inished there was a tempest of arguments from the other side,
but there was not a point he had not foreseen, and as attack only
brought out the iniquities of the measure, they let the bill come to
ballot. The measure was defeated, and for days the papers were
headlined with David Dunne's name, and accounts of how the veterans
had been routed by the "tenderfoot from the eleventh."

After his dip into political excitement legal duties became a little
irksome to David, especially after the wedding of Joe and Janey had
taken place. In the fall occurred the death of the United States
senator from the western district of the state. A special session of
the legislature was to be convened for the purpose of pushing through
an important measure, and the election of a successor to fill the
vacancy would take place at the same time. The usual "certain rich
man," anxious for a career, aspired, and, as he was backed by the
state machine as well as by the covert influence of two or three of
the congressmen, his election seemed assured.

There was an opposing candidate, the choice of the people, however,
who was gathering strength daily.

"We've got to head off this man Dunne some way," said the manager of
the "certain rich man." "He can't beat us, but with him out of the way
it would be easy sailing, and all opposition would come over to us on
the second ballot."

"Isn't there a way to win him over?" asked a congressman who was
present.

The introducer of the memorable measure of the last session shook his
head negatively.

"He can't be persuaded, threatened, or bought."

"Then let's get him out of the way."

"Kidnap him?"

"Decoy him gently from your path. The consul of a little seaport in
South America has resigned, and at a word from me to Senator Hollis,
who would pass it on to the President, this appointment could be given
to your young bucker, and he'd be out of your way for at least three
years."

"That would be too good to be true, but he wouldn't bite at such bait.
His aspirations are all in a state line. He's got the usual career
mapped out,--state senator, secretary of state, governor--possibly
President."

"You can never tell," replied the congressman sagaciously. "A
presidential appointment, the alluring word 'consul,' a foreign
residence, all sound very enticing and important to a young country
man. The Dunne type likes to be the big frog in the puddle. This
stripling you are all so afraid of hasn't cut