been too long with men not to appreciate a good chief of staff
when I see him," laughed the General.

Framed in the big door, with the dim glow of light behind him, he
watched them depart.

The Duke walked in the far shadows of the station platform in silence,
smoking, until the train whistled.

"Bub, you remember that I told you I'd put you in right," he said,
climbing the car steps. "Now follow your hand."

But Harlan Thornton, fresh from that presence, understood that he had
pledged a loyalty deeper than the loyalty of mere politics or
preferment.

CHAPTER XII

DEALS AND IDEALS

There was no one in the smoking-room of the car, so the Duke discovered
with relief. It was late, and the passengers were in their berths. There
was no one to spy, ask questions, or guess.

"Complete!" he grunted, satisfiedly, as he sat down. "We've come through
with the job in good shape, Harlan. It'll have to be a mind-reader that
finds out what I've put up to-day."

He swung his feet upon the seat opposite and sighed.

"I'm a pretty old man to be tearing 'round nights in this fashion, bub,
but I feel younger by twenty years just this minute. Now I didn't tell
you my plans this morning. Reckoned I'd wait till I had a clear view
ahead. I've got it now. I'll wire ahead to the junction for our baggage
to be brought from the hotel and put on board this train. We'll stay on.
State capital next. Down to Luke's place. We'll stay there till State
Convention. Finger right on the pulse after this."

He called the porter and arranged for his berths, and ordered the
telegram sent from the next station.

He began leisurely to unfasten his necktie and collar.

"Got to tell Luke, you know. A close corporation of four--that's enough
to know it. Can't trust the rest. We'll let 'em keep their old political
hen sitting on their china egg. We'll hatch the good egg in our own
nest. Then for a glorious old cackle! Vard Waymouth will be the next
Governor of this State! Sure!"

"And this State will have the right man on the job with him as
Governor!" cried the young man, enthusiastically. "I'm proud of what you
did to-night, grandfather. I don't believe he would have listened to
anyone else."

"Friendship, comradeship, mean something when you get old, my boy."

"I hope they'll all know who did it when the time comes right. Some of
the men who have been growling about you behind your back will have
their mouths shut for them."

"You'