what vested capital under private control must natu

I know Stewart Morrison. He indulges in visions, but he'll back this particular one up with so many facts and figures that i

be done with that

hesitated a

ill must deal with human conditions. The tree is full of good ideas, I'll admit. But we've got to let 'em ripen. Eat 'em now-and it's a case of the gripes for business and politics, both. Therefore"-the Senator paused and squinted at the end of his cigar. "Well, Daunt, w

meaning the

the situation with discretion. Discretion by those in powe

e right legislative

But it's too late to modify his plans much at this hour. He must bull the thing through as he's going. I can undo the mischief to the party by the selection of a smooth diplomat for the gubernatorial nomination next year. But jumping back to the main subject-Stewart Morrison! Seeing what he is, in the water-power matter, I hoped I could smooth things by your getting next to him. I'm sorry you have been so much annoyed, Daunt! He may m

telephone instrument. "A little precaution I've held over from the old days," Co

receiver, which, for the sake of his eardrum, Senator Corson held away from his head. The puckers on his

as all that! It can't be!"

d, at last. "I'll come, but I th

a tin pan at the other end of the line; His Exc

l here-in my house," Corson replied. "

son for saying a few words to Morrison when I started to hunt him up a few

of any especial importance in affairs,

He has been up to that mischief! I have heard straight reports from various sources this evening. The Governor has be

ys, Senator! They go up in the air and jump all the way over into Bolshevism. I'm sorry now

case Senator Corson came upon

have fitted the countenances of explorers who had

g father halted at the polite barrier with a

, Senator Corson!" This

th anxiety. "I mean, ha

Corson have been shot quite

," supplemented the sister. "But we guessed she mu

re she is not i

Daunt plainly knew wha

there and wait a few moments, I am positive

seemed to know what