ing. I have some ideals to-day. You may
not find them to your liking in politics."

"I'm willing to trust in your good judgment and your sense of what is
square for all concerned," protested the Duke, stoutly. "In the hot old
days I was hot with the rest, Vard. I've mellowed some since."

"You may not find me a safe man, Thelismer. I shall come back out of the
shadows with a firm resolve to merit the approval of the young men of
this State--and the young men see more clearly than their fathers did."

"I'm not here to-night with bridle or bit or halter, Varden. We need
you. The party has got to have you. I know what your name will
accomplish in that convention. You shall be Governor of this State
without making pledge or promise. Will you stand?"

"I ask you again, Thelismer, if there is no other way?"

"Any other way means Spinney and mob rule."

General Waymouth turned to Harlan. "Go out and tell the honest young men
of this State that I will try to satisfy their ideals. That's the only
pledge I'll give. I'm afraid I haven't any promise for the old machine,
Thelismer." He smiled.

"We don't need any," returned the Duke, briskly. "We know Vard Waymouth.
But there's one pledge I do want from you. This whole thing is to be
left in my hands so far as announcement goes. My plan of campaign makes
that much necessary. We don't want to flush that bunch of birds till we
can give 'em both barrels."

"I consent. I'll live in the lingering hope that at the last moment
you'll find I won't be needed."

He rose and gave his hand to each in turn, bringing them to their feet.

"Now for bed. Of course, you'll remain here the night."

"No," declared Thornton, decisively. "Out o' here on the midnight! I
want to dodge out of Burnside in the dark. We'll walk down to the
station now. It's settled. I'll keep you posted."

At the door the General gave Harlan the last word, grasping his hand
again.

"You brought me a message from the young men that touched me."

"I spoke for myself, but I believe that all of them would like to have
the same opportunity that I had," faltered Harlan. "I know they would.
Will you let us come to you at the right time and make it plain?"

"I shall depend upon you in a great many ways in the months to come. You
know it's to be a young man's administration by an old man made young
again. I'm proud of my first volunteer!"

"He's a good boy, and he's got the makings in him," declared the Duke.

"I've