l it did was to proclaim the rum business contraband. No teeth, no
claws, not much machinery for enforcement--and public sentiment cussing
it, after it began to hit men individually. Reform in politics is
popular just so long as it doesn't hit individuals."

"There's teeth enough in the law _now_", remarked Harlan.

"Oh, it's easier to put 'em in than it is to fight the mouths of the
professional ramrodders who come down to the legislature. We put in the
teeth right along and leave off the enforcement muscle. The old thing
can't chaw! Then the ramrodders have got the law to hoorah about and
read over in the parlor, and they'll go right past such a place as we
saw down the street there and not know it's a rumshop. After they get
all the law they ask for, it's a part of their game to say that the
rumshops aren't doing business. They're the kind that believe that just
having the law makes every one good--they don't want to go back on their
own scheme. Come along!" He went out into the sunshine. "I don't like to
get talking prohibition. The play is not to talk it. It runs best when
you don't talk about it. It's running good now. Saloons open, and all
the prohibitory law-frills the old fuss-budgets can crochet and hang
onto the original bush! Both sides satisfied!"

"It may be good politics--it may seem all right to you, because you were
in the thing from the start and saw how the tricks had to be played,"
grumbled the young man. "But I haven't had that kind of training. I've
been brought up in business, grandfather. And a State that will do what
this State is doing now--I'm not saying who's at fault--but the State
that will handle a law in this way is a blackleg. I believe in General
Waymouth. I believe he's got something up his sleeve in the way of real
reform. I believe he meant what he said. I don't want to see you hurt
personally in your plans, grandfather, but I want to tell you frankly
I'm with the other side in this thing."

The Duke glanced at him inquiringly.

"I mean, politics or no politics, I want to see a law enforced so long
as it's a law. If a party cannot hold together and keep on top with any
other system, then the party is 'in' wrong. I don't believe General
Waymouth intends to straddle. He'll enforce the law."

"And kill his party?" inquired the old man, sarcastically. "Oh no, my
boy. The party has looked out for that. It isn't taking any chances with
a man who might get morally rambunctious. The Gov