e Colonel added reflectively, and the hint was not lost on
me. "It's better not to let 'em find out any sooner than they have to
where this thing comes from,--you understand." He looked at his watch.
"How would nine o'clock do? I'll be there, with Trulease, when you
come,--by accident, you understand. Of course he'll be reasonable, but
when they get to be governors they have little notions, you know, and
you've got to indulge 'em, flatter 'em a little. It doesn't hurt, for
when they get their backs up it only makes more trouble."

He put on a soft, black felt hat, and departed noiselessly...

At nine o'clock I arrived at the State House and was ushered into a
great square room overlooking the park. The Governor was seated at a
desk under an elaborate chandelier, and sure enough, Colonel Varney was
there beside him; making barely perceptible signals.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Paret," said Mr.
Trulease. "Your name is a familiar one in your city, sir. And I gather
from your card that you are associated with my good friend, Theodore
Watling."

I acknowledged it. I was not a little impressed by the perfect blend of
cordiality, democratic simplicity and impressiveness Mr. Trulease had
achieved. For he had managed, in the course of a long political career,
to combine in exact proportions these elements which, in the public
mind, should up the personality of a chief executive. Momentarily
he overcame the feeling of superiority with which I had entered his
presence; neutralized the sense I had of being associated now with the
higher powers which had put him where he was. For I knew all about his
"record."

"You're acquainted with Colonel Varney?" he inquired.

"Yes, Governor, I've met the Colonel," I said.

"Well, I suppose your firm is getting its share of business these days,"
Mr. Trulease observed. I acknowledged it was, and after discussing for a
few moments the remarkable growth of my native city the Governor tapped
on his desk and inquired what he could do for me. I produced the letter
from the attorney for the Railroad. The Governor read it gravely.

"Ah," he said, "from Mr. Gorse." A copy of the proposed bill was
enclosed, and the Governor read that also, hemmed and hawed a little,
turned and handed it to Colonel Varney, who was sitting with a detached
air, smoking contemplatively, a vacant expression on his face. "What do
you think of this, Colonel?"

Whereupon the Colonel tore himself